Running boosts health and endurance, but injuries to hips, feet and knees are common among runners of all levels. Although physical problems and bone and tissue abnormalities can contribute to running injuries, injuries more commonly occur from repetitive stress, impact, lack of warm-up, and problems with poorly fitting or worn running shoes.

Runner’s knee, or iliotibial band syndrome, is a common problem affecting the iliotibial band, which runs down the outside of the thigh and anchors itself above the knee. The iliotibial band can tighten and rub against the outside of the knee, resulting in pain and tenderness.

Plantar fascitis is an overuse injury affecting the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel along the sole of the foot and supports the arch. Sustained running, particularly in shoes with poor support, can cause soreness and inflammation.

Patellofemoral pain occurs when tendons around the patella become tender and sore, resulting in a generalized knee pain relieved by rest and ice. Patellofemoral pain can appear gradually, worsening over time.

Many runners suffer from shin splints, pain in the front of the lower leg inside the shin bone. Also common are Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon which attaches the calf muscles to the heel, and stress fractures which occur in the legs and feet due to repetitive impact.

Some running injuries can be prevented by a warm-up before the run, or by better pacing. But sports physicians point out that a significant number of injuries to runners may be averted simply by choosing the right running shoe, and changing out worn ones for new. Wearing the wrong shoe for the kind of running you’re doing, or continuing to wear worn shoes providing poor support, can open the door to foot, knee and even hip injury.

Comfortable and stable running shoes don’t have to be expensive. Recognized brands such as New Balance offer running, walking and training shoes in a wide range of prices and styles for men and women. The NB 1123, available for both sexes, offers motion control for training and running. Other styles such as the NB 993 offer stability and cushioning to reduce stress. Although running injuries are caused by a variety of factors, choosing the right New Balance running shoes and replacing them when worn is a simple preventative available to any runner.

Tags: new balance running shoes, New Balance Shoes, Proper Running Footwear, Running Injuries, running shoes

When choosing walking shoes, the best is not always the most popular brand, or the most expensive. The most important thing in choosing walking shoes is to find one that fits you best and is comfortable for your feet. Good walking shoes are designed to give the proper support and cushioning, and should also compensate for stride problems if you have any.

Each person’s feet are different, so what may be a good choice for one may not be for another. However, here are a few tips you can keep in mind when choosing your walking shoes.

- Feet have a tendency to swell so it is advisable to schedule your shoe shopping in the afternoon. You want your shoe to fit properly regardless of when you use it.

- Some people need compensation for their feet type, and if your’e unsure of feet type, check your old shoes for patterns of wear. Generally, low arched and high arched feet need more cushioning to and support than neutral arched feet.

- The thickness of your socks will directly affect the fit of your shoe, so make sure that the socks you are wearing while fitting for your shoes are the same type of socks you plan on wearing during your walks.

- Measure your feet every time you buy shoes. When measuring your feet, it is recommended that you stand up to get the most accurate measurement. If your feet are of different sizes, choose the one that fits your bigger foot better.

- Try on both shoes and walk around the store before buying them. Make sure that your shoes have enough wiggle room (approximately half an inch or about the width of your thumb) for your toes, and wide enough for your feet so that your heels won’t slip when you walk.

- Walking shoes can be bought in any shoe store, but buying shoes at an athletic store will give you more choices. Athletic stores will also have professional fitters who can help you find the best pair of shoes.

- Wear your shoes around the house before you venture outdoors to make sure that your feet won’t develop callouses or blisters. Most shoe stores allow shoe exchanges but not if they’ve been used outside.

If you are looking for your next walking shoes, New Balance offers a variety of high performance walking shoes for all feet shapes and sizes for both men and women.

Tags: new balance, new balance walking shoes, walking shoes

Weight: 9 oz/246 g Size 5-11,12/Width B,D/P505R Last

Exciting end-benefit technology that tones muscles through a unique rocker bottom that offers a stylish look so you can rock, tone and slim as you go about your everyday routine.

rock&tone “these rock, tone & slim”

Rocker bottom toning shoes that helps you engage your muscles and get more out of everything you do!

What Is It?

A unique rocker design that maximizes the benefits of walking by making your muscles work harder with every step. Helping to tone from your calves to your glutes to your core, helping you to burn calories and slim you down.

How It Works?

With every step you take in New Balance rock&tone shoes, the heel to toe rocking motion demands a greater range of front to back motion and increased muscle use. Also, the soft material in the sole unit simulates walking on sand and makes your muscles work harder.

Benefits

• Tones muscles from your calves to your glutes to your core
• Burns calories
• Slims you down

Why We Win

• New Balance Wellness offers a broader way to connect with consumers on an emotional level and is greater than just toning products
• Best looking toning shoe in the marketplace, ie “Your HIdden Beauty Secret”
• Most comfortable and wearable toning product available

The Toning Landscape

• Toning market went from practically 0 to $155M in 2009.
• 2009 toning market nearly doubled in December versus previous 11 months combined.
• New Balance projects total 2010 toning retail sales to be at least $600M indicating the category will almost quadruple this year

Tags: new balance, New Balance Rock&Tone, New Balance Rock&Tone Shoes, New Balance Shoes, New Balance Toning Shoes, rock&tone, Toning Shoes

New Balance offers three types of running shoes: these are the stability, the cushioning, and the motion control series. Each subcategory has a numbering system. In all cases, the shoes with higher numbers have more features and are, therefore, more expensive. Thankfully, the numbers in both the Men’s and Women’s shoe types are the same. For example, the Men’s New Balance 1123 Motion Control running shoe will have the exact same features as the Women’s New Balance 1123 Motion Control running shoe.

Each New Balance subcategory is specially designed to help certain foot types and problems. New Balance’s stability shoes, for example, are recommended for people who have arch problems such as flatfeet. All shoes in the brand’s stability series have enhanced arch support. However, those who have more serious arch problems should remember that the higher the series number, the more support the shoes will give.

Although the cushioning series does provide sufficient arch support, this series is usually recommended for those who have “normal” arches and do not suffer from any other foot or skeletal irregularity. This series really does concentrate more on providing cushioning rather than providing support.

However, for those who have serious foot problems, the most recommended types of New Balance shoes are those in the motion control series. This series not only provides enhanced arch support, but also provides heel support and corrective features that can help straighten a person’s walking and/or running gait.

When selecting New Balance running shoes, be sure to choose ones that are specifically designed for running. Although all New Balance shoes offer superior support, each type is designed for a certain task. A person should not buy walking shoes if he or she is planning on running. This mistake may cause a lack of support and/or foot damage.

Also, one must make certain to buy a shoe with features that will be able to provide proper comfort and support. If a person has even a slight arch abnormality, it is advisable to consider either the stability or the motion control shoes instead of the cushioning.

Many New Balance running shoes are recommended for those who are overweight. In this case, the shoes that are particularly recommended are the aforesaid 1123 Motion Control running shoes.

Tags: Motion Control New Balance Shoes, new balance, new balance cushioning shoes, new balance running shoes, New Balance Shoes, new balance stability shoes

BOSTON, Massachusetts (April 2010)-For spring 2011, New Balance continues its focus on wellness with the expansion o f the brand ’s 1442 rock&tone toning collection.

Designed for walking, rock&tone footwear tones the muscles from your legs to your glutes to your core and helps burn calories. While rock&tone footwear provides similar benefits as competitive products, consumer testing has shown it to be the most wearable and most comfortable in perception testing in Ne w Balance’s state of the art Sports Research Laboratory. Also, consumers have responded positively to the lower profile sole unit and overall more stylish aesthetic.

Walking in rocker footwear changes the way you strike the ground and alters the pressure distribution under your feet. With every step you take in New Balance rock&tone footwear, the heel-to-toe rocking motion demands a greater range of front to back motion and increased muscle use, resulting in toning from the calves to the glutes to the core and ultimately more overall calories burned. In wear tests, subjects began to notice the toning effects after the first week of use.

The New Balance 1442 rock&tone features a rounded sole unit made of a soft, lightweight cushioning material (Acteva Ultra LITE) and will be available in eight color/material combinations for spring 2011 including white/ silver, white/ pink, white/ purple, white/ green and black synthetic; silver/ blue white synthetic /mesh; and grey suede and b lack suede. (MSRP $85.00). New Balance rock&tone 1442

About New Balance Wellness
New Balance Wellness is re-framing the way women feel about exercise so they can embrace all that it can be, an indulgence for the mind, body and soul. New Balance Wellness encompasses a multitude of activities, including running, walking, training, outdoor and more. It crosses all categories and activity levels. So no matter what activity or activity level, women will have what they need to engage their minds, bodies and souls for increased energy, awareness, joy and personal sustainability.

About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance employs more than 4000 people around the globe, and in 2008 reported worldwide sales of $1.64 billion. For more information please visit www.newbalance.com.

Tags: new balance, New Balance Rock&Tone Shoes, New Balance Shoes, new balance walking shoes

You aren’t going to find the perfect walking shoe without first experimenting and discovering your likes and dislikes. Everyone’s foot is different, so even if two people are the same size they might require very different shoes. However, you should keep a few things in mind when shopping for footwear.

Lightweight and Breathable

This should be common sense, but there are many clunky walking shoes for sale to appease the trend chasers. You may want to avoid leather, which isn’t very breathable at all.

Shop at Certain Times and Don’t Rush

You may not notice, but your feet swell slightly after plenty of walking. Try on walking shoes after you’ve done a good deal of walking, like at the end of the day or after walking the mall. Remember to wear the same socks you usually wear. Some people are tempted to wear no socks or at least newer socks that they aren’t embarrassed to show people. However, it’s a good idea to get a feel for new walking shoes in your favorite socks.

It’s also important to take your time and walk around on hard surfaces. If the store’s employees seem disgruntled by this, pack up and move onto another store. Testing shoes before purchasing them is necessary, and good shoe stores encourage this.

Get the Correct Size

The shoe should be long enough that you can wiggle your toes, but it’s too long if your foot slides around when walking. Your feet should not feel cramped or pinched. The heel should be low and supportive to help you walk more naturally. Always try on both shoes. No one is perfect, and it’s very common to have asymmetrical body parts that need different sizes.

Brands

Some brands may have better quality shoes than others. You aren’t likely to find a high quality walking shoe at a super-center grocery store. If you don’t know where to start, try New Balance walking shoes. New Balance is a reputable maker of walking shoes for both men and women. In addition, they manufacture a large portion of their goods in the United States.

Tags: How to Choose Walking Shoes, new balance, new balance walking shoes, walking shoes

Your weight shifts forward on your foot differently in the walking and running strides. All New Balance walking shoes are designed with our Walking Strike Path outsole to address the more centered roll of the walking gait.

Running shoes are designed for higher impact forces, but the thicker heel can actually impede the natural heel-to-toe roll of the walking stride, forcing the toes down quickly which, can lead to shin pain.

All New Balance walking shoes, from high speed racewalkers to rugged off-road shoes, meet the unique flexibility and support demands of the walking motion.  Many people find the cushioning aspect of running shoes to be more comfortable when walking, leading them to purchase running shoes.  While running shoes are made specifically with runners in mind, there is no harm in wearing a running shoe to walk in.  However, due to the way walking shoes are constructed, we do not recommend running in a walking shoe.

Tags: new balance, new balance running shoes, new balance walking shoes, running shoes, walking shoes

Today more and more physiotherapists recommend barefoot running to marathon and long distance runners with repetitive injuries. These injuries manifest as stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis and shin splints.

Debate has raged for decades over the proper running shoe. Some say the shoe should be wide and cushioned while others believe it should look like a sock. The wide shoe would have gel packs or plastic absorbers to combat injuries, while the sock-like shoe should have no more than a thin cover to protect the foot from ground hazards.

New Balance takes its commitment to runners seriously and is researching the effects of barefoot running. In Lawrence, Mass, at the New Balance running shoe research and development lab, the MTS Mini Bionix II - an enormous hydraulic piston, pounds into the soles of a test shoe. It applies blunt force every 30 seconds to the sole of the footwear. Cameras further down the hall capture the impact of a shoe on the track while others capture a runner on a treadmill throwing pictures up on a wall of his feet in real time.

The New Balance research shows 80 percent of shoe wearers run with a heel-to-toe stride, 20 percent run with a mid-foot strike, which means the heel and the forefoot strike the ground at the same time. 45 percent of faster runners run a heel-to-toe gait step. Barefoot runners tend to strike the foot first on the ball or forefront of the foot.

Additionally, the research shows that a runner striking the ground with the heel first collides with the ground with a force about 1½ times his body weight. This spike in force is believed to be the cause of the repetitive injuries. Conversely, when a runner hits the ground with a forefoot strike, the impact force moves smoothly and evenly through the foot.

Therefore, New Balance has unveiled a new line of lighter, less intrusive footwear. The new line was launched at a summit in Austin, Texas for women competing in the Zooma Austin Half Marathon in March, 2010.

The new line of footwear is sleek, light and incorporates the principles of barefoot running with natural cushioning. New Balance has removed the internal foot system, redesigned the sole in strike-zone contact and provided cushioning to support the natural function of the leg and foot movement.

Keep your eyes peeled for this New Balance line to be available in stores later this year.

Tags: new balance, new balance running shoes, New Balance Shoes

The numbers act like a general guideline for the products. In most cases the higher the number the better the shoe. Here is how its broken down:

1. There are four basic categories of shoes on our site. Running, Walking, Training and Tennis.

2. With-in those four categories there are three sub categories. Cushioning, Stability, and Motion Control.

3. With-in these three sub categories you will find several shoes with several numbers.  Most of the shoes on our New Balance site begin with the 500 or 600 series.  So for example in the stability running category you may find a 600, 700, 800 up to 1900 series shoe or even higher.  The higher the number in this sub category (stability) the more technology to support this category, the higher quality materials, and the higher grade of cushioning will be present.  As you will note the price tends to get higher as well.

EXCEPTIONS

There are exceptions to everything including the series numbers.  One exception may be if you have a foot condition.  We may have had tremendous feed back on a particular shoe like the New Balance 840 series for conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.  Even though the 840 series is not the highest number in the Motion Control Walking Category, we still have had more success over other series numbers that may be higher.  Body Type, as mentioned above New Balance makes specific shoes for heavier people so they are better for the heavier customer even though they don’t have the highest series number.  There are a few other exceptions and if you have any questions please give us a call at toll free 1-877-573-1141.

Tags: new balance, new balance running shoes, New Balance Shoes, new balance walking shoes

A motion control shoe is designed to reduce pronation of the foot and prevent damage to the ankle. As an American based company that has a global reach, New Balance offers several solutions for motion control in running shoes for both men and women.

New Balance shoes are built around several scientific technological advances:

* Several versions of ABZORB® foam, all of which supply an optimal level of shock absorption.
o ABZORB® SBS - an engineered elastomer that resists compression set.
o ABZORB® DTS (Dynamic Transition System) - a combination of the basic ABZORB® foam with the SBS version for extra comfort on the heel.
o ABZORB® EX - The original foam combined with a thermoplastic capsule of air.
o ABZORB® FL - A top of the line midsole foam blending comfort with performance.
* ROLLBAR® - A (ThermoPlastic Urethane) TPU Post positioned in the heel of the shoe to control sideways movement.
* NDURANCE® - A durable rubber compound for extra life in high wear areas.
* NLOCK® - A scientifically designed lacing and webbing system that gives extra support and a better fit.
* OrthoLite® - An open-cell foam that reduces impact by up to 40 percent while allowing air flow to reduce moisture retention, providing a drier insole.

New Balance has repeatedly made the top ten lists of running shoes. They offer many levels of motion control. Their top three versions are:

1. New Balance 1123 - This top of the line motion control shoe includes ABZORB® FL as a midsole cushion, ABZORB® SBS in the front and heel impact areas, the special New Balance ROLLBAR®, the NLOCK® lace and webbing system, plus NDURANCE® padding on the soles.
2. New Balance 1011 - For the severe over-pronator, this shoe supplies a durable and comfortable answer. It features a unique ROLLBAR® GR system for maximum support, the NLOCK® system, and an OrthoLite® insole.
3. New Balance MR1224 - For a mild over-pronation problem, the MR1224 has all the features of a New Balance motion control running shoe, including ABZORB® cushioning, OrthoLite® mid-sole, and the NDURANCE® outer surface to create a durable shoe with good stability and enhanced performance.

All New Balance motion control running shoes provide excellent stability and durability for a more secure and comfortable exercise experience.

Tags: Motion Control New Balance, Motion Control New Balance Shoes, Motion Control shoes, new balance, new balance running shoes