Tag Archives: Shoe Tips

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NB Movement Challenge

GO THE EXTRA MILE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Take The Movement Challenge.

It’s more than a workout plan-it’s a movement for change. Join The 2010 Movement Challenge and start now to reap the rewards of your running program.  As you accrue points for race miles logged, personal bests and more, you’ll increase your chances of winning the grand prize: a $25,000 donation to your favorite charitable cause! Plus a free full-page Public Service Announcement to be published in Runner’s World, Running Times, Women’s Health and Men’s Health in 2011. Along the way, you’ll also have opportunities to win other great prizes in recognition of your running milestones.

YOUR CAUSE, YOUR CHALLENGE
Pick your cause and get moving.
You’ll be rewarded with points in four different categories:

1. Distance: Every mile counts. Earn points for each race mile logged.

2. Personal Bests: Is your race time getting better and better? Each personal improved finish time wins you points.

3. Cheering Section: Every time you add a cheering fan, get points.

4. Running Mates: More Challengers mean more opportunities to make a difference.
Refer a new Challenge participant and add points to your overall score.

Sign Up, Start Moving
Don’t let another day go by without doing something about a cause close to your heart. Go to www.movementchallenge.com to register for The 2010 Movement Challenge. As an official Challenger, you’ll join a community of cause-minded runners, and have access to expert training tips, a convenient Race Finder, and an interactive progress tracker. Adding to the excitement will be special challenges to earn bonus points and new products from New Balance. Choose your cause and start your movement. The first 500 members will receive 1,000 complimentary points.

Here’s how the Movement Challenge works. Just like running, it’s a simple, step-by-step process:

  • Register. A few quick questions will get you signed up and ready to go. Your Runner’s Profile will help connect you to other runners in your community who share your passion for running and may even support your cause.
  • Choose a cause that will be the heart and soul of your Movement. It can be a nonprofit organization featured on our list, or you can add a local nonprofit, as long as the organization has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.
  • Log any of your races from 2010 to start accruing points. But you can earn more points four different ways: official 2010 race miles logged (walk events count, too); personal bests achieved in 2010 races; having fans sign up for your cheering section; and referring new Challengers.
  • Log ALL of your races from 2010 and find more races near you via our Race Finder. The more races you run, the more race miles you’ll log and the more points you’ll earn.
  • Get motivated with special New Balance product offers.
  • Access expert training tips to help improve your training regimen and running times.

Movement Challenge on Facebook

No purchase necessary to enter or win.

A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Contest begins at 12pm ET August 2, 2010 and ends Dec. 31, 2010 11:59pm ET.  Must be over 18 and resident of 49 United States or DC (EXCLUDING RESIDENTS OF AZ). For the Official Rules, visit www.movementchallenge.com.Winner will be selected based on point totals from criteria of distance, personal best, supporters, and recruits. Rodale Inc.,33 East Minor St.,Emmaus, PA 18098-0099, and New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., Brighton Landing20 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135-2088, is/are the operators of the Contest.

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Tips for Your First 5K

1. Sign Up, Already

Chances are, no matter where you live, there’s a 5-K nearby soon. It’s the most popular race: 7,500-plus 5-Ks held in 2006 drew more than 3 million runners. Why? “It’s only three miles!” says Mike Mahan of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Well, 3.1 miles, but so as long as you’re logging three half-hour runs per week, you can complete a 5-K this weekend, says Tommy Tomlo, fitness director for the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C., the nation’s biggest 5-K series. And you can run a fast 5-K with as little as six weeks of concentrated training.

2. Just Have Fun

“5-Ks are a great way to meet people and stay in good shape,” says Lois Wims of Mobile, Alabama. And they’re newbie-friendly. “I was so afraid that the ‘real’ racers would be annoyed with a novice,” says Eileen Doherty of Phoenix. “The opposite was true! The local running group cheered me on.”

3. Use 5-Ks for Speed

Runners training for a longer event, like a half or full marathon, can use 5-Ks in place of speedwork, says Teri Garzon of Ontario, California. “I run a 5-K almost every weekend in the fall,” says Cara Hawkins of Jefferson City, Tennessee. “It’s a good way to race into shape.” Mark Goldstein, 75, who has run all 114 5-K Races for the Cure around the world, runs every other day in between events when he’s racing a lot. “I run a little slower than race pace and for about 20 to 25 minutes,” he says.

Here’s how Chuck Roose of Tampa trains and runs a 5-K (or other distance) every weekend:
SAT: 5-K race
SUN: Easy run, mid-distance
MON: Rest day
TUE: Speed session
WED: Easy run, longer distance, or rest day
THU: Speed session
FRI: Rest day or easy run with last half mile at race pace

4. Eat a Little (Maybe)

You don’t need additional calories before you run a 5-K, but if you’re used to eating breakfast, you might feel hungry. “Your body needs some calories to help you wake up and keep going, but don’t overdo it,” says Sherri Abbassi of Gainesville, Virginia. “Just half a bagel with peanut butter, half a banana, or gel/sports beans/shot blocks is enough.” Gabrielle Rubinstein, who hosts a running club out of her shop, Joe Coffee, in New York City, always has her cup of coffee. “I can’t get going without caffeine,” she says. Others prefer to wait for the postrace bash. “I see no reason to eat before a 5-K, as they all have real food afterward,” says Jill Merenda of Brooklyn.

5. Drink a Little (or Not)

It’s telling that most 5-K races have only one aid station, usually located about midway. “That should be enough liquid for you,” says Abassi of Virginia. Steve Burns of Simsbury, Connecticut, points out, “Any water you take in during the race won’t affect your performance because the race is just too short.” Christian Taylor of New Holland, Pennsylvania, believes that stopping for water only slows you down. That said, if it’s hot out, grab a cup at the aid station. “Don’t drink the water, but splash it in your mouth or dump it on you,” Burns says.

6. Warm Up Wisely

“A proper warmup will improve any performance,” says Jerry Cuellar, from Middleborro, Massachusetts. He does a slow jog 15 minutes before the race, followed by a few 50-yard sprints. Warm up on the racecourse itself. “You can preview the race,” says Tim Guimond of Evanston, Illinois, and get a handle on where the hills and turns are.

7. Cut Corners

Race in the lightest running shoes that work for your foot type, says Andy Clark of Morristown, New Jersey. Studies show that if you lighten your load by six ounces (swapping training shoes for racing flats), you’ll run one to two percent faster. For a 24:00 5-K runner, that’s 14 to 28 seconds. “Don’t neglect the benefits of drafting behind other runners, especially if you’re running into wind,” says Clark. “And run the tangents–the shortest distance between two points.” Think of creative ways to motivate yourself to go faster. “For every person that passes me after the one-mile marker, I tell myself I have to pass two,” says Bob Kaufman of Windsor, Wisconsin.

8. Take It Easy–At First

Even though it’s short, it’s still possible to start out too fast and run out of gas. “Your breathing pattern may get messed up, and then you have to stop or walk to catch your breath,” says Susan Harmeling, race director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, one of the largest 5-Ks in the United States. “Start out in the middle or back of the pack, force yourself to run slower, and wait for that first mile split to determine your race strategy,” says Kaufman of Wisconsin. Jim Dolan of Princeton, New Jersey, suggests “running moderately fast at a pace that feels faster than your daily runs, but not so fast that you feel that you’ll need to stop soon.”

9. Or Start Fast

“At a recent race, I decided to start much stronger than usual and see if I could hold on for the entire race. I beat my previous PR by 59 seconds!” says Taylor of Pennsylvania, who ran 10 5-Ks last year. Starting fast helps you beat the pack in more than one way. “You don’t get trapped near the back,” says P.J. Van Beurden of Los Osos, California. “It takes a lot less energy to start fast than it does to weave in and out of people.”

10. Finish Strong and Celebrate!

“Once the finish line is in sight, kick with everything you’ve got and leave people in the dust,” says Van Beurden of California. The short, concentrated amount of time and distance means the race can be over before you know it. “If you finish using every drop in the tank,” says James Vaughan of Twin Oaks, Oklahoma, “it doesn’t matter if you’re first or 200th, you’ve already won.” And then pat yourself on the back. “It is absolutely necessary to drink a pint of a fine brew afterward!” says Tom W., of Allston, Massachusetts. “What’s a race without a postrace party?”

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Tips for Your First Race

You signed up for your first 5-K, and religiously followed a training plan for six weeks. Here’s what to do on the last week to make the most of your experience. And once you reach the finish line, remember to give yourself a big pat on the back.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I RUN THIS WEEK?

Do two or three easy runs of 20 to 30 minutes. Take one or two days off before race day.

SHOULD I EAT A BIG BOWL OF PASTA THE NIGHT BEFORE? No, loading up can lead to “unloading” during the race. Eat a normal portion of your regular healthy dinner.

SHOULD I WEAR THE RACE T-SHIRTTO THE RACE? Unfortunately, most race shirts are made of cotton and become heavy as they absorb sweat, so save it for bragging rights after you cross the finish line.

I SEE PEOPLE SPRINTING BEFOREHAND. SHOULD I DO THAT, TOO? No. Warm up 30 to 40 minutes before the race begins by walking for five minutes, jogging for five minutes, then picking up the pace a bit for the next five minutes. Finally, walk to the starting line.

WHERE SHOULD I LINE UP? At the very back of the crowd, where the atmosphere is relaxed. Start on a side so you can move over to take one-minute walk breaks for every one to four minutes of running.

SHOULD I RUN AS FAST AS POSSIBLE FROM THE START? No. Even if the folks around you take off quickly, restrain yourself so you have energy to finish.

WHAT IF IT RAINS? The race will still be held. Wear a cap and a garbage bag with holes cut for your head and arms that you can discard before the gun goes off.

WHAT IF I COME IN LAST? You probably won’t, but if you do, the crowd often cheers loudest for the last person. Congratulate yourself for beating the thousands in your community who are still in bed.

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Choosing the Right Running Shoes

You can go a long way toward discovering what you need in a running shoe by looking at your feet. There are three basic foot types, each based on the height of your arches. The quickest and easiest way to determine your foot type is by taking the “wet test,” below.

Wet Test1) Pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan

Wet Test2) Wet the sole of your foot.

Wet Test3) Step onto a shopping bag or a blank piece of heavy paper.

Wet Test4) Step off and look down.

Observe the shape of your foot and match it with one of the foot types at the bottom of the page. Although other variables (such as your weight, biomechanics, weekly mileage, and fit preferences) come into play, knowing your foot type is the first step toward finding the right shoe for you.

Normal (medium) Arch

Wet TestIf you see about half of your arch, you have the most common foot type and are considered a normal pronator. Contrary to popular belief, pronation is a good thing. When the arch collapses inward, this “pronation” absorbs shock. As a normal pronator, you can wear just about any shoe, but may be best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support (or medial stability). Lightweight runners with normal arches may prefer neutral-cushioned shoes without any added support, or even a performance-training shoe that offers some support but less heft, for a faster feel.

Flat (low) Arch

Wet TestIf you see almost your entire footprint, you have a flat foot, which means you’re probably an overpronator. That is, a micro-second after footstrike, your arch collapses inward too much, resulting in excessive foot motion and increasing your risk of injuries. You need either stability shoes, which employ devices such as dual-density midsoles and supportive “posts” to reduce pronation and are best for mild to moderate overpronators, or motion-control shoes, which have firmer support devices and are best for severe overpronators, as well as tall, heavy (over 165 pounds), or bow-legged runners.

High Arch

Wet TestIf you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line on the outside of your foot, you have a high arch, the least common foot type. This means you’re likely an underpronator, or supinator, which can result in too much shock traveling up your legs, since your arch doesn’t collapse enough to absorb it. Underpronators are best suited to neutral-cushioned shoes because they need a softer midsole to encourage pronation. It’s vital that an underpronator’s shoes have no added stability devices to reduce or control pronation, the way a stability or motion-control shoe would.

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Idea Submission

Inventors,

New Balance prides itself on our innovative heritage, so we deeply understand and appreciate the desire to create something that could, quite possibly, change the world. With that in mind, we’d like to share with you the following guidelines for submitting ideas to New Balance.

  • Does your idea fit within the New Balance business model and add new features to our product lines, footwear, design concepts, accessories, and apparel?
  • Is the idea unique? Have you done a search on Google or a search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office?
  • Have you applied for or been granted a Patent? If granted (or published), provide patent (or publication) number and copy of patent.
  • Do you need a patent attorney or patent agent to help you determine the novelty of your idea or to file a patent? If so, consult the following US Patent Attorney and Agents Search site.
  • Is your idea commercially viable? For example, could it be manufactured and sold for a reasonable price? Have you approached manufacturing or design firms to obtain cost estimates for prototyping and manufacturing your idea?

If you feel your idea satisfies the previous questions, download the Submission Form PDF and return to the supplied address or email it to:  ideas@newbalance.com

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Running or Walking Shoes?

Walking shoes vs. running shoes

Walking shoes vs. running shoes

Why walking shoes?
At first glance, walking and running seem very similar. But when you look closely at the two activities and the demands they place on your feet and your footwear, the two are really quite different. Differences that affect the need for, and design of, two very different styles of shoes. But before we get to the shoes, let’s take a look at walking and running and the body mechanics involved with each.

As you walk, the body’s weight is distributed more evenly on the foot than when you run. When walking, your weight rolls from the heel, through the ball and continues to the toe in one foot after the other. This gentler, rocking-chair like motion requires your feet to absorb the shock of only 1-2x your body weight with each step. And, during walking there are points where both feet are firmly on the ground, dividing weight. Running, on the other hand (or foot for that matter) requires the support of at least 2-3x your body weight and each stride has moments with neither foot on the ground. With each step, the outer heel absorbs most of the impact before distributing weight through the foot in an S motion through toe off. So what’s this mean to your shoes? Basically, it’s the old axiom of having the right tool for the job.

Walking shoes are designed with the specific body mechanics and strike path of walking in mind. They are constructed to be more flexible through the ball of the foot to allow a greater range of motion through the roll of the forefoot. They also have greater arch support to protect where the force is heaviest on the foot. Running shoes, in contrast, have more cushioning in the heel–the point of impact–and less protection through the ball of the foot. The amount of heat generated in the running motion is greater, so running shoes also are made with a higher amount of mesh to keep feet cool during exercise.

Picking the proper shoes can prevent discomfort, injury and will encourage you to maintain an active lifestyle. When you shop for shoes, wear the socks you exercise in. The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you put them on. The heel ought to fit snugly, not slip up out of the shoe. If the shoes are tight, do not expect them to stretch out, even if they look stylish. Since feet swell during the day, shop for shoes in the afternoon or after a long walk. To prevent painful blisters, calluses, and to avoid foot disorders like bunions and hammertoes, check for enough room on the sides of your feet, above your toes, and about a half-inch between the end of your longest toe and the shoe.

When picking a new pair of walking shoes, be sure to consider your arch type. You can determine this by bringing an old shoe to the store with you, or by dampening your foot and placing it on a piece of paper. What does your footprint look like? If you don’t see much of a footprint, you have a high arch. If it is wide, your feet are flat. Feet with high arches may be prone to stress because of the lack of natural shock absorption. Seek shoes with cushioning to alleviate this problem. If your feet are flat, they may not support your body well, leading to muscle and joint stress in your feet and knees. Walking shoes that are more structured will give you stability. Look for shoes with medial (inside) support to limit over-pronation and support your feet.

It is most important that your shoes feel comfortable so that you do not avoid exercising. Once your shoes are worn out, they must be replaced. If you can see through the outer sole to the midsole, or feel the support buckling as you exercise, it is time for a new pair. Even well-made shoes eventually degrade. The best advice is to keep track of the mileage on your shoe. On average, shoes last roughly 300-500 miles, so if you walk for exercise, keeping a weekly log of miles will help you understand when your shoes are ready to be replaced.

The best way to ensure that you will enjoy exercising is to have gear that fits right. Whether you decide walking, running, or cross-training is the best activity for you, now you can make an informed decision about the shoes that will help you achieve your goals.

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New Balance Widths

Here at TriCity, we take a lot of phone calls in regards to exactly how much extra room is added when you change the width of your shoe and where exactly this extra room is added. Hopefully the information below will help!!

Measurements between different sizes and widths

Width Differences
There is an 8/16” difference between a B and D width and a 6/16” (3/8”) difference between 4E and 6E. It’s important to note that this is the maximum difference in width. This occurs across the ball of the foot. There is less of a difference as you move towards the tip of the shoe and towards the heel.

Length Differences
There is a 1/6” difference between each ½ size (ie, between 9 and 9.5). For every ½ size up, the width (across the ball) will increase by 1/8 of an inch.

New Balance Widths

Having the proper width shoe is crucial for proper foot comfort and athletic performance. For some individuals, extra wide shoes are the best fit to correct common foot problems. New Balance is the only athletic shoe company to feature wide width shoes to accommodate a larger foot size. New Balance recognizes the need for wide shoes, including wide womens shoes in their premium line of running shoes.

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Good Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that can cause loss of sensation or numbness or the opposite, hypersensitivity. This condition usually manifests itself in the feet and lower extremities first.

Shoe Recommendations:

Running: 1123, 1012, 993, 760, 587

Walking: 927, 846, 811

Pressure Relief Insole and an SL-2 shoe with plenty of room.

See ALL approved New Balance styles HERE

SADMERC & PDAC Approved Styles

 Diabetic Shoes
The Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) has reviewed the documentation and information submitted for  HCPCS Coding. The  PDAC conducts reviews of products to determine the correct HCPCS code(s) of DMEPOS for Medicare billing.

It is our determination that the Medicare  HCPCS code(s) to bill the four Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERCs) is/are:

A550 For diabetics only, fitting (including follow-up), custom preparation and supply of off-the-shelf depth-inlay shoe manufactured to accommodate multi-density insert(s) per shoe.

This HCPCS coding decision applies to the submitted products(s) as presented to and reviewed by the PDAC. Any modifications to the products(s) could change the  HCPCS code and would need to be reviewed for coding verification. The assignment of a HCPCS code the product(s) should in no way be construed as an approval or endorsement of the product(s) by PDAC or Medicare, nor does it imply or guarantee claim reimbursement or coverage. For questions regarding claim coverage or reimbursement please contact your regional DMERC here.
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Shoes that Help with Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar refers to the sole, while fascia is a fibrous band of elastic tissue connected from the heel to all five joints (metatarsal heads) behind the toes. The inflammation of this tissue is plantar fasciitis which causes heel and arch pain.

Shoe Recommendations:

Running: 1226, 1225, 1123, 1012, 993, 760, 587

Walking: 927, 846, 811

Cross-Training: 855

Stabilizer Insole, Ultra Arch Insole

Additional, the Pro-Stretch.

HEEL PAIN CAN BE CURED
Heel pain among weekend sports participants, runners, and those beginning exercise programs is reaching epidemic proportions. Furthermore, heel pain is one of the most common and persistent foot problems affecting men and women. It originates deep within the foot, directly on the heel bone, or within the foot’s connective tissue — the fascia. The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of the foot. Pain results in the heel or arch when these tissues become irritated or inflamed or when small spurs grow on the heel bone itself.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all adult foot complaints involve plantar fasciitis, the type of heel pain caused by chronic inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the heel bone to the toes.

Plantar fasciitis occurs most frequently in adults 40 years and older, especially women. Being overweight and wearing inappropriate footwear are common contributing factors. The pain is most noticeable after getting out of bed in the morning, and it tends to decrease after a few minutes and returns during the day as time on the feet increases.

Many patients attempt self remedies for heel pain, such as anti-inflammatory medications and over-the-counter heel pads, before seeking medical advice. To help diagnose the origin of heel pain, physicians take a thorough history to learn the time of day when the heel pain occurs, types of shoes worn most frequently, activity levels at work or during recreation, and if there has been any recent trauma to the area. X-rays often are taken to check for heel spurs, which indicate that the condition has been present for 6 to 12 months. Generally, the longer that heel pain persists, the longer it takes to cure it.

Not all heel pain, however, is caused by plantar fasciitis. It also can occur from inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bursitis, arthritis, gout, stress fractures, or irritation of one or more of the nerves in the region. Sometimes in such cases, heel pain could be a symptom of a serious medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated separately.

    Conservative Treatment Works
    Initial treatment options for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis include the following:

  • Stretching the calf muscles regularly
  • Wearing the proper shoes. Shoes that do well to help with plantar fasciitis include those with strong arch support (This is different than high arch support). To determine whether or not a shoe has strong arch support, a torsion test is required. During the torsion test look for shoes that are stiff in the arch area and do not bend/flex in that area. If an athletic shoe bends in the middle, it may not provide the required stability and protection against heel pain. A shoe should bend in the area in which the toes bend and not at the arch.
  • Using over-the-counter orthotics by New Balance, Spenco, Powerstep or Lynco (these orthotics are firm/hard through the arch; they are not soft, cushioned all-purpose inserts like Dr. Scholl’s).
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Padding and strapping of the foot around the arch
  • Injections of corticosterioids.Most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to conservative treatment within six weeks. If improvement occurs, initial therapy is continued until the heel pain is resolved. But if heel pain persists, the patient should be referred to a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for further evaluation and more specialized treatment.

Treatments for Persistent Heel Pain

When conservative treatment fails to remedy heel pain, surgical options that may be considered are removal of a heel spur and separation of the fascial tissue from the heel bone (plantar fasciotomy). During surgery to separate fascial tissue, the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon makes a small incision on the inside of the heel and gently cuts away the tissue. During this procedure, if heel spurs are present they may removed after the fascial tissue is detached from the heel bone.

Heel pain surgery normally is performed on an outpatient basis. A cast might be needed to immobilize the foot for two or three weeks after surgery and about a month of physical therapy is recommended after that. With no complications, recovery is complete in six to eight weeks.

A relatively new non-invasive technique, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, also is effective for treating severe, chronic heel pain in adults. This new procedure uses a lithotriptor device — similar to those used to eliminate kidney stones — to generate shock waves aimed at the treatment site. The shock waves achieve therapeutic results by increasing blood flow to trigger a healing response. This eases inflammation in the heel and relieves chronic pain.

With several surgical and non-surgical treatment alternatives available, heel pain should not be tolerated as a consequence of aging, injury, disease or regular physical activity. Sometimes a simple modification of daily activities to reduce stress on the feet can help relieve it. But for those with persistent heel pain, podiatric foot and ankle surgeons are the experts to consult for determining the most appropriate treatments.