A New Shoe - New Balance MRW100
Dateline: 02/14/99
Fast walkers have unique needs in a shoe. Shoes appropriate for
racewalk training and competition are few and far between. New Balance just released
the MRW100W designed especially for fast walking.
Features:
- Low heel
- Lightweight but not too light.
- Very flexible.
- Sturdy enough to last 500 miles
- Bend in front to allow push off, not under the arch which can cause hamstring and arch problems.
- Available in both men's and women's sizes
- Available only in "D" width (standard)
Wendy Test Drives
the Shoe
- I called in an order to Sports 'n More (see below) and received my shoes in less than a week.
- Look: Navy and cranberry colors on white are very attractive.
- Breathable: The top of the shoe around the toe box is a mesh lined with light fabric. In the winter, you definitely feel the wind around your feet.
- Laces: The laces were standard flat laces which I have never had come undone, which is unusual for me.
- Tongue: very lightly padded, with lace guide to keep it in place.
- First drive: The shoes are definitely made for walking. The low heel allows good heel strike and the flexible sole allows you to roll through your step without fighting the shoe.
- Second drive: I took these out for a 7 mile workout walk with the Racewalkers Northwest and had no trouble keeping up with the pack, and no blisters or problems afterwards.
Availability
The MRW100W is currently available to any authorized New Balance retailer who is willing to order it. If your local retailers do not carry this model on-hand you can request a "special order". I have not yet as of this date 2/12/99 found an online dealer that lists the shoe - I got my pair mail order - but you may request it from them.
Mail Order
- Brown's New Balance catalog center at 1-800-728-6247.
- Gary Westlund: $65 a pair plus shipping of about $5 per shipment. 612-782-9620 or 712-9417 Email WOGuyWest@aol.com
- Sports 'n More in Foley Alabama has both the men's and women's MRW100 IN STOCK for $56.99. Sports 'n More: 1-800 397-5480. I called and received my shoes in less than a week.
New Balance
After over two years with their "Cyberpark" look, New Balance just this week unveiled a new look to their web site. A clean entry screen leads you to Shop, Running, Walking, Events, Corporate, and Contact.
- Shop: Links to data on performance fit and technical details, shoe catalog with a variety of search functions for features, models, categories, dealer locator, and Club New Balance where you can join their mailing list or tell more about yourself to get entered into monthly drawings.
- Running: Races, performance tips, Team NB and running links.
- Walking: Achieve New Balance is illustrated with a gorgeous photo and comments from a walker. Links near the top lead to Walking Events and Walking Links. The events lead to events hosted by the American Volkssport Association.
- Events: Choices of Achieve New Balance, Race for the Cure, and NB Sponsored Events. The Race for the Cure links include calendars for these events nationwide.
Top Picks for Racewalking Shoes
Walking Shoe Guide
Our guide on how to select the right walking shoe for your feet, plus shoe
reviews.
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Walking Bulletin Board
Walking Chat Room
photos by Wendy Bumgardner
