The Roots of New Balance Outdoor Shoes: Tennis Shoes!

Enjoying scenery in mid-to-low mountains up to 2500 meters. Gazing at flowers and water while walking through highlands. Refreshing yourself in forests. Experiencing alpine plants in marshlands. Considering environmental issues in satoyama – New Balance's outdoor shoes cater to everyone from nature lovers to those who want to enjoy them at outdoor music festivals or for town use.

New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 as a manufacturer of corrective footwear for conditions like arch support insoles and flat feet. The company name derives from bringing a "new balance" to the wearer. Its innovative shoe concepts, originating from "Instep Lacing," earned global acclaim for its running shoes. The company's footwear incorporates cutting-edge technology and prioritizes a perfect fit in every model. In particular, the "Wiz Sizing System," which allows for selection of foot width, has earned immense trust from those seeking a superior fit.

Outdoor shoes were born from the idea of renowned mountaineer Lou Whittaker. He was one of the first Americans to climb the north face of Everest in 1982, and he used to wear New Balance tennis shoes for his climbs. He discovered that by adding spikes to these tennis shoes, they were more comfortable and easier to climb in than existing mountaineering boots. At his request, New Balance outdoor shoes were born. These models became a sensation as lightweight hiking shoes unlike any seen before.

Lightweight, Easy-to-Wear, and Fatigue-Resistant Outdoor Shoes

Their features include a lightweight construction based on trail running (running on unpaved mountain and field paths), a choice of widths (Wiz Sizing), the superior fit expected from a running brand, and a flexible midsole that reduces fatigue, all contributing to overall wearability. Available in low-cut models suitable for flat hiking and mid-cut models that cover the ankle for protection on light mountain climbs, they also offer a delightful selection of colors.

Trekking Feature | New Balance TOKYO x Trekking

Enjoyable Walks with Friends or Solo

Kaori Inoue, who has been trekking for seven years, works at New Balance Tokyo, the flagship store that also serves as a showroom for all New Balance products. "My favorite mountain right now is Yatsugatake. It's easily accessible from Tokyo, and on a clear day, you can see the Alps and Mt. Fuji, making it a very rewarding climb," she says. Having an active trekker as a sales staff member on the first floor's women's section at New Balance Tokyo makes consultations reassuring! We asked Inoue about choosing trekking shoes.

I've Noticed Many Things Since I Started Trekking

My interest in trekking began with my love for backpacking trips abroad. Since I couldn't spend money on travel while in Japan, I looked for enjoyable activities that didn't cost much, and that's how I discovered mountain climbing.

Footwear is the Most Important: Measuring Your Width, for Example

With the boom in Mt. Fuji climbing since last year and the fashion trends at music festivals, the number of women interested in trekking shoes has significantly increased compared to a few years ago. Many are looking for "GORE-TEX" shoes, and awareness of the material is growing. New Balance's outdoor shoes now include GORE-TEX models, and this year's colorful options make choosing even more enjoyable.

Furthermore, sock choice and lacing techniques significantly impact comfort. We recommend medium-weight wool socks with deodorizing properties or quick-drying socks. Also, since foot movement differs between ascents and descents, we advise loosening the laces on descents to allow for greater foot mobility.

When choosing trekking shoes, while design is important, comfort is paramount. New Balance offers the "Wiz Sizing System," allowing you to select your foot width, ensuring an even more precise fit.

Trekking Feature | New Balance Recommended Model

Versatile Appeal: From Mt. Fuji Climbs to Outdoor Music Festivals

High cushioning, secure hold and stability, lightweight yet robust construction – the functions that reduce foot strain, backed by New Balance's history, are inherited as DNA in their outdoor shoes. For those seeking the perfect fit for their feet, you're sure to find shoes that strike the best balance of function, design, and price!

Trail Walking "MT/WT703GH" Available in Two Widths (EE, 4E)

The "MT703GH" for men and "WT703GH" for women are lightweight mid-cut models that protect the feet. They are suitable for a wide range of activities, from climbing Mt. Fuji to trekking and light hiking, providing comfortable support with excellent cushioning and reliable grip. The sole incorporates New Balance's high-rebound, high-cushioning "N-ergy" material and uses waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® fabric. Despite their surprising lightness, they offer a stable feel.

Exclusive Color Available at "Super Sports Xebio": "MT703XG"

The "MT703XG," supported by GORE-TEX® fabric for various trail conditions, now comes in an exclusive colorway for Super Sports Xebio. It offers solid stability for everything from outdoor festivals and Mt. Fuji climbs to light hiking and satoyama walks.

Unisex Model "MO1320": Ideal for Outdoor Festivals and MTB

This multi-purpose model features "GORE-TEX® XCR," a material designed for comfort in all conditions, on the upper, enhancing breathability and lightness with mesh. It offers the durability needed for trail adventures, along with excellent grip from the Vibram sole. The sole design, inspired by climbing shoes, allows for secure toe-holds on rocky terrain.

New Balance Tokyo
5-50-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Urban Terrace Aoyama
Tel. 03-5774-8576
Business Hours | 11:00–20:00
Irregular Holidays
http://www.newbalance.co.jp/