October 30, 2002
BOSTON, October 30, 2002 - For Spring 2003, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., will further solidify its #4 market position for kids athletic footwear, with new kids performance footwear in the Running, Cross-Training, Adventure, and Sandal categories.
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. As with all New Balance in-line styles, all kids shoes are available in multiple widths.
New for January 2003, New Balance will reinforce its width position in the Kids market with special hang tags and box end stickers identifying wide and extra wide styles.
Running:
KJ716 - An update to the highly successful 715 for January 2003, this stability trainer provides Abzorb® cushioning for maximum shock absorption. With a Stability Web® for torsional stability and a C-Cap midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility, the 716 also has a synthetic/mesh upper for additional comfort and support. Available in two color-ways in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
KJ991 - This Heritage running shoe with Abzorb® cushioning will get two new color-ways for March 2003 - light-blue and pink. Available in Grade, Pre-School and Infant sizes.
KJ640 - This lightweight running shoe updates the 655 for January 2003 and is available in four different color-ways at launch. The 640 provides cushioning and stability for the young athlete with Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and an IMEVA midsole for flexibility and comfort. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KJ645 -This slip-on running shoe with a zipper closure will receive two additional color-ways for January 2003. The shoe's synthetic/mesh upper provides lightweight comfort and support and features a distinctive saddle-wrap design. Available in Grade, Pre-School and Infant sizes. The 645 also features a Velcro flap closure model in four different color options that are available in Infant and Crib sizes for February 2003.
KJ806 - In the Trail Running category, the durable all-terrain series trainer KJ805 will get new color-way for February 2002. With an aggressive lugged outsole, Abzorb® cushioning in the heel, a Stability Web®, and C-Cap® midsole, the 806 offers rugged outdoor styling, longwearing durability, and superior traction for off road performance. Available in Grade, Pre-School, Infant, and Crib sizes.
KV602 - Also in the Trail Running category, the KV602 all-terrain shoe will debut as an all-terrain slip-on in February 2003. This shoe, which features an aggressively lugged outsole for maximum traction for off-road activities, will be available in two color-ways for launch. Available in Grade, Pre-School and Infant sizes.
Cross-Training:
KX760 - This all purpose performance cross-trainer for the young athlete will get a new white and navy blue color-way for February 2003. Originally debuting in November 2002, the 760 is a kids-only model and features Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and a C-Cap midsole for maximum cushioning. With a solid rubber outsole for longwearing durability, the shoe's fast-looking design is complimented by speed lace loops and a heel pull tab for easy on/off handling. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KX480 - Another kids-specific model, the KX480 will debut in January 2003 as an opening price-point athletic cross-trainer. With a leather/mesh upper for lightweight comfort and support and a rubber cup unit for long-wearing durability, this cross-trainer is designed specifically for the young athlete. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KX663 - This lightweight running profile cross-trainer debuts in February 2003 as an update to the 662. A takedown of the adult 663, this cross-trainer features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and an IMEVA midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility. Available in two color-ways in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
Adventure:
KA700 - This aggressive multi-activity adventure shoe, originally released in September 2002, will receive two new color-ways for February 2003. Designed for the eco-athletic kid who thrives on outdoor activities, the shoe features a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support and a rugged rubber outsole for long-wearing durability. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
Sandals:
KD403 - This aggressive athletic sport slide will debut in January 2003 as an update to the 402. Featuring adjustable hook/loop closures for superior fit, comfort, and easy on-off wear, this slide also offers Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption. Available in Grade 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 2400 people around the globe, and in 2001 reported worldwide sales of $1.16 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
