New Balance 850
The New Balance 850 is an update of the New Balance 859, still remaining in the Stability category, with the biggest updates coming in a more cushioned collar and the Stabilicore medial post that provides the support in the shoe to guide the heel strike to toe-off. The new Stabilicore support post also cuts a lot of weight comparing it to standard multi-density midsole designs, resulting in an overall weight drop of almost an ounce.
The New Balance 850 comes with a Stability Web lightweight arch support built in, that is designed to prevent midfoot flexing and allow the foot to flex in the metatarsals, where your foot is supposed to flex. This is an interesting feature, allowing the foot to flex where its meant to flex, and could provide some much needed foot support if you have problems with plantar fasciitis.
One of the common problems with the New Balance 850 is that it often doesn’t have enough cushioning for larger runners. The lack of cushioning when a lot of weight needs to be absorbed results in bottoming out the cushioning and making your body absorb more of that shock.
Regarding fit of the shoe, the N-lock external support system keeps the shoe snug around your midsole to lock your heel in. Along with the New Balance Sure lace system to prevent loosening up of the laces, they have been putting a lot of effort into designing efficient ways for you to get the fit you need in a pair of running shoes.
See a video review from Runners World on the New Balance 850 running shoe:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Got mine at endless, it really is worth the price. Love it.