61 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02134
800/253-7463
www.newbalance.comAll the shoes are available as of December 15, 1998, unless otherwise noted. The new early winter, '98 shoes--evaluated in our December '98 issue--are also noted by an asterisk. But not every shoe is available at every store. When weights are mentioned, they are for men's size 9. When two prices are listed, the first is the men's price. The less expensive of the prices listed is always for the women's model. Sizes listed are for men's and women's models, when applicable. When it's not, the shoe is a men's models and the sizes listed are for men.
* Signifies new early winter, '98 shoes (or updated model) that has been evaluated in the Shoe Buyer's Guide in the December, '98 issue of Runner's World.
** Signifies one of the very best shoes in a particular category.
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| 497: $65 |
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New Balance's best entry-level shoe. The 497 offers a good blend of cushioning and durability. It's also offers adequate stability. But it's not for the heavier overpronator. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15 in AA, B-width, 6-13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE-width; (w) 5-11, 12, 13 in AA, B, D and EE widths. |
| **586: $100 |
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The motion-control monster. The 586 is quite simply one of the best shoes on the market for the overpronating big guy or gal runner. It's a hefty, beefy shoe which has an incredibly firm and durable four-density polyurethane midsole with a graphite rollbar for stability. It also has a wide, deep toe box that will fit even the biggest feet. The 586 certainly isn't pretty and it's very heavy (almost 15 ounces for a size 9 1/2), but if you're a big runner and looking for great support and exceptional midsole and outsole durability, the 586 fits the bill. Sizes: (m) 8-12, 13, 14, 15, 16 in B-width, 6-13, 14, 15, 16 in D, EE and EEEE-width; (w) 5-11, 12, 13 in AA, B, D, 6-11, 12, 13, in EE-width. |
| 711: $70 |
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Plenty of young runners loved the 710. They should also appreciate the 711 as it's basically the same shoe. The only difference between the two is the outsole design on the 711 has better traction. Sizes (m)7-12, 13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE width; (w) 5-11, 12, 13 in AA, B and D width. |
| 701: $75 |
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The 701 is more of an all-terrain shoe than specifically limited to trails. It's almost the same shoe as the 801 except it doesn't have a water-resistant upper like the 801. But like the 801, it has good midsole cushioning, a solid base of support and is a sturdy shoe without being cumbersome. Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15 in B, D and EE widths; (w) 5-12, 13 in AA, B and D widths. |
| **760: $80 |
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A Runner's World Best Buy selection in September, the 760 is something of an offshoot of the popular 851. It's a very similar shoe, but it doesn't have the external rollbar which has proved so popular in the 851. The 760 is still very stable with a second midsole density as well as a midfoot web which allows for proper midfoot support and flexibility. An excellent shoe. Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE widths; (w) 5-11, 12 in AA, B and D widths. |
| 801: $85 |
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If you're familiar with New Balance's fine 800 trail shoe, you will be on familiar ground with the 801. Both are very similar shoes. The 801 doesn't have a medial post either, but it's built on a very stable last. The big difference between the two trail shoes is the 801 has a better outsole for improved durability. An 802 will be available in spring, '99. Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE widths; (w) 6-11, 12, in AA and 5-11, 12 in B and D widths. |
| 877: $90 |
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Not all stability shoes have extra midsoles densities or rollbars. The 877--an update of the 876--doesn't and yet it's as supportive as many other shoes with stabilizing devices. Built on New Balance's straightest last, it's inherently stable and still has good midsole cushioning. Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE widths; (w) 5-11, 12 in B and D widths. |
| **851: $90 |
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New Balance has had a great series of shoes with 850s. The 851 continues that tradition with the same rollbar and rigid plastic medial post as the 850 had. The 851 is extremely stable yet still provide a well-cushioned, smooth ride. An 852 will be available in January, '99. Sizes: (m) 7-12, 13, 14, 15 in D, EE and EEEE-width; (w) 6-10, 11, 12 in AA, 5-10, 11, 12 in B-width, 5-10, 11 in D-width. |
| *827: $85 |
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The 827 is the sleekest, most responsive trainer offered by New Balance. An update to the 826, it's almost the same shoe with the same light and responsive ride. The only difference between the two is the 827 has a softer midsole. Excellent second shoe for racing or fast-paced workouts. Sizes: 8-12, 13, 14 in B; 7-12, 13, 14 in D and EE width. |
| 876: $90/$85 |
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Another departure for New Balance which hasn't made very many cushioned shoes. The 876 is a flashy, extremely well-cushioned shoe, but it's not exceptionally light or stable. Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15 in D and EE; (w) 5-11, 12 in B and D, 6-11, 12 in AA-width. |
| 990: $130/$120 |
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The first shoe to crack the $100 barrier way back in 1991, the 900 series of overpronation shoes has always been among the best. The updated 900 offers top-notch rearfoot stability and cushioning. It's durable, has a smooth ride and surprisingly good forefoot flexibility. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15, 16 in AA, B and 7-13, 14, 15, 16 in D, EE and EEEE-width; (w) 6-11, 12 in AA-width, 5-11, 12 in B and D-width. |
| 1200: $150/$140 |
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The 1200 has all of New Balance's top stability and cushioning features. Of particular importance are the graphite rollbar in the rearfoot and medial post for stability. It also has a stability web in the midfoot. Sizes (m) 7-13, 14in D EE and EEEE width; (w) 6-11, 12 in AA, 5-11, 12 in B and D width. |
| *1700: $175 |
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This is New Balance's top-of-the-line trainer (and it's a pretty pricey line New Balance has drawn), but the 1700 (an update to the 1600) also offers plenty of cushioning, excellent durability and like the the 999, suprisingly good forefoot flexibility. With a midsole which is almost entirely polyurethane andf a full layer of cushioning Abzorb, the 1700 is a great big guy's shoe. If want absolute plushness and the big ticket price doesn't scare you off, go for it. Sizes: (m) 8-12, 13, 14, 15 in B-width, 7-12, 13, 14, 15 in D and EE-width. |
| **220: $65 |
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New Balance has finally created a racing for its primary customer who needs added medial support. The 220 has a medial post to offer added stability. A great marathon shoe. Sizes: 5-12, 13. |
| 110: $65 |
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A well-cushioned, responsive racing flat, the 110 weighs in at 7 1/2 oz. It's slip-lasted for flexibility and has a carbon rubber heel pad to offer some durability in the rearfoot. Sizes: 4-12, 13. |