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What To Look For
Before you start shopping for New Balance shoes, decide on the type of shoes you need. The company divides its shoes into the categories of running, walking, training, outdoor/hiking, walking; shoes for individual sports, including lacrosse, football, baseball; and shoes for yoga. Each type of shoe offers different features for a specific activity, such as the LD1006, which is a running shoe with a padded insole for comfort and grips on the bottom that provide traction. Walking shoes like the 760 have a lining that dries quickly and cushioning that absorbs shock. New Balance also offers the chance for shoppers to design their own shoes based on their needs and the colors they prefer.
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for any type of athletic shoe, including New Balance shoes, always be sure they fit your feet comfortably. Shop later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen from walking. If you buy shoes prior to doing any activity, the shoes might be too tight and feel uncomfortable later. Pay attention to specific features you need, and don't buy shoes without those features.
Where To Buy
The best place to shop for New Balance shoes is at a sports specialty shoe store. This gives you the chance to try the shoes on, walk around the store and see exactly how they fit, as well as ask the staff questions about the shoes. As the size of the shoes may vary depending on the type, you may discover that while you wear a size 10 in running shoes, you wear a 10.5 or 9.5 in yoga shoes. It also gives you the chance to have your feet measured, which helps determine the exact size needed. However, if you already know the size and type of shoe, shop from the New Balance website. The website has a larger selection than you might find in stores.
Cost
New Balance shoes have a wide range of prices, depending on where you shop and the type of shoes you buy. Shoes start at about $40 for the basic running and walking shoes, while shoes for kids cost less than $40, as of 2010. Expect to pay up to $120 or more for the more advanced shoes, especially those for hiking and for running shoes with more advanced technologies like those used by professional runners and racers.
