It's a calamity across the nation! An estimated three out of four Americans are walking around with an improper fit. 
When is the last time you had your feet properly measured? Are you a "cool guy" with potato shoes?

When all is said and done, it is up to you to determine if you are like the "cool guy" refusing to admit his feet have grown. Brown's Catalog and our New Balance stores are here to help you "lose your cool".

 

Are you a big fan of the walking 844? How about the running 858?
Well... I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?
The bad news is the 844 and 858 are on the way out.
We are sad to see them go but excited to see how well their successors perform!
Check out the new 845 walking and 859 running models available online now!

The 845 is the newest in a long standing, ultimate walking shoe line.
You may remember the late, great 842 or even beyond.
Charge up the comfort, streamline the look and snazz up your dogwalking days in the latest improvements!

Get the specs!
MW845WN/WW845WB

      MW845WN                                   WW845WB

The 859, the latest introduction in a series that is no stranger to providing a smooth and cushioned ride, now with even more features for a stable and comfortable relationship. What more could you ask for?

Get the specs!
MR859SB/WR859SB 

 

If you live close to your job, walk to work! On my thirty minute commute this morning I did some math. On average, I spend $200 a month on gas, and that doesn't include trips to the city on a whim. My last pair of shoes, WR768, retail at $99.95 and will last me about 4-6 months comfortably. I divided that out and compared the numbers. My shoes cost me around $20 a month compared to fuel costing me $200 a month. Geez do I wish I could walk to work!

However, saving money isn't the only reason to walk. Several studies have told us that walkers have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other diseases. Brisk walking is a form of aerobic exercise, increasing the heart rate for an extended time to strengthen the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones. Regular exercise also improves mood and energy levels. So even if you don't have the opportunity to walk to work, get walking!

Jump start the day with a lap around the neighborhood, apartment building or even just your house in the 759. Take a walk through the building on your lunch break in the 844. Not only will you get some energy going for the afternoons work, but you'll be able to say hi to Bob in accounting that you haven't seen since last Friday. If you're more of a woods walker and would rather do your walking outdoor, Better Homes and Gardens recommends the WW965BR in their July issue for walks "off the beaten path".

Every step you take in a day counts! You'll be amazed at how many steps the 50005 Panic Pedometer tells you that you took just doing everyday activities. Of course you won't burn a lot of calories from a casual walk around the office but it still helps to get the blood flowing and the muscles moving. For anyone who would like to get started walking there is a great online program provided by Google and Cleveland Clinic. It is a 15 week program designed to gradually build up your endurance on the way to a healthier you. There are easy-to-follow steps on how to keep track of your progress and motivate yourself to keep going. And trust me, the website won't give you a dirty look when you walk shy of your goal but it may make you do the week over. Check out the program at Go for Good. *Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

In the meantime, I may not be saving a dollar but I'll be satisfying my early morning "walk craving" by parking further from the door.

Happy Walking!

The 10^th annual Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure drew nearly 64,000 participants bright and early June 21^st. Contributions totaled over $3.3 million, surpassing this year's goal! Each year Race for the Cure brings a greater awareness to the fight against breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded twenty-five years ago by Susan's sister, Nancy G. Brinker. At that time, when breast cancer was diagnosed before it spread beyond the breast, the five-year survival rate was just 74 percent. Today, it is 98 percent. Nearly 75 percent of women over the age of 40 now receive regular mammograms compared to just 30 percent in 1982.

Attending the race in St. Louis was a great reminder that even though the stats are improving, we still have far to go. The people I spoke with had such a positive attitude and glowed with hopeful inspiration given by the more than 4,000 survivors present at this year's race. Even with so many smiles seen in such a large turnout, no one overlooks the very serious reason we are there.  Names of sisters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and friends flashed by in the thousands on the backs of participants that were walking in memory of or in celebration of their loved ones. These names were listed on their backs but the sentiment did not take a back seat. This symbolized one of the ways people are leaving the pain behind and racing forward for a cure. 

Everyone showed up sporting different shades of pink and accessorized with crazy pink wigs, pink rabbit ears, and pink antennae.  One of the most popular accessories seen on participants were pink laces provided by New Balance. The pink shoelaces were given to survivors and offered to others for a minimal donation, with the proceeds going directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The pink lace donation is just one of the ways New Balance contributes to the cause.

New Balance is the longest running sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series.  They have made financial contributions of more than $6 million since 1989. To promote increased breast cancer awareness, New Balance has created the Lace Up for the Cure^® Apparel & Footwear Collection as a reminder that the ultimate finish line is a cure for breast cancer.

In 2008, New Balance will contribute 15% of wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure Apparel & Footwear Collection with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. Find your favorite Lace Up for the Cure item here. One of my favorites is the pink laces. Brown's Catalog donates 100% of the proceeds from the pink lace to Komen for the Cure. Check out our footage from the race posted below. This was my fourth race attended and will not be the last. Hope to see you there next year!