October 3, 2001
BOSTON, October 3, 2001 - Holding strong at the #2 position in cross- training, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. will launch two high-performance cross-training shoes for Spring 2002 including a brand-new women's Fitness shoe and a new Cardio shoe.
The WF745 will debut in January 2002 as a brand-new woman's Fitness trainer in the Cushioning segment. Designed for fitness activities such as aerobics, kickboxing and step, the 745 features exposed Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption, a C-Cap® midsole for cushioning and flexibility and a solid rubber outsole for long-wearing durability. The synthetic/mesh upper offers lightweight comfort and breathability while the shoe's mid-cut design provides ankle support. Accentuated forefoot flex grooves increase the shoe's flexibility while a pull tab and speed lacing round out the shoe's performance features.
The MX/WX662 updates the 661 as a new lightweight running-profile cross-trainer in the Cardio segment for February 2002. This aggressively designed shoe features exposed Abzorb? cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and a Stability Web? for torsional stability and midfoot support. The shoe's C-Cap? midsole provides maximum cushioning while the anatomical flex grooves bend naturally with the foot. With a solid rubber outsole for durability, the 662 also offers expanded mesh on the upper for a more breathable profile. The shoe's fast-looking design is complimented by speed lace loops and a heel pull tab for easy on/off handling. The 662 will be available in two colorways per gender, with the woman's shoe featuring an embroidered pink ribbon that highlights New Balance's international sponsorship of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure series to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.
Also in the Cardio segment, the MX1004, a men's cardio running profile cross-trainer with Abzorb® cushioning and a Stability Web®, will get an additional dark-based color-way for January 2002.
"New Balance Cross-Training has experienced five straight years of significant growth in the category," says Sean O'Brien, Product Manager, Cross-Training, at New Balance. "The 662 is another great example of how we've been able to maintain that growth - by continuing to introduce high-performance technical shoes for real athletes."
As with all New Balance in-line styles, all cross-training 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.
