July 2, 2003
BOSTON, July 2, 2003 - New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. will build upon their commitment to breast cancer awareness this summer by bringing back the New Balance Lace Up for the Cure footwear collection for its second year to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The 2003 New Balance Lace Up for the Cure collection includes nine athletic shoes from the running, walking and cross-training categories. Each shoe features an embroidered pink ribbon - the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness - on the tongue. The collection is also distinguished by pink ribbon tissue paper in each shoebox and a hang-tag that explains the symbol's significance and the company's fourteen-year relationship with the Komen Foundation.
From July through October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) 2003, when a consumer purchases a pair of shoes from the New Balance Lace Up for the Cure collection, the company will donate $5.00 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation up to $50,000. New Balance will track purchases through a postage-paid postcard provided at the point of sale.
"We are excited to expand our commitment to promoting increased awareness of breast cancer through integrated programs like Lace Up for the Cure," says Katie O'Brien, Marketing Promotions Associate.
The program will again be supported through point of purchase materials at retail locations, visibility at the 112 nation-wide Race for the Cure® events, as well as on the company's corporate website.
New Balance has been associated with the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure® series since 1989, and has been a National Series sponsor since 1991. As a National Series sponsor, New Balance partners with retailers and each individual race organizations across the country to promote awareness at the local level. In addition, the company sponsors Honorary Team New Balance, a group of breast cancer survivors selected from each race. In September, the company hangs a giant pink ribbon at their global headquarters in Boston, Mass., to highlight that month's Boston Race for the Cure.
The 2003 New Balance Lace Up for the Cure footwear collection includes:
Running:
The W587 is a highly stable Heritage trainer in the Stability/Motion Control segment. With Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot, the 587 features a Rollbar® for exceptional rearfoot stability and a TPU medial and lateral post for pronation and supination control. The ENCAP® midsole in the heel provides stability, while the C-CAP® midsole offers lightweight flexibility. The solid rubber outsole provides longwearing durability while the synthetic/mesh upper offers lightweight comfort and support. MSRP: $100.00
The W751 is a neutral trainer in the Cushioning segment. The shoe features heel and forefoot Abzorb® cushioning for maximum shock absorption and a Stability Web® for midfoot support and torsional stability. The C-Cap® midsole provides cushioning and flexibility while the blown rubber outsole offer a lightweight cushioned ride. MSRP: $80.00
The W752 is a neutral trainer developed for the mid-to-high mileage runner seeking a soft, cushioned ride. The 752 was introduced to the Cushioning segment in April 2003 as an update to the 751. Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot and a full insert of Abzorb® provides maximum shock absorption. A Stability Web® provides lightweight midfoot support and torsional stability and the blown rubber outsole and synthetic/mesh upper offer lightweight comfort and support. MSRP: $80.00
* New to the collection for 2003
Athletic Walking:
The WW555 debuted in November of 2001 in the Cushioning segment. This flexible lightweight shoe is designed for the frequent moderate paced fitness walker. With Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for maximum shock absorption and an injection molded EVA midsole for cushioning and flexibility, the 555 also features the Walking Strike Path Outsole to support the walking gait cycle. The shoe's solid rubber outsole offers longwearing durability while the leather/mesh upper provides lightweight support and comfort. MSRP: $60.00
The WW573 in the Cushioning segment launched January 2002 as a flexible lightweight shoe for the frequent moderate paced fitness walker. With exposed Abzorb® cushioning in the heel for exception shock absorption, the 573 also features a non-marking carbon rubber outsole for long-wearing durability. The white full grain leather upper has a refreshed clean and simple pattern and is available in a tie closure style and a hook and loop closure style. MSRP: $60.00
The WW842 was introduced in September 2002 to the Stability/Motion Control segment as a performance walking shoe with a stretch flex system that provides a customized and cushioned fit. With Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption, the 842 also features a Rollbar® with TPU medial and lateral posts for exceptional stability, pronation and supination control. The Walking Strike Path outsole stabilizes the foot through the walking gait cycle while the synthetic/mesh upper provides lightweight comfort and support. MSRP: $98.00
The WW811 will be introduced in October 2003 in the Stability/Motion Control segment as a performance walking shoe for the walker who needs additional stability. A Rollbar® with TPU medial and lateral posts provides exceptional rearfoot stability. A single density polyurethane midsole/outsole offers additional lightweight cushioning and the Walking Strike Path outsole stabilizes the foot through the walking gait cycle. The 811's synthetic upper provides lightweight comfort and support. MSRP: $60.00
* New to the collection for 2003
Cross-Training:
The WX662 debuted in February 2002 as a running-profile cross-trainer in the Cardio segment. The 662 features exposed Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption and a Stability Web for torsional stability and midfoot support. The C-Cap midsole provides maximum cushioning while the anatomical flex grooves bend naturally with the foot. MSRP: $70.00
The WX663 is a lightweight running profile trainer, designed for the athlete working out in the gym who participates in various cardio activities. The 663 was introduced to the Cardio segment in February 2003 as an update to the 662. The 663 features exposed Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for maximum shock absorption as well as a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support. The 663 also offers expanded mesh on the upper for a more breathable profile. The updated design utilizes a minimal amount of overlays for increased flexibility and sleeker cosmetics. MSRP: $70.00
* New to the collection for 2003
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® division. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. New Balance acquired the rights to PF Flyers in February 2000. An active casual brand, PF Flyers became 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.
