New Balance 801

New Balance has been known as a shoe for hardcore runners for decades, really ever since the 70’s. Rather than spend money hiring celebrities and buying TV time, New Balance continues to pour money into research and continues to make their shoes in America. Its been a winning combination for more than a hundred years.
The New Balance 801 reinforces the companies cult status and keeps it close to its running roots. The 801 is made specifically for a type of runner who’s feet make contact first with their mid-foot. The style of midfoot strikers can be part of a larger group of training and health techniques called Chi-Running, but that’s a topic for another time. The important part to remember is if your running style has you hitting the ground with your mid-foot first, you should probably look into these shoes.
Perhaps befitting such a nichey product, these shoes are really packed with the latest New Balance technology-they’ll make your old 991’s look like yesterday’s news in no time flat. On the outside you’ll notice they have 360 degree reflexive covering, which is great for night running, along with a lace system that attaches the sole to the laces themselves, ensuring a tight fit. The rest of the uppers are made out of mesh with a LIGHTENING-DRY liner that wicks the sweat away from your feet while you run, keeping them nice and dry.The sole itself makes use of New Balance ABZORB foam cushioning all the way along the shoe, and uses the N-DURANCE rubber outside, much like the rest of the New Balance lineup. Just as an aside, I can vouch for the N-DURANCE rubber, it just plain outlasts the competitors.
To sum things up, if you are a follower of chi-running or are a midfoot striker, these shoes might be right up your alley.