May 21, 2003
BOSTON, May 21, 2003 - For Fall 2003, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., will make a run at the #3 market position for kids athletic footwear, with new kids performance footwear in the Running, Cross-Training, Adventure, and Basketball 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.
Running:
KJ726 - An all-new kids-only performance running shoe for July 2003, this trainer provides Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption and a C-Cap midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility. With kid-friendly details, the 726 will be available in two color-ways in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
KV646 - This slip-on running profile shoe updates the 645 for July 2003. Updated cosmetics include a sleek, clean look with an asymmetrical zipper closure for a secure fit for kids on the move. A Stability Web® offers lightweight midfoot support and the solid rubber outsole provides long-wearing durability. Available in four colors in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes. The 646 also features a new infant-only style with a 2 strap hook and loop closure that is available in four colors for July 2003.
KJ531 - This kids-only running style offers cushioning, durability, and value with a rubber cup unit for long-wearing durability and a leather/mesh upper for lightweight comfort and support. For July 2003 the 531 will receive a new color-way available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KJ640 - This lightweight running shoe featuring an IMEVA midsole and Abzorb® cushioning for shock absorption will receive two color-ups for July 2003, a navy with silver model and a light blue with silver model. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KJ750 - In the Trail Running category, the all-new 750 will debut in July 2003 as a kids-only shoe. Fun colors, extra detail and color pop in the upper pattern, Abzorb® cushioning and a long-wearing solid rubber outsole make this a kid-friendly shoe. A lace version will be available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes, a locking zipper closure version will be available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes, and an Infant-only model will feature easy on, easy off hook and loop closure.
KJ806 - Also in the Trail Running category, the durable all-terrain series trainer KJ806 will get two new color-ways for July 2003. 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. A hook and loop closure 806 is also available for July 2003. Both models available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KJ602 - Rounding out the Trail Running category, the KJ602 entry-level all-terrain shoe will be available in two new colors for July 2003. This shoe, which features an aggressively lugged outsole for maximum traction for off-road activities, will be available in Grade, Pre-School and Infant sizes.
Cross-Training:
KX808 - A brand new kids-only performance cross-trainer for July 2003, the 808 features a C-Cap® midsole and Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for lightweight comfort, flexibility, and exceptional shock absorption. With a solid rubber outsole for longwearing durability, the shoe's fast-looking design is complimented by embossed mesh and a heel pull tab for easy on/off handling. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KX500 - All-new for Fall 2003, this basic soft leather infant-only shoe features an extremely flexibile unit made just for infants. A rubber cup unit and solid rubber outsole provides long-wearing durability, while the full grain leather upper offers natural comfort and breathability. Available in white-with-navy and white-with-pink, both colors will be come in both a lace and hook and loop closure model for July 2003.
KX480 - Another kids-specific model, the KX480 will receive a color update for August 2003. This opening price point athletic cross-trainer features a leather upper for natural comfort, durability, and breathability, a rubber cup unit, and forefoot flex grooves. Available in Grade, Pre-School, and Infant sizes.
KX663 - This lightweight running profile cross-trainer will receive two new color-ways for July 2003. Features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and an IMEVA midsole, the 663 will be available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
Adventure:
KA701 - This aggressive multi-activity adventure shoe will update the 700 for July 2003. Designed for the eco-athletic kid whose attitude matches the outdoor terrain, the shoe features a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support and a rubber cup unit for long-wearing durability. Available in four colors in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
KA650 - A low cut shoe for kids seeking adventure in the street and on the trails, this shoe will receive two new color-ways for September 2003. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
Basketball:
BB885 - All new for August 2003, the 885 is a supportive and cushioned basketball shoe for players who need the ultimate in traction and durability. Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot provides maximum shock absorption and a Stability Web® offers lightweight midfoot support. Available in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
BB621 - Also all new for Fall 2003, the 621 is a lightweight, cushioned basketball shoe for players looking to maximize their speed on the court. New for July 2003, this shoe will be available in three colors ways in Grade and Pre-School sizes.
BB601 - Rounding out the Kids' basketball line, the 601 is an all-new shoe for August 2003. This supportive, cushioned mid-cut basketball shoe will be available in three color-ways for Fall. With Abzorb® cushioning in the heel, and an IMEVA midsole for lightweight support, this shoe provides comfort and durability for players focused on the fundamentals. Available in Grade and Pre-School 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. Hiking and work 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 acquired the rights to the PF Flyers brand in February 2000. An active casual, lifestyle brand, PF Flyers will be available to consumers in February 2003. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,400 people around the globe, and in 2002 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
