2011 New Balance 890 Review

New Balance 890

I recently started running in a pair of New Balance 890. It's their new middle ground shoe that falls between a traditional heel strike shoe and a minimal shoe. The materials used in the 890 are comfortable and very light. The shoe provides enough cushioning and support for mid-range to long runs and find them great to run in.

By using a new cushioning material called Rev-Lite and stitch-less uppers, New Balance claims the cushioning power is just as strong and 30% lighter than material used in other foam cushioned shoes. These shoes are only 9.7 ounces per shoe (size US9.5 men's). The shoes are also seamless/stitch-less so they fit very comfortably over the top of the foot with no seams or shoe laces felt at all.

The NB890 fills the spot as something new for those who aren't ready to try minimalist shoes such as the New Balance Minimus, Merrel Barefoot or Vibram 5 fingers but looking to for mid/fore foot striking support. These have quickly become my favorite shoes for light, cushioned mid-support daily runners. If Asics is your preference I would highly recommend also checking out the Asics DS Sky Speed 2 equivalent.