From Competitor Magazine, March 2015 issue: 

The Fresh Foam Zante earned our Shoe of the Year award not only because our wear-testers absolutely loved it, but also because it epitomizes the ways running shoes have evolved in the past several years. New materials, new construction techniques and, perhaps most importantly, new ways of thinking have led to lighter, better fitting and functionally enhanced running shoes. In addition to serving as a lightweight, flexible performance-oriented trainer that offers just enough cushioning for high-mileage training, it's also chock-full of giddy-up for faster workouts like tempo runs and farlek sessions. One run in the Fresh Foam Zante and you'll want to ditch the clunky trainers you've been running in. 

The Fresh Foam Zante's raison d'être can be found in a new, lower-to-the-ground iteration of the lightweight Fresh Foam midsole that debuted last year. New Balance used bio-mechanical data from runners to engineer the foam undercarriage with an optimal balance between cushioning and stability–testers fell in love with the result. The simple but smartly designed upper featured two harmoniously integrated airy meshes, a seam-free interior, subtle heat-welded overlays, a lightly padded tongue and a fit-enhancing inner booty thatserive up a comfortable fit and just enough support and structure without inhibiting the ride. 

Highlight: Excels in almost all types of workouts, including longer runs to progression runs to tempo efforts and short, fast intervals. 

The Fresh Foam Zante will release on March 19, but you can click here to  pre-order and get more details. 

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Rain, wind, snow, bitter cold – all fall and winter factors that can tempt you to postpone your run, or worse, skip it all together. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t on our side most of the time, but “don’t let suboptimal conditions stand in the way of you and your goals,” says New England native, TeamNB athlete and the most decorated Ivy League Track and Field and Cross Country athlete in history, Abbey D’Agostino.

While at Dartmouth College, Abbey was a seven-time National Champion, sixteen-time Ivy League Champion, thirteen-time All-American and the first Ivy League athlete to win the NCAA Cross Country National Championship – all while training and racing in the variety of New England crazy weather conditions.

It can be tough to motivate yourself to get up and go for a run, especially when it involves bundling up and braving the elements outside. Whether it’s beating the weather to get your exercise or not letting it bother you on race day, Abbey has some tips to make your bad-weather runs more enjoyable. Here’s her advice:

1. Motivation. Try to embrace conditions that aren’t ideal – it can be a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. Being in suboptimal conditions makes you tougher! If you’re the only one out there you feel hardcore and intense like you’re in an athletic commercial or something. The average every day runner isn’t going to be out in the rain or snow. Your competitors aren’t out there – you’re getting ahead!

2. Wear a hat in the rain. A hat will prevent the water from dripping down your face the whole time. I usually wear a light rain jacket with a hood as well – keeping water off your head and face makes for a more positive experience.

3. Wear waterproof, not water resistant. Sometimes gear can mask itself as waterproof but it’s really only water resistant, so make sure you’re buying waterproof when selecting something for running in the rain. I’ve been bummed out in water resistant gear during runs because it ends up soaking wet, making me even colder.

4. Stay dry before a race. If it’s raining on race day, bring a change of clothes for after the run as well as a trash bag to wear before so you can stay dry. The biggest thing is staying dry/warm before you start otherwise you’ll be miserable even before the gun goes off.

5. Be strategic with your running route in snow. Try to find a route that won’t have any traffic. It’s best to run in the middle of the road because the footing is better. You’re less likely to compromise your stride if you’re on a flat road rather than on the sides where there’s an angle and probably more snow. Achilles injuries are common in snow because there’s extra slide when you pick your foot up off the road so finding good flat footing is the best option.

6. Cover your ankles, wear mittens and a headband. I wear longer socks and zip my pants over them in the snow/cold to prevent chapped ankles. Mittens on a cold day are a must; I prefer them over gloves because it helps the circulation of warmth. Covering your ears is also crucial; a hat can often be too hot so I prefer a headband.

7. Think twice about using winter traction devices on your shoes. It’s important to use caution when changing too many things. I’m always hesitant to change something that’s working; so if you’re concerned about the footing just go indoors. These devices make a substantial difference in your stride so unless you’re slowing adapting to them, I wouldn’t recommend running more than three miles in something like this.

8. Don’t run when it’s icy. It doesn’t matter how much traction your shoes have or how good your footing is, you just can’t beat black ice. You might think you’re being cautious but there’s no way to avoid the risk of injuring yourself unless you take your run inside. Air on the side of caution with this one.

“I’ve had some of my best races in some really crazy conditions,” says Abbey. “Battling the elements is what we sign up for as runners. Part of the sport is accepting the unpredictable conditions and learning to find positives – I’ve seen so many people rise to the occasion on those days.”

Currently, Abbey is training – and conquering the elements – in the 1260v4. 

You might also like:

3 VITAL STRETCHES FOR EVERY RUNNER

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR POST-MARATHON RECOVERY

THE EPIC STORY OF LUKAS VERZBICAS

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Are you the ultimate sneakerhead browsing Instagram for inspiration and fresh kicks? Look no further than Luk Wai Ho’s Instagram account – stunning sneaker photography from Hong Kong. So impressive, we just had to find out more about his love for shoes, photography and social media. Luk Wai Ho started his photography career in the 1980s as a photography assistant and has been a professional photographer since 1995. “I loved it so much I treated it as my career,” says Luk.

Here’s what else he has to say about taking awesome photos…

NB: What’s your favorite subject to photograph?

LWH: Of course, taking photos of sneakers is my favorite. I, myself am a fan of New Balance. Other than that, I love to take photos of sports in motion, for example, running and automobiles. I also do wedding photography.

NB: Where’s your favorite place to take photos?

LWH: It’s not easy to pick or plan a location to take photos in Hong Kong. I take photos everywhere and anywhere, unless my client has suggested a specific location.

NB: What inspires you to take photos of New Balance sneakers?

LWH: As an NB collector, I very much admire the material, colorway and craftsmanship of the sneakers. Those things inspire me to share my professional sense through social networks.

NB: What’s your secret to taking such amazing shots?

LWH: There’s no secret to taking a nice shot. It’s really experience or just trial and error – keep trying new concepts.

NB: What advice do you have for people who want to get into lifestyle photography?

LWH: Be humble, keep learning, keep trying and sharing. 

Follow Luk Wai Ho on Instagram to check out more of his photography. 

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Looking for a new pair of shoes for outdoor running this winter? We’ve got you covered. New Balance Running Product Manager Sara Wild explains what you’ll need to consider when purchasing your next pair of runners. Here’s Sara’s advice:

What to consider

“Traction and visibility are key with winter running, as well as having something that won’t become heavy when wet,” says Sara. “Sadly, daylight is limited in many places during the winter so anything that adds to your visibility is crucial to safe running. Look for a shoe with elements of reflectivity and glow.

“You don’t necessarily want ventilation, you also don’t want materials that’ll just soak up ice/rain/dirt and add weight to your shoes. Look for a shoe with a rugged outsole and supportive upper to help you through tougher conditions. Water resistant and waterproof materials are also easy ways to increase protection – although it’s hard to keep all water out regardless of how waterproof the shoe is.

“That being said, it’s important to dry out your shoes between uses – stuff them with newspaper and keep them in a dry place overnight. Nothing like putting on an icy, wet shoe the next day! To avoid that, you might need to rotate shoes and use another pair while the others dry out.

“If you’re concerned with traction, consider switching to a trail shoe for running on the road during the winter months. They typically have a sturdy outsole and upper materials, making it a more rugged model which might make you feel more comfortable.”

Winter VS summer shoes

Sara explains that the biggest difference between an ideal shoe for winter and summer are the materials and reflectivity. “Materials are often more lightweight and breathable for summer running when people are more concerned with ventilation and sock-less wear. There probably aren’t many runners wanting to run in the snow without socks! Winter shoes are typically a bit more durable and more reflective to withstand rougher conditions and darkness.”

Technology that specifically enhances winter running shoes

• Rugged, all-terrain outsoles
• Sticky rubber outsoles and Vibram outsoles
• Gore-tex membranes
• Water resistant materials
• Reflectivity and glow in the dark materials and laces

Sara’s picks for outdoor winter running this season (Click the photos for more details)

"Glow-in-the-dark shoes are great choices for winter running: Glow 870 and 1400 as well as the Animal Print 1400 and 980."

"The Trail 980 is rugged and has s supportive upper combined with an aggressive tread."

"The Leadville 1210 is designed for ultra-marathoners – may be a bit much for the casual runner. However, it has substantial cushioning, a premium upper material package and great traction on the outsole that could provide the ultimate care package for a runner wary of winter running." 

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With spring training three months away it’s time to get first baseman Mike Napoli fitted for his 2015 season cleats. Napoli came in to meet with New Balance product developers and designers at our Lawrence, Mass. design studio to create his very own 2015 baseball cleat. “It’s really cool because I can give my own style and flair," says Napoli. "My cleat can reflect who I am and what I like."

We told him to go as crazy as he wants in terms of style and color - his cleats should be unique and personal. Napoli is designing three different colorways for the upcoming season. Here’s what he had to say about his design process and off-season training:

NB: What’s the most important variable when designing your cleat? How will it affect your performance?

MN: Comfort and fit is the most important thing for me and my performance. I loved the shoes last season; the NB’s have always been great from a comfort standpoint. This year, I want it to say “NAP” on the tongue – last year it had "#12." I’m also going to change the width. I tried a wide cleat (2E) last season but I’m going back to a D instead because I didn’t really need that much width.

NB: What colorways are you interested in?

MN: I’m huge into black. So, we’ll probably use some patent leather to make the shoe really pop. I like black and red as a combination too. Everyone else is doing camo so I want to do something different. I also really like florescent yellow – we’ll work that into one of the colorways as well.

NB: What are you doing for off-season training?

MN: The biggest thing in the off-season is getting into great shape – becoming as fit as possible. As a veteran, I know what it takes to be ready for the spring so I kind of have the training mapped out for me. During the off-season I work on my body and fitness level more so than skill/hitting. Hitting comes later in the off-season and then really ramps up during spring training. Right now, I’m really just working out and lifting heavier than I would during the regular season.

NB: Why do you lift heavier during the off-season?

MN: It’s good to bulk up a bit during the off-season since I’ll lose muscle/weight during the season. Baseball season is long and demanding so that tends to happen. 

Here's a quick look at Mike's visit and a sneak peek at his cleat design ....

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Let's be honest: You know how important stretching is, but you often blow it off once you cross the finish line. There’s a laundry list of benefits to stretching, including things like improved flexibility, increased range of motion and circulation – which ultimately reduces muscle soreness after a long run with blood and nutrients restoring worked muscles.

Don’t have time for a full blown stretch routine post-run? Do these three quick stretches after every run to reduce muscle tightening and soreness so you're always ready to pound the pavement...

Runners Lunge

• Start in high plank position – shoulders above hands and core tightly activated.
• Bring your right foot to the outside of your right hand.
• Bend your elbows to deepen the stretch.  If possible, bring your right elbow down to the floor on the inside of your right leg.
• Hold for 15-30 seconds and then bring your right leg back to plank position. Do the same with your left leg. Repeat again on each side.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

• Start in a kneeling position with right knee bent at 90 degrees out front. Bring right foot forward so your knee is over your ankle. Right hip should be bent at a 90 degree angle.
• With torso up straight and tall and arms gently rested on your right knee, lean forward from your hips. Keep your core engaged and don’t arch your back. Lean into your right hip while left knee is still firmly on the ground.
• Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and then switch to the other leg. Repeat this three times each side.
• To deepen the stretch, lift your left arm in the air and tilt to the right side as you lean forward.

Downward Dog Hamstring/Calf Stretch

• Start in high plank position with arms shoulder-width apart. Push lower body back so your shoulders are no longer over your hands, arms lengthened out – your body should be in an upside down V shape.
• Push back into your heels with hands firmly planted on the ground. Feel the stretch from your calf up to your hamstring. Hold for 30 seconds.
• Lift your right foot and bring it around to the back of your left foot. Rest it there. Slowly lift the heel of your left foot to feel the stretch intensify in your left calf. Do 5 gentle lifts of the heel, then bring your right foot back to starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

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What’s soft, smooth and has a remarkable feel? That would be the latest addition to the Fresh Foam collection – the Fresh Foam Zante. Named after the popular Greek island in the Ionian Sea known for turquoise waters and sandy beaches, the Fresh Foam Zante is paradise right at your feet.

For this season, we took another look at our revolutionary Fresh Foam technology and made some enhancements for those hungry for speed. With a slightly higher midsole offset (6mm*) and a more aggressive toe spring, runners will be propelled to new personal records and enjoy a smooth, soft ride along the way.

In order to satisfy the need for speed, our design team studied the foot strikes and impact tendencies of those running at a faster pace to find out what makes them unique. As a result, we built the Fresh Foam Zante. 

The bootie construction delivers a smooth, sleek feeling on top and around the foot – and no-sew overlays complete this technically simple upper. A tight midfoot wrap will hold your foot snugly.

Competitor Magazine voted the Fresh Foam Zante the "2015 Shoe of the Year," and while it doesn’t release until March 19, you can click here and pre-order to ensure you’re one of the first to see what all the buzz is about!

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Let’s face it, your running shoes and trainers are so comfy and cute they deserve to be worn other than just to the gym. Not only is it a great look—celebs and bloggers are styling sneakers with anything these days, but it’s also an effortless way to be comfy and trendy.

The challenge: styling your sneakers so you give off the “workout-chic” vibe and not the “frumpy” vibe. If you’re used to keeping your gym clothes, work outfits and weekend wardrobes separate, this look can be somewhat awkward to throw together at first. We’ve asked bi-coastal fitness expert, Shay Kostabi for some tips and advice on wearing sneakers and fitness-inspired apparel outside of the gym. Shay spends time equally between both LA and NYC teaching various workouts and setting fashion trends.

Here’s her advice on mastering the fitness fashion look:

NB: Talk to us about how wearing sneakers and fitness inspired apparel is becoming more and more trendy outside of the gym.

Sk: Fitness fashion is TAKING OVER and every high end designer knows it. Seeing unlikely (lifestyle) brands launch active wear lines is exciting and refreshing. It goes both ways, athletic brands have started collaborating with high end fashion designers and department stores now have entire fitness/lifestyle sections. I love it! It means people are embracing an active lifestyle and want clothes that move with them throughout the day.

NB: Assuming you live in workout clothes, how would you describe your style/fitness fashion?

SK: I’m a pretty typical studio-to-street girl. I love edgy, funky clothes with detail and character. I like the looks and styles that make me look both feminine and strong.

NB: What tips do you have for perfecting the fitness fashion look outside of the gym?

SK: The ultimate trick is layering. Throw a mesh pullover over your sports bra and put on some sneakers. A leather jacket always takes a studio look to street chic. Cropped jackets and hoodies are also coming back in style. I love a colorful sneaker with a black or grey casual cotton dress. You want to mix pieces.

NB: What are the staples everyone should have in their closet for the days their either running to the gym or running errands?

SK: Good leggings! Basic black will get you through anything but fun colors that pop are also great with a basic hoodie or a loose, long tank—my favorite go-to. Find a sneaker you can both train in and hit the pavement in. Most of my New Balance sneakers are versatile and comfortable enough for both.

NB: The 811 is a super-soft cush+ training shoe that performs in the gym but looks great anywhere. What’s your favorite way to wear your 811’s?

SK: The 811 is one of my favorite sneakers! I think it looks great with black crops or capris, a loose white tank and with a colorful sports bra and a cool jacket—I always go with leather. 

Get this studio-to-street look:

En Route Jacket (top)

Achieve Reversible Tank, fiji with bright cherry (left)

Fierce Flare, anthracite (top right)

The Shapely Shaper, bright cherry with fiji (bottom left)

Fresh Foam 822, coral pink with cosmic coral (top right)

New Balance 811, black with silver (bottom)

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The polo shirt. Although its roots stem from the traditional tennis world, its versatility and virtually endless color options make it a staple for any look. Inspired by the signature design details of this classic fashion piece, we reimagined our 574 through the lens of the iconic polo shirt in the Piqué Polo Pack.

While the pack's array of colors and embroidered, navy "N" logo mimic the look of a polo shirt, the piqué weaving style used in the upper material mirror the feel  of one, too.  

Whether you’re at the country club or in the heart of the city this weekend, you're sure to find a 574 in the Piqué Polo Pack to fit your look.

Check out the full collection. 

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Our popular court classic is back, and who better to showcase this remarkable original other than professional tennis player, Nicole Gibbs. The reinvented CRT300 has dropped - these classics were originally designed for the court but revamped for everyday wear with new cushioning as a modern day perk.

Gibbs has had a tennis racquet in her hands since she was just three years old, now she’s a globally-ranked tennis pro competing in huge world-wide events. Currently ranked in the top 100 to start the year off, Nicole is truly excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead of her this year. 

Our friends at Urban Outfitters got a chance to sit down and ask her some questions about her on-court ego and her off-court style—we’re totally digging her look! Here's what she had to say...

On personal style: Sporty Chic? I can be a girly girl at times and love getting dolled up in a black dress and heels on a fun weekend, but the majority of the time I’d trade in the heels for some sporty kicks or flip flops. If it’s warm out, my favorite look is a pair of high-waisted shorts and a cute crop, or if it’s cooler, black leggings with a loose fitting sweatshirt.

On court style: I actually love wearing yoga clothes when I practice—leggings and cute tanks, but when it’s hot out I’ll usually opt for shorts. On match day, I usually wear a simple tank and skirt combo or occasionally a dress. Tennis is awesome because you definitely get to look stylish on court and you don’t have to stick to a strict “uniform.” I’m always excited to get my New Balance shipments and see what colors and styles I get to wear at the next event.

On training: A heavy training day for me generally consists of three to four hours on court and one to two hours in the gym. The tennis portion is broken down into two practices: one for drilling and working on mechanics/footwork/movement and the other for point play with other players. This gives me a chance to work on things in practice and then try to implement them in a match situation. Long days can extend from 9AM to 6PM, so outside of practice I’m usually eating, sleeping or unwinding with a show or book. 

On days off: There are two different types of days off for me. One is active: surf, go to yoga, stop by my favorite smoothie or salad spot and see friends. The other “I’m exhausted from tennis” version is that I spend all day watching TV from my couch. Those are order-in days for sure. I guess the common denominator is that my days off always involve a lot of food.

U.S residents can snag your pair of CRT300s here, they'll release in Asia on April 1.

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