The New Balance shoes offer three choices of retro running shoes for men: the U420LK, the M480WR and the M410NYU. All these models feature a simple, classic look and style, matching most sports outfits available. As they are supposed to remind us of past times, the shoes don’t incorporate any of those modern technologies that made New Balance shoes gain a top ranking in their class. Yet, these retro kicks are lightweight and versatile, with their solid rubber outsole and their leather or mesh upper.  Amongst these three models, the 480 is maybe the best, as it has an excellent quality perforated leather upper and it features a striking colorway. The outsole is very durable, thanks to the N-Durance rubber compound it’s made of.

We are going to stop today at my favorite model of New Balance tennis shoes, the 1004. This shoe incorporates four breakthrough technologies that make them so efficient:

• Lightning Dry – this is the moisture transfer management system that keeps feet dry throughout the entire game.
• Abzorb SBS – this is the shock absorption system proprietary to New Balance
• NLock – integrated lacing and webbing system which offers your shoe a tight fit thanks to the lower midfoot support
• LockDown Liner – this system secures your feet without smothering them

The 1004 offers a very good lateral support, it’s light weight and comfortable. Besides, the combination of back and orange places it highly amongst my favorite sport shoes ever. Of course, no shoe in the world would improve my tennis skills, but at least  I can have fun with a sport I like, without worrying of killing my feet. It’s true that no tennis shoes ever will look like the Christian Louboutin shoes, but I suppose my tennis partners won’t care too much about that when I’m going to beat them.

The New Balance 1123 running shoes weigh 414 grams, which is about 14.6 oz. Featuring the Lightning Dry technology, these New Balance running shoes manage moisture transfer in a highly efficient way, therefore your feet will always stay dry and refreshed, even in case of longer running sessions. If you like to run at night or in the evening, when sunlight dims, you’ll be safe with these shoes, because they feature a reflective detail, in order to make you visible for drivers.

In terms of looks, the 1123 have nothing special, being rather a dull model, in white and gray. Over-pronators who care about how their shoes look, could then take a lok to the 817 model, which is the improved version of New Balance 816, offering a better stability and helping prevent over-pronation thanks to the Medial Post situated on the inside edge of the shoe. These New Balance Running shoes are also recommended for diabetics, the Medicare  / HCPCS code being A5500 Diabetic shoe. The Abzorb (TM) cushioning technology is incorporated in both heel and forefoot, which makes these shoes exceptionally comfortable and protective to the joints. Available in a fancy combination of white, silver and orange, these shoes look sophisticated and modern, being in the same time at the top of the comfort for runners. TRhey are a bit lighter than the 1123, weighing about 397 grams / 14 oz.

Fact is that I love sports. When I play tennis, or when I do my morning running session, I like to be as comfortable as possible. I don’t want my shoes to bother me, or to start hurting me after a while. This makes the soles very important, as their cushions may absorb the shocks, thus protecting my knees and my ankles. Designing sport equipment is already a science, as humans are striving  for better and better performance year after year. At each Olympics contest, new world records are registered in all sport disciplines. We want to improve ourselves. This is why every single small attribute that can make us faster, lighter or smarter matters.

Best Features of New Balance Sneakers

New Balance’s running shoes belong to the premier category of sports shoes, because of their good stability, gained thanks to the TS2 medial post and extended web. They are very comfortable, this comfort being offered by the proprietary technology ABZORB FL for the midsole and ABZORB DTS for the cushioning. The Ortholite Insert is another innovation from New Balance which contributes a great deal to the success and popularity of these sneakers. Look at this men’s New Balance MR 1224 sneaker and tell me it doesn’t look absolutely fabulous:

This sneaker is not very expensive but not cheap either. It costs $152.95 and depending on your area of residence, you may qualify for free shipping. Yet, I feel like it is a bit too much for a gift, so I expect more friends of mine to contribute and, instead getting me those little presents I never use, buy me these New Balance sneakers.