You'll have to excuse the overly melodramatic marketing photos. Our New Balance tech rep (who shall remain nameless; he worked for us for 6 years, so he's earned a ::bit:: of anonymity) wasn't carrying his shoe samples with him today. Which begs the question: Matt, if not shoe samples, what DO you use that enormous New Balance SUV to carry? But I digress...
After a rock-solid specialty running relaunch in 2011 with their ultralight REVlite midsole material, the category-shaking 890 and Minimus lines, and the award-winning 860v2, New Balance is squarely back on our radar as a legitimate contender, stealing marketshare from the likes of Brooks, Asics, and Saucony every single day. A combination of innovation from a crack team of product developers and real attention to the needs and wants of runners (performance and color choice, it turns out, aren't mutually exclusive) has proven to be the winning ticket, and New Balance is showing no signs of slowing down in 2012.
There's no better evidence of this surge forward, onward, and upward than with the pair of racing flats due to hit 6/1/12: the New Balance RC1600 and RC5000.
THE RC1600
At first glance, you'd be forgiven if you thought the RC1600 was simply an update to this year's ::sparsely available but wildly popular:: 1400 race shoe. The numerical naming convention New Balance employs does have its shortcomings, but to put any mystery to rest: the RC1600 is designed to be a significantly lighter flat than the 1400, with ample cushioning to provide marathon runners a speedy shoe with padding to spare on race days when a PR just isn't in the cards.
Weighing in at a scant 5.8oz (Men's sample size; 4.98oz women's), the RC1600 makes use of a slightly re-engineered REVlite midsole (read: thinner, but higher density for a responsive ride) and an 8mm heel-toe offset to make for an extremely runnable racer.
In practical terms: runners with efficient form won't find themselves fighting against a chunky heel, and those working on their form will still have plenty enough protection for the occasional plod. Paired with an ultralight seamless upper and strategic overlays, you're getting an extremely well-rounded performance package built for neutral runners looking to shave minutes off their marathon OR their 5k.
Price: $110, hits stores on 6/1/12
THE RC5000
Can't be bothered with racing anything longer than 10k? If you're bored by long miles and live for the thrill of toeing the start line, sizing up your competition, and throwing down a gnarly kick inside the last 1/4mi for good measure, the New Balance RC5000 is your shoe.
Built around a thinner version of the same 8mm offset and REVlite RC midsole found in the RC1600, the RC5000 offers an extremely responsive ride suited to the quick turnover needed for speed workouts and serious racing efforts.
Oh, and it's silly light. Game-changing, category-defining light.
3.2oz
Let that soak in for a second. Then say it again.
3.2oz. The last time I saw a racing flat that light, I got shin splints just thinking about it.
But that's the beauty of the REVlite RC material: it's a lightweight platform built around providing a flexible, dynamic level of cushion that protects without preventing natural motion.
Now, bear in mind this shoe isn't for everyone.
Sure, you won't want to strap the RC5000 on for your next half-marathon; it's a 10k and under shoe. And if your mechanics need more than a little help in the pronation department, you might consider alternatives purely as a survival instinct.
Simply put, this shoe isn't built for long, slow miles. But if you're looking to take your speed work to the max, your compete level up a notch or three, and you're eyeing PRs, ARs, or WRs, you're going to be hard pressed to find a better shoe than the New Balance RC5000.
Boston, as you might suspect, got theirs first. Shane always gets his way, it seems. ::sigh::
But as of Friday, February 17th, Marathon Sports Cambridge
and the rest of the stores have begun receiving the first of several shipments of Boston Marathon official licensed apparel.
And, as this picture illustrates, the line's color story (which adidas refers to as "High Energy") is, well, unquestionably orange.
COLOR CHOICE
Each year, the color choice of the Boston Marathon apparel line stirs up considerable chatter. There's the "what ever happened to the good old blue and yellow?" crowd; the "the 2006 fleece was the BEST JACKET EVAR" crowd; the "just gimme the damned jacket!!" crowd; and countless other pundits, but the response is invariably a, shall we say, vocal one.
This year's line features dominant color blocking in "High Energy" orange, but several pieces are available with orange as the accent color to a more subdued body - see the Men's and Women's Short Sleeve in white, and the yet-to-arrive (but always a crowd favorite) Women's Track Jacket.
THE LINE AS SOUVENIRS
Everyone has their two cents, and with good reason: the apparel line represents to some the most significant souvenirs, for veterans and Boston Marathon rookies alike (ranking up there with the mylar blanket and finisher's tee). Ask any multiple-Boston runner and they'll likely have a closet dedicated to the official gear.
Perhaps some years they might forego the long tights, the singlets, or the fleeces, but there's one piece that never goes by the wayside: the Official Boston Marathon Jacket.
EMBROIDERED, NOT SCREENED
Luckily, after a moderate production issue in 2011 (we shudder to think of it, but the Official Jacket last year was screen printed, not embroidered), the good folks at adidas are back on track. The updated 116th Boston Marathon logo adorning the chest AND back of the Official Jacket are stitched in glorious, tightly spaced black thread. And it looks as sharp as ever.
SEE THE LINE
Though this shipment is the first of many to cross our thresholds, we are doing our best to get the product up on mannequins, racks, and walls as soon as we can. If you stop by any of our stores in the next few weeks, you'll see the percentage of merchandising dedicated to the BAA line begin to grow exponentially as we head into March. By the end of March, our stores should all be stocked to the rafters with the full line, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to browse to your heart's content.
If you can't make it into the store, the select pieces we have received up to this point are all available for viewing and for purchase right here at www.marathonsports.com.
Updated 2/17/12 6:08pm: the Women's jacket is an ::ever-so-slightly:: more reddish-orange than the men's jacket.
Our flagship store at the Boston Marathon finish line opened in the spring of 2001, and over the intervening years the store has seen its fair share of wear, tear, and change.
A few years back, we threw you all a big curveball when we swapped the shoe wall from theback of the store to the front. Now, as the winter carries on we look to make a few more ::minor:: but nonetheless impactful changes to the aesthetic of the store.
Look for new mannequins, re-merchandised fixtures, some updates to our "shoe archives" along the top of the wall, and most notably: new carpet and a new stone landing. Keep your eyes on this article for the updates as they come.
New stonework adorn's Boston's landing as of 2/8/12.
Crossfitters and minimalist junkies alike will LOVE this news: As of today, 2/8/12, all six Marathon Sports stores have received an initial drop of the Innov-8 F-Lite product line!
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Innov-8 is a UK-based footwear brand wholly committed to natural running. From their website:
"We believe in natural running. Natural running involves taking running back to its most innate form, letting nothing alter the natural biomechanics of the foot and body. Natural running relies on the strength of the runner’s feet and legs rather than the cushioning or support of a shoe. The foot controls the shoe, not the other way around."
What that means, in practical terms, is that Innov-8 footwear is as much about the user as it is how the shoe is used. A focus on lightweight, minimal, and functional designs means the shoes are a great offering for runners looking to expand their palette of minimalist footwear, and for crossfitters looking for a secure, natural, and grippy means to a better workout.
Now, onto the goods. We brought a pair of unisex models from the F-Lite line, the F-Lite 230 and the F-Lite 195. As you might have guessed, the numerical naming scheme is a reference to each model's respective weight (in grams, you know, because they're British). To spare you the calculation, the 230 and 195 weigh 8.1 and 6.9 ounces, respectively, both lightweight by any standards.
The more important numbers to crossfitters and minimalist runners, however, come from each shoe's heel-toe offset.
To wit, the F-Lite 230 bears a healthy 6mm offset, which is less than traditional trainers by about 6mm, but still higher than shoes like the New Balance Minimus, Nike Free 3.0, and even Saucony's Kinvara. For those looking to bridge the gap between traditional trainers and more minimal offerings, the 230 is a great intermediate offering.
For those looking for a truly minimal feel, however, the 195 is the way to go. Featuring a 3mm offset from heel to toe, the F-Lite 195 looks and feels flat, allowing for an extremely natural utilization of the midfoot for minimalist runners, and an exceptionally purposeful platform for those of you dabbling in the crossfit world.
Both models feature a largely overlay-free upper with a snug fit. The few overlays that adorn the upper are strategically placed and
designed specifically for grip: think about your most recent rope climb, and you'll know what we mean.
Wellesley and Melrose are getting their grubby little hands on a new trail shoe before all the rest of our stores in tomorrow's delivery (2/2/12), so we thought we'd give you all a little dirt on them before they land. From the manufacturer:
SINGLE-TRACK HAYASA by North Face-
Guided by the Japanese word for “speed,” our designers created these ultra light running shoes in collaboration with a world-renowned athlete, and TNF ultra-runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki. Enabling you to feel the trail closely, these shoes provide comfort, support and protection. A neutral, low-profile midsole allows a natural stride turnover.
• MSRP $110.00
• Lightweight, minimal upper construction
• TPU-welded support overlays
• Dual-density [ed. not stability] EVA midsole
• Blown rubber forefoot
• High-abrasion rubber heel
• TPU Snake Plate™ forefoot protection
• 8.9 oz (250 g) *based on Men’s 9
What does that all mean? Well, for starters it means there's another lightweight neutral trail traineron the way to our shoe wall. Those of you dabbling in the more minimal offerings for the road shoes out there yet are hesitant to fully commit to the ultra low-offset of the trail Minimus and its kin will find the Hayasa a decent alternative, and perhaps a good way to incorporate trails into your training regimen.
Beyond that, it's the first time we've had a North Face shoe on our wall since, well, probably 2005. Why is that, exactly?
It's because we trust in their product, and a renewed focus from the North Face on running in the last 3 years has really helped redefine the brand as something other than simply an outdoor, expedition-focused gear company.
All that said, we look forward to the feedback from the feet of those that try the shoes on. The Hayasa will land in Wellesley and Melrose first, and will migrate from there in the coming weeks.
Two months late,
but the Garmin 910XT has finally arrived – available in all Marathon Sports
stores.In addition to several new
features not available in the 310XT (which the 910XT will eventually replace),
it boasts a little heftier price tag - $399.99 w/o HRM; $449.99 w/HRM.I’m sure the question on everyone’s mind is –
“Is it worth it?”Well dear readers,
yours truly has the review you’ve desperately been waiting for.Here are my ratings on key features on a
scale of 1 – 10.
Looks:8 – This piece is sleeker than the 310XT, but still a hefty piece of
wrist jewelry.The new all black casing
is less flashy, but manages to look sporty and sophisticated at the same
time.Perhaps not as design driven as
comparable pieces from Suunto or Polar, it’s still remarkable that a unit this
small is able to house such massive amounts of technology.
Functionality:8 – After using the touch screen interface on the 610 model for a
number of months, going back to a non-touch screen was a bit
of a change.I appreciate the ease of
use of the 610, and it felt less efficient having to press a myriad of buttons
in order to set defaults, preferences, and access features, but omitting the touch screen is the price you pay for a swimproof training watch.The menus are well laid out and make
intuitive sense, but there is a lot of data options to choose from and
customizing the watch to your preferences can take some time.I recommend allocating at least 1 hour before
initial use to familiarize yourself with all the options and to give yourself
time to customize it.The 1 touch sport
mode change is simple to use.HRM
functionality is as good as any other Garmin, same thing with GPS (no surprise
as it utilizes the same chip as the rest of their ‘10’ series).
Swim Feature:8 – This, dear readers, was the new feature that I was excited to try
out.Generally speaking, I was pretty
impressed.It was able to track my
cadence, number of strokes, and identify the difference between freestyle and
breaststroke.I’m pretty sure it was
able to track the number of laps – my count was 64, but the 910XT counted 66.I of course was subject to the swimmer long
swim daze and my human error could have miscounted.It’s a good indicator that it counted an even
number.I’m looking forward to testing
out the GPS mapping feature on an open water swim – but that will definitely
have to wait until the summer, or when I take a vacation to somewhere tropical.
Cycling:N/A – I unfortunately did not have a chance to test the 910XT while on
the bike.The bike feature that I think
will appeal the most to all of our avid cyclists/triathletes is the number of
bikes that can be added – up to 5!
Negative:The biggest disappointment is the fact that the 910XT doesn’t have a
default power-saving standby mode which allows it to act as an everyday
watch.In non-GPS, non-HRM, non-foot pod
mode, the battery lasts a paltry 50 hours at best.Considering this is their newest product,
that it features a thinner profile, and that the battery is 2.5 times more
powerful than the 610, it seems like a reasonable expectation that it can be
used as an everyday watch.I’ve spoken
with Garmin regarding this issue and they are working on it, seeing if there is
a way they can update the software to add that functionality.
Overall, I give the 910XT a review of 7.5 out of 10.It is definitely a worthy successor/replacement
for the 310XT, but the lack of standby mode and battery life are a notable
negative for me – especially considering the price tag.One “plus” that I will give Garmin products
in general is their use of the ANT+ technology, which works with other ANT+
products (Timex, Suunto, most cardio-fitness equipment at the gym).You could theoretically use a Garmin watch, a
Timex HR strap, and a Suunto footpod on a CycleOps spinning bike.That component
interchangeability/compatibility is valuable to anyone who enjoys using gadgets
from different brands, or who wants their gadgets to communicate with the
cardio equipment at the gym.
review provided by our Accessory Buyer, Dan. For further questions about the Garmin 910XT or any other accessory products, just shoot him an e-mail at dan.soleau@marathonsports.com
Frankly, we don't have much to go off of here, except that the 2012 Newton Running Gravity trainers look, frankly, badass.
Who couldn't use a bit more red in their shoe wardrobe, anyway?
For the most part, the shoe features largely the same tooling (read: the sculpted bits in the midsole) as the previous version, with one important distinction: in earlier editions, Newton opted to wrap the EVA of the midsole around the bottom of the upper, giving the shoe the appearance of a more traditional trainer in profile, something that belies the true nature of the shoe's offset.
Phantom misdsole, no more! The EVA upper wrap is gone, a la the MV2, and what you see is what you get with the new 2012 Gravity: pure Newton engineering with an aggressively color blocked upper for the appearance of pure speed.
THE CRUCIAL DETAILS
Price: $174.99
Midsole: 2% grade, or about 3mm offset heel to toe
Ship Date: 2/15 to our warehouse, which means Norwell, Boston, and Wellesley should have the Gravity before the end of February.
Stay tuned for a full review once the shoe lands!
Photo courtesy Newton Running, www.facebook.com/newtonrunning
Welcome to the new Marathon Sports website! We're still getting used to the new digs, and the content is coming together bit by bit, but here's what you can expect in the coming days and weeks:
Actual Blog Content:
-Shoe reviews
-Hands on demos of new product
-Tech geekery of the finest kind (heel-forefoot offsets, oh my!)
Events and Programming:
-Minimalist running clinics
-Shoe and accessory demo events
-Special shopping nights and promo opportunities
-Unique, fun, and FREE educational programming
What's Going to Stay The Same:
As always, we're 100% committed to an education-based retail environment: we're not here to sell you stuff you don't need, and we're not here to pressure you into buying anything you don't already want. Our number one focus as a brand is to provide you, the consumer, all the tools you need to make the best decision possible for your needs, training, and personal health goals. We've won 12 BEST OF BOSTON awards that way, and we think that's a pretty darn good reason not to mess with it. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Keep your eyes peeled for all the new goodness to come!
