October 3, 2001
BOSTON, October 3, 2001 - Holding strong at the #4 market position for kids athletic footwear after several consecutive years of double-digit growth, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., will expand its current kids offerings in Running, Tennis, Cross-Training, and Outdoor for Spring 2002.
With the same technological innovations as New Balance adult shoes, New Balance kids shoes are also designed specifically to withstand the active lifestyle of children. Girls continue to be a primary focus for the kids' line, with colorways specially developed to appeal to today's girl consumer.
Running:
KJ740 - This lightweight running shoe originally debuted in November 2001 and will get a new black-based color-way with blue and orange accents for February 2002. The 740 features Abzorb? cushioning in the heel and forefoot for exceptional shock absorption, a Stability Web® and a blown rubber outsole. The synthetic/mesh upper offers lightweight comfort and support while the laceless vamp provides a unique and comfortable fit. Available in Grade sizes.
KJ715 - This stability trainer updates the 714 in February 2002 with two new color-ways available. The update offers a slightly faster and more aggressive synthetic/mesh upper design for increased breathability and a "speedy" look. The 715 maintains a comprehensive tech package that includes encapsulated Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption, a Stability Web®, a dual density medial post for support, and a blown rubber outsole. Available in Grade sizes.
KJ655 - A brand-new lightweight shoe debuting in February 2002, the 655 features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for maximum shock absorption, a C-Cap® midsole for cushioning and flexibility, and a non-marking rubber outsole for longwearing durability. The shoe's synthetic/mesh upper provides lightweight comfort and support and features a distinctive side-wrapping lace design. With two color-ways available at the launch, the 655 is available in Grade, Pre-School and Infant sizes.
KJ805 - In the Trail Running category, the KJ805 updates the 804 in February 2002 as a durable all-terrain series trainer. The 805 boasts a fresh style yet maintains the successful design momentum of the 800 series with D rings in the eyerow as the main signature of the series. The aggressive lugged outsole offers rugged outdoor styling, longwearing durability, and superior traction for off road performance. The 805 features a Stability Web® in the midfoot to reduce weight and provide torsional control, Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for maximum shock absorption, and a C-Cap® midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility. The water-resistant synthetic/mesh upper offers reflective webbing. Available in Grade, Pre-School, Infant and Crib.
KJ704 - A new royal blue and gray color-way with yellow pop will debut for this durable all-terrain running shoe in February 2002.
Tennis:
KT733 - This brand-new comfortable easy to wear slip-on is designed for school wear and activities as well as casual tennis play. The 733 features a diecut EVA footbed for cushioning, a stretch closure for laceless easy on/off wear, a heel counter for a strong supportive fit and a solid rubber outsole for long-wearing durability. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
KT650 - A takedown from the adult line, this shoe offers advanced technologies in addition to a clean upper design. With Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption, a C-Cap® midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility, and an N-durance™ outsole for superior durability, the 650 is a true performance tennis shoe. Featuring a white combination leather/mesh upper with navy blue accents and a long-wear drag tip on the toe, the 650 is available in Grade sizes.
Cross-training:
KX756 - This aggressive performance cross-trainer first launched in November 2001. This new black colorway with red accents for February 2002 features Abzorb? cushioning in the heel for maximum shock absorption and a C-CAP? midsole for cushioning and flexibility. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
KX662 - This new lightweight running profile shoe updates the 661 for January 2002 with two new color-ways. The 662 features Abzorb? cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and a C-Cap? midsole for maximum cushioning. With a non-marking carbon rubber outsole for longwearing durability, the 662's fast-looking design is complimented by speed lace loops and a heel pull tab for easy on/off handling. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
Outdoor:
Three new sport shoes will be introduced for January 2002:
The KD402 is an aggressive athletic sport sandal featuring both hook/loop and buckle closures for superior fit and comfort. The 402 is available in two colorways (navy blue and gray) and features Abzorb® cushioning the heel and an IMEVA midsole/outsole unit. Available in Grade sizes.
The KD302 is an athletic sport slide featuring a uniquely designed cushioned footbed of injected PU and an adjustable hook and loop closure at the forefoot. The C-Cap outsole provides lightweight cushioning and flexibility while the IMEVA midsole/outsole unit boasts rubber pods for durability. The 302 is available in black and navy blue. Available in Grade sizes.
The KD202 is a lightweight entry-level sport sandal featuring adjustable straps at the ankle and forefoot and an IMEVA midsole/outsole unit. The sandal is available in black and navy blue. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
As with all New Balance in-line styles, all kids shoes are available in multiple widths.
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.
