Press Releases

New Balance Running Ends the Year on a High-Performance Note with New Models/Colors

August 18, 2001


BOSTON, August 18, 2001 - After outpacing running category growth for the fifth straight year in 2000, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. will introduce several new running shoe styles and color-ways for late Fall 2001.  The primary focus continues to be offering key technical and design elements for high-performance results.

September and October 2001:

The brand-new M/W1030 Supportive Cushioning shoe debuts September 2001 as an advanced concept trainer with a lightweight sling back construction.  The 1030 shoe features N-ergy System midsole technology to accommodate the mild overpronator and provide superior durability, cushioning and stability.  With Abzorb® cushioning in the forefoot for exceptional shock absorption, Stability Web® for lightweight torsional stability, and a blown rubber outsole for a lightweight cushioned ride, the 1030's innovative sling back construction offers additional weight reduction and a quick, easy entry.  The shoe's sleekly designed synthetic mesh upper also provides lightweight comfort and support.

The M/W879 updates the 878 in September 2001 as a Heritage Series shoe in the Cushioning segment with Made in the USA distinction.  Adding a PU/Abzorb® blend insert for enhanced cushioning and comfort, the 879 features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption and a C-CAP® midsole for increased flexibility.  The refreshed design of the synthetic/mesh upper maintains clean classic lines and offers lightweight comfort and support.

Also for September 2001, the M/W600 is a basic Cushioning segment trainer featuring Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption while resisting compression set.  Designed for the beginner runner, the 600 has a non-marking carbon rubber outsole for long-wearing durability and a synthetic/mesh upper for lightweight comfort and support.

The M/W830 updates the 829 in the Lightweight Performance segment for September 2001 as a highly responsive trainer.  Developed for runners with a neutral gait who prefer a lightweight ride, the 830 offers Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption, a Stability Web® for lightweight torsional stability, and a C-CAP midsole for lightweight cushioning and increased flexibility.  The refreshed upper has a new design pattern that provides lightweight comfort and support.

The women's 991 heritage shoe has a new gray color-way for September 2001 in the Supportive Cushioning Segment.  The 991 features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot and an ENCAP® midsole in the heel to provide stability while maintaining cushioning.  Built for the mild to moderate overpronator, the 991 is Heritage Series shoe with Made in the USA distinction.

Already a smash hit with retailers and consumers since its February 2001 debut in the Trail Running category, the M/W804, a rugged outdoor technical trainer, will have a new dark-based color-way debut for October 2001.

November and December 2001:

The brand-new M/W740 debuts December 2001 in the Cushioning segment and was specifically developed as a result of the success of the 750.  The shoe's tech package includes a solid rubber outsole for long-wearing durability, Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support and torsional stability and Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for maximum shock absorption.  This technical shoe features aggressive cosmetics with a seamless vamp and an innovative outside structure that defines a faster look.

The M/W638 Cushioning Segment shoe updates the M/W637 as a neutral entry-level trainer for December 2001 with a sleek new upper design.  In addition to a Stability Web? and a C-Cap? midsole, the 638 features Abzorb? cushioning in the rear foot for exceptional shock absorption while resisting compression set.  The synthetic/mesh upper provides natural comfort and breathability, complimented by a padded collar and tongue, speed lace loops, and a mesh tongue.

The aggressive all terrain M/W704 in the Trail Running category, first introduced in June 2001, will also offer a new dark-based color-way for November 2001. 

As with all New Balance in-line styles, all running shoes will be available in multiple widths and sizes.

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children.  The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure sports, and kids.  Work and hiking boots, sandals, boat shoes, and rugged casuals are also available through the company's Dunham Bootmakers division.  Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998.  New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2000 people around the globe, and in 2000 reported worldwide sales of $1.1 billion.  For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.

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