The past couple of weeks I’ve been on the lookout for a shoe to compliment my already excessive collection of running shoes. Don’t get me wrong, with the exception of one particular model that doesn’t feel quite right the (toe box is a little wide and long), I’m perfectly happy with every shoe I own. However, with all the miles I’m currently running, and will be running over the next 16 weeks as I train for the Richmond Marathon, I think a bit of variety is in order.
The New Balance 1062 appears to be just what I’m looking for. According to the New Balance Harrisburg web site the shoe is a:
premium neutral-cushioning trainer that offers the ultimate cushioned ride from heel to toe off, with our Abzorb FL midsole technology as well as our DTS cushioning system in the heel to provide a smooooth ride and soft heel strike.
The 1062 isn’t the lightest or most flexible shoe available, but that’s not what I’m looking for in this particular model. I definitely don’t plan on doing any speed work or tempo runs in the 1062; they’ll purely be used on my longer run days.
Online reviews seem to be pretty good, which is quite unusual as most people tend to write about the negative side of things. Also, New Balance are one of the most respected names in the running shoe world and their customer support and service are second to none; don’t think I can go wrong here either.
Think I’ll treat my feet and take a chance on the 1062 before my long runs get too long, and my weekly mileage too high. Naturally I’ll write about the shoe when I’ve found the best deal and completed a few long runs, probably some time in August.
Colors: White/Silver/Blue
Weight: 363 grams (12.8 oz)
Price: $119.99
I got a free pair of those for running a race on the 4th of July (as did my wife and 498 other people) and they are very “cushiony” and certainly give you a soft ride.
Unfortunately, I don’t overly care for the soft ride; I like to feel the ground and these are not only the heaviest shoes I own but the first time I’ve worn something that cushioned. (I train once or twice a week in vibram five fingers, after all!)
They aren’t uncomfortable to run in at all, but I am going to stick to using them on shorter runs of only 5 to 10 miles. I hope they work out for you, and I agree that having multiple models of shoes to rotate between is definitely good for you.
Cool info; thanks Blaine!
The choice of available shoes is quite staggering at the moment. I quite like the look (features not necessarily style) of the new Brooks Ghost and have you seen the new range of Newton running shoes?
http://www.newtonrunning.com
Great concept! I’d love to try a pair but they’re not cheap!
Have a fun weekend,
–Steve
http://www.newbalance.com/running/racingcomps/RC152/
Best New Balance shoe currently available and less than half the weight of the 1062, only shoe I run in.
The RC152 is fine for racing anything from a 5k up to a half marathon, but I’m looking for a long distance training shoe.
I already have my quota of racing flats…
Thanks for the comment,
–Steve
By the way, how many pairs do you have? Surely they don’t last very long if they’re the only shoe you run in?
Only have one pair, got them last month. My last shoe was the DS Racer and I used them for about a year, they could go a bit further but I like the NBs better.
Steve,
How did the 1062’s work out for you?
I am contemplating getting a pair. I run in the NB 768’s and think these would be a bit better for the knees. They have them adv for $45 dollars which seems like a steal.
I do need to get a pair of lighter weight shoes for races, but since I only do 5K-5Mi runs they are not as critical as a good training shoe.
Hi Mark
The 1062 were an okay shoe for me. Not the greatest, but not the worst either. They were a little too stiff and just a bit heavy for my liking, but overall I wouldn’t say it was a bad shoe. Sounds like a good deal if you can get them for $45. Good luck!