New Balance Adds New Neutral Trainer to Their Line!

Back in April, New Balance announced that it would be adding a new neutral trainer to it's NBx line—the 759. They described the shoe as a neutral trainer built to provide runners with a lightweight, cushioned ride. I'm a neutral runner who needs a little cushion, so I was all ears. It's hard to find a good lightweight shoe that's also cushioned. The announcement said the shoes would be available in stores in July 2010. I figured I'd just wait and check them out in July.

So, when New Balance asked me if I wanted to review a pair, I was quite beside myself, and of course said, "Yes! Send em on!"

The New Balance press release for the 759 says that they're designed for the dedicated and fitness runner and features N-ergy technology to provide impact absorption and maximum cushioning for a responsive ride, ensuring runner’s feet feel as fresh at the end of the run as they did at the beginning. It goes on to say that the minimalist upper design offers a breathable mesh for optimal airflow and flexibility while a Stability Web ensures lightweight midfoot support. The 759’s modern construction and design make it the go-to trainer for new and experienced runners alike seeking cushioning and durability for the ultimate running experience.

Sounds all really good, but what I really want to know with a shoe, is how does it feel to me, how does it hold up, is the shoe worth the expense, and would I opt to buy a second pair. I think that's what most runners what to know. Many non-runners will tell me, "well at least you picked a cheap sport." I guess compared to $100+ greens fees and $3000 bikes, running is relatively cheap, but when you buy a pair of shoes about every 6 months or less, and they each cost around $100 bucks, it can start to make a dent in the ole wallet. So, as a dedicated runner, I want quality, comfort, and durability—QCD.

The 759s have passed the QCD test. I've been running in the 759s for about 3 weeks now and I've put in at least 12 runs in them varying in distance from 3 to 9 miles. Let me break down my QDC experience.

Quality: The upper is very breathable and durable. I took a tumble on one of my runs when my toe snagged an uneven portion of the road where some resurfacing was being done. My knee, palm, and pinkie finger looked like I'd been attacked by a mad bull, but my shoes looked great. Not even a scratch on them!

Comfort: The shoes really deliver in this department. I usually need a little extra cushioning in the fore foot, but shoes that usually provide this tend to be heavy. Not the 759s. They're not the lightest shoes I've run in, but they did provide that needed cushion and still were on the lighter side (11 oz.). Actually I was surprised they were 11oz. They felt lighter. I also had plenty of room in the toebox and I love the longer shoe laces. I hate it when there's not enough string to tie a lock lace and double knot.

Durability: Lightweight shoes tend to use a lighter less durable tread for the sole that doesn't last very long. The tread on the 759s, however seems to be very durable. After 12 runs (mainly on blacktop and cement), mine show hardly any wear at all. But, this durable sole doesn't seem to be adding much extra weight to the shoe. A definite plus in my book.

Style: I know, I know, "style" isn't a part of the QCD, but it's often a consideration for many runners. Personally, no matter what the color, once I find a shoe that works for me, I'll buy it in neon pink if that's the only color it comes in, but I do like it when there are some options to choose from. The 759 comes in three color choices for men and two color choices for women. Also, in October 2010, there will be an additional color option—gray/bronze. This darker version is actually the shoe that I tested. At first, I thought maybe the shoes I received were a trail version of the 759. I contacted New Balance and was told that in fact what I received is definitely the road shoe, but just a new color option that will be available in October. I really like road shoes in darker colors, but usually the darker colors are only available in trail versions. The darker version of the 759 road shoe is a pretty cool idea.

My experience with New Balance's new 759 has been awesome. If you're a neutral runner and you like a lightweight shoe with some cushion, I'd definitely recommend giving the NB 759s a try. I had such a good experience with this shoe that it definitely deserves 5 dudes out of 5 dudes on the RunnerDude Rating Scale.

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It's almost July, so you may already be able to find the 759 in your local running store, but if not, you can order them on the New Balance Website. I just received news that if you live in Greensboro, NC, you can get the men's 759 at Off'n Running Sports and the women's should be there soon!

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Note: Although New Balance sent me a pair of the 759s and asked me to test and review the shoes, I was in no way urged to write a positive reveiw, nor was I paid or compensated in any other way for writing the reveiw. My review is purely based on my own personal experience using the product.