New Balance 1063 Review

Source: takbo.ph Written by ManokanRunner

I was given a pair of NB 1063 for review. The New Balance 1063 caught my attention this year when it was awarded as the Best Update by Runner's World Magazine. I have used New Balance before and the new updates made me curious on why the shoe received this distinction.

Here is what Runner's World had to say:

"The wide fit and firm feel that characterized New Balance shoes are things of the past, as this update makes abundantly clear. As with the 769, the 1063 is built around a new last that has less volume in the forefoot and is snug through the arch."

The NB1063 has the common features from my other New Balance Shoes: the N-Lock lacing, Abzorb cushioning, Ndurance rubber outsole and the Stability Web.

NLOCK Lacing System gives a custom fit.

For the improved features, NB1063 has updated the Abzorb cushioning system for a more cushioned and comfortable ride. This is one of the shoe that features the latest PL-1 last of New Balance. In simple terms, the last is how the shoe's upper is attached to its midsole. With the PL-1, New Balance promises reduce toe box volume and better anatomical heel fit. Finally, it has the Cocona Phantom Liner inside the shoe that wicks away moisture and reduce odor. And I though the Cocona is only for their running shirts and shorts.

After 20K

I immediately took these shoes for a run. So far, I had a total of 20K mileage on the shoe after using it 3 times. Here is my review.

Pros

• Very soft feel. As they described it, the New Balance 1063 provided a soft ride. The pads inside the shoes are really comfortable and the shoe cushioning made my runs smooth and easy.
• Great Fit. The N-Lock system keeps the foot in place for long runs. The wide fit at the toes was just right. Not too roomy as the previous ones.
• High Visibility. Reflective materials are all over. Great shoe for running at night or very early in the morning.
• Pogi points. This is one of the good looking shoes out there. When I first saw the pictures in the magazine, it was like love at first sight for me. Very interesting design and form. They come in red, yellow and blue colors.

NB Absorb technology gives you that smooth ride for your runs.

Cons

• Heavy. They say that the 1063 is lighter and less bulky but after using the latest lightweight shoes from other brands, I can tell that this one is pretty heavy and it was noticable. Even heavier than my previous NB trainers.
• Hard plastic. I really wonder why it is only New Balance that is fond of putting a plastic or rubber material at the tongue. Twice, I got chafing on my foot since this material keeps on rubbing on my skin. That is why I don't put the laces up to the last hole when I use my NBs.

This material on the tongue of NB shoes gets me into trouble.

Summary
Overall, these trainers will be good for my very long runs. It will remain as a trainer and I doubt if I would wear them on a race especially if I am aiming for a PR. But its cushioning feels great and will be good for a full marathon. They make me feel protected if I plan to run the whole 42K.

The New Balance 1063 is recommended for normal to high-arched runners. Heavy runners will also benefit from the shoe's cushioning. I think they are great when training for long distance races like a 21K or a 42K.

Where to buy
New Balance 1063 is available in New Balance outlets and in most sports shops and running stores.

Price: 5,795 Php

New Balance 1063

If My 'Lola' Can Do It, You Can Do It, Too!

MOMMY TALK By Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 29, 2009 12:00 AM

Since I started making reasons for working out and stopped making excuses on why I should not be active, I have been able to make fitness a part of my lifestyle habit. I must have had this fitness bug in my genes because even my 86-year-old grandmother has been fit all her life. She walks at least two kilometers a day for as long as I can remember. She joined the MommyMilkshake Marathon and the Enervon Memorace at the Fort and won as the oldest finisher. How’s that for a woman who’s in her late 80s? And mind you, she’s just getting started!

She is looking forward to joining more fun runs especially if it’s for a good cause because she finds the races a great way to get together with people and get her grandchildren to walk/jog with her to the finish line. We take turns accompanying her while she talks to us. It’s a great way to get her mind working and her body functioning, which allows her not to mind the distance she’s walking. My Mamang also enjoys bringing home the goody bags and sharing them with her family.

She’s had a different glow lately and has also become more concerned with her comfort while doing her exercise. Good thing she won a nice pair of New Balance running shoes because she had asked for one before the Enervon Memorace. She’s since gone shopping for running outfits as well. Wow, I just can’t get over the fact that my Mamang is living life to the fullest at this time. People say that the second half of their lives is the best half of their lives. In this case, my grandmother is already in the third half of her life and still having a blast.

After posting my grandmother’s photos on Facebook, so many people were inspired by her finishing three-kilometer races. So many people I know have made a choice to get started with their exercise regimen upon realizing that it’s never too late to take that first step to fitness. If my lola can do it, so can they!

So, if you are reading this and you haven’t yet fulfilled your New Year’s resolution to diet and exercise, I urge you to do it now. Just do it! I promise you’ll see life in a brighter perspective just like my grandmother.

New Balance 811 Walking/Running Shoes For Men

New Balance is more or synonymous with the term "walking shoe" nowadays. While some companies like Nike and Reebok have a bit of the market share, New Balance is definitely the king here. There are good reasons for this as well. All of New Balance's products are made in the USA. This is a huge selling feature when you consider the fact that Nike and other companies outsource all their labor to offshore locations. So what is it that makes the 811's so great? It's all in the technology. There are two great pieces of technology in these shoes that other companies have been unable to replicate.

The first unique feature inside these shoes is what New Balance 811 calls the ROLLBAR Support System. You know how a roll bar in a SUV or pickup works? New Balance took this concept and applied to shoes to prevent runners and walkers from rolling their ankles. What you end up with is an extremely comfortable shoe that offers a ton of support for the lower leg. This prevent injuries and also allows for a more comfortable walking experience.

The second bit of technology in the New Balance 811's is Walking Strike Path. This was developed because many walkers have bad habits. New walkers, in particular, fail to establish proper walking technique and are more susceptible to injury because of it. The Walking Strike Path corrects gait and encourage solid walking techniques. This builds the right muscles and also decreases soreness in the walker.

New Balance M1023WY and W1023WC Running Shoes

When New Balance has a shoe dialed in, it doesn't deviate from the recipe. That's the case with the 1023. New Balance reworked the upper pattern so the stitching won't cause any blister-inducing pressure on the forefoot, and the midsole is slightly lighter, but not so much that anyone will notice.

Recommended for: Efficient runners, and forefoot or midfoot-strikers with normal or high arches who want a cushioned, light ride.
Bottom line: The 1023 isn't a significant upgrade, but didn't need to be. The light, flexible 1022 worked fine and the minor upper changes New Balance made will only improve the fit.
Responsiveness: Moderate (good heel cushioning; flexible, responsive forefoot)
Cushioning: Moderate (Abzorb pads in rearfoot and forefoot)
Wear-test reports:

"For a neutral, cushioned shoe, the 1023 is very stable. It's light and responsive enough for me to use for tempo and interval workouts. My only complaint is it lacks heel cushioning." -Kristin Reves/San Diego "The 1023 works well for me on all surfaces and has good cushioning and support." -Robert Mcmasters/East Lansing "Nice shoe. I wore the 1022 as my primary shoe, and the 1023 is just as good." -Linda Pulver/East Lansing

Other's Review:

The 1022 was the best running shoe I have ever owned. I ran in it for 4-5 years and all though high school track seasons. I should have upgraded to the 1023 or the 1024, Im regretting it now!!!. by: Ty A, Cornelia GA,

I love this shoe. I started running in the 1022 when it came out and have since upgraded. I have also tried the 1060 and the Adidas audistar. This shoe provides cusion and support and keeps me from gettins shin spints and blisters!. by: Leo531, Novi, MI

Amazing Runner Passes through Illinois Valley

Saturday, September 19, 2009 By Craig Sterrett

Reza Baluchi, a former bicycle racer, mechanic and cook, gets ready to run another 80 miles in a day carrying a U.S. flag on his Liberty Run for Unicef, with help from a camera crew following his journey.

A 36-year-old adventurer stays a step ahead, actually miles and days ahead, of all the other transcontinental travelers who pass through the Illinois Valley each summer.

Reza Baluchi, a former bicycle racer, is running, wearing out shoes and pressing on despite painful foot blisters and scabbed toenails in an effort to break a 30-year-old record for running from coast to coast.

Waiting to start his day and waiting for his support team and film crew to deliver a 1,000-calorie, green, vegetable-and-vitamin-energy-drink breakfast, Baluchi visited with coffee drinkers and this reporter Friday morning before starting an 80-mile leg from the Shell station in Utica to Chicago.

“We’re amazed at him every day,” said Jasmin Doma, a photographer following the Boulder, Colo., man and shooting still images while traveling with a support team and Castleland Productions video crew on his trek.

In addition to his ability to run 80 miles in a day, amazing facts about Baluchi include his resting heart rate of 38 beats per minute. He says he has completed the most difficult parts of his trek, including mountains of the West and horribly hot pavement in Arizona and Nevada that caused blisters on the tops of his feet (his calluses protect the bottoms of his feet).

He said his 15,000-calorie diet full of pasta, beans, eggs, fruits and vegetables (“Meat makes you tired.”) helps fuel him, but that’s not all that energizes him. He said he will resume eating meat when he concludes the journey, to help restore tissues.

“Eighty-five percent is your mind,” says Baluchi, a U.S. citizen who was born in Iran.

Also compelling him to run nearly three marathons per day is his charity drive for the Unicef United States Fund. He is trying to raise $1 million this year while also working to break the record of 46 days for the journey. On Friday, he felt like he might be able to make it to New York City in 43 days, but he’d settle for 45 and a chance to meet President Barack Obama.

Since the other record has been tough to beat, he guesses if he sets his record, “Nobody can do it. I’m sometimes running all night,” he said.

He is sponsored by , and he’s doing them proud — even if he does immediately cut a hole in each new left shoe to ease pressure on his left, little toe. He runs against traffic and has discovered the crown of the highways puts extra weight on his left foot. When he cuts the hole, it eases strain on his knee.

“You run enough, you try things,” he said.

He’s getting support from several parties, including a doctor in the Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization who pays for food, fuel for a recreational vehicle and truck and more. He also benefits from occasional chiropractic adjustments and massages daily.
He said he has enjoyed meeting people and seeing the country while carrying a U.S. flag as well as toting a folded flag protected in a plastic case for delivery to New York.

He also has enjoyed some company on the trek. Friday, Davenport, Iowa chiropractic student Gabe Ellis ran along with him to experience part of the journey on U.S. 6, then north to U.S. 52 in Waltham Township and over to Chicago. And previously, a lost or stray dog that startled him, gnawed on his arm and leapt on his back later accompanied him for two days and a night before someone retrieved the retriever.

Next year he plans to start a five-year journey around the world, through 90 countries, raising funds for a charity in each nation. He said a crew for Discovery Channel will follow the journey, including his crossing of oceans in a pedal-powered watercraft he designed.

New Balance Woos the Sneakerheads

In an attempt to solidify its standing with influential sneaker bloggers, New Balance Lifestyle has launched a campaign around a limited release—just 480—of the company's 574 Clips running shoe.

The campaign, the first from Mother since winning the New Balance Lifestyle account last August (BBDO, New York, handles the brand's other work), includes a Polaroid in each of the 480 shoes with a 5-digit code on the back that buyers can use to "claim" their shoe online. The individual attention is meant to underscore the unusual, all-American lineage of the shoes: Each are composed of leftover material clippings in New Balance's Lawrence, Mass., factory, (hence "Clips.")

The 574 Clips will sell for $75, so the goal is not so much related to revenues from the line, but to creating a positive buzz among sneaker bloggers or "sneakerheads" as they're known in the industry. "They're vastly important for us because of the influence they have over the broader marketplace," said Taylor Duffy, integrated marketing manager for New Balance's Lifestyle. Duffy said that such sneakerheads have become much more influential over the past three years or so.

One of the industry's biggest sneakerheads, Matt Halfhill, founder of the NiceKicks.com, which gets 2 million hits a month, said that there's a ruboff effect among consumers when hardcore fans like himself give a sneaker the nod. "I think we are tastemakers at times," he said. "What we say might catch on. Sometimes people look to the blogs for opinion about the shoe and read the comments closely."

Only a sneakerhead is likely to fully appreciate Mother's campaign, which invites buyers of the shoes to go to a 574 Clips Web site where they can find the video clip of their shoe and then claim it by entering a 5-digit code on the back of a Polaroid that comes with their shoe. Afterwards, that consumer is invited to share that information with friends via Tumblr, MySpace, Delicious and Facebook links. The clips shoes doing things like riding a roller coaster or even being chased by a zebra.

The viral media component is designed to let the buzz linger long after the shoes have sold out, said Kristina Helb, a New Balance Lifestyle rep.
New Balance began repositioning its Lifestyle category about a year ago. The idea, similar to Adidas' Originals line, was to recycle New Balance's older running shoes, which have become hip in certain circles. After Mother was brought on board last year, the agency launched a research project called "The Mother Study," that identified New Balance's brand essence and its audience, including those influential bloggers.

Source: Todd Wasserman

Running Almost Barefoot

By Gaia Remerowski on September 4, 2009 10:26 AM

When WGBH, NOVA's parent PBS company moved locations, our new home (in Brighton, MA) just happened to be next to the offices of the New Balance shoe company. And they just happen to have a store in the building adjacent to ours. So whenever I pass the store, it often brings running to mind.

Which leads me to my current post - Not too long ago I bought a pair of running shoes. They are quite snazzy - with powder blue trim and futuristic looking mesh over the toes. But they don't come close to some other running shoes I recently came across - the Vibram FiveFingers. A cross between a gorilla's foot and a waterproof slipper, the shoes are meant to mimic the act of running barefoot. Check out a demo video from Wired:

Sounds a little strange, but there is some science to back up the idea that running without shoes could actually prevent more injuries than it sounds like it would cause.
Barely more than a rubber sole and thin material that wraps around each individual toe, the shoes fit like a glove would - on your foot. They are called Five'Fingers' because of a 'lost in translation' moment. Vibram is an Italian company and the Italians' have the same word for fingers as toes. When the name was translated as Five Fingers, American marketers thought it sounded cool and it stuck.

So why run barefoot (or as close as possible to barefoot)? It turns out those snazzy running shoes I bought prevent my feet from truly feeling the ground and that makes my foot hit that ground in an unnatural way. The heel in running shoes is very built up to cushion us from the impact of running. Since our heels are so well-protected, we tend to hit the ground heel first. But a shoe can only absorb so much impact and your leg absorbs the rest, which can lead to injury.

When you run barefoot, your natural tendency is to hit the ground towards the middle of your foot - around the arch area. Your arch acts like a spring by flattening out as you hit the ground to absorb the impact and then rebounding as you push back off the ground.
Basically by running barefoot, you're running the way nature intended. And if you wear Vibram FiveFingers on your runs, if nothing else, you'll certainly turn some heads as you fly by in these crazy looking shoes.