by Larry Eder
April 7 , 2014 Contact: Larry Eder
New Balance Fresh Foam 980 Named Best Neutral Shoe in Fortius Media Group, LLC, 2014 Spring Shoe Review
SAN JOSE – The New Balance Fresh Foam 980 took top honors in the neutral category of the Fortius Media Group, LLC, 2014 Spring Shoe Review.
“Runners are very lucky. There is very little equipment that is needed. For the past two decades, the partners of Fortius Media Group have relied on Cregg Weinmann, the runningproductreviews.com footwear reviewer, and his team, to suggest the finest running footwear available. Our reviews are now available daily, via social media, on digital and in print. The Spring and Fall Shoe Reviews have always been our largest, although Cregg reviews on a monthly basis around the year. As always, we suggest that the five million runners and walkers who read our reviews make their purchases in their local running store. Read globally, buy locally is our mantra,” noted Larry Eder, the publishing director of the Fortius Media Group, LLC.
The review process begins with shoes being carefully matched to the motion, shape and footstrike of 350 wear testers. Testers run 100 miles in the shoes and report their evaluations on seven key performance characteristics throughout the process. Data from the testers is entered into a software system developed by Cregg Weinmann, the Fortius Media Group’s footwear reviewer, to produce a winner in each category.
“There is nearly a perfect shoe available for everyone, if you take the time to understand your footstrike and running needs, do the research and consult with your local running store,” said Weinmann.
New to the New Balance line, the 980 has generated interest due to its use of Fresh Foam. The upper is closed minimesh with no-sew overlays. A generous layer of memory foam in the ankle collar accommodates a variety of feet and the interior is smooth and comfortable. The midsole uses a new lightweight and cushiony polyethylene formulation called Fresh Foam. With slightly taller geometry than other New Balance shoes, the 980 features a measured stack height of 28mm and a 4mm heel-to-toe drop. The full-contact outersole has a grippy, low-profile, lug-like pattern of different size hexagons. The slightly beveled and decoupled heel evens out the touchdown. A combination of fit, ride and innovation earned the New Balance Fresh Foam 980 the title of best shoe in the neutral category (Weinmann 2014).
“Secure but roomy fit; smooth and seamless. Really well-cushioned, but not too soft. Really well done,” said one wear tester when describing the Fresh Foam 980.
Established in 2010, Fortius Media Group, LLC, is a media company focused on developing creative approaches to building interest in the sport of global athletics.
The Fortius Media Group LLC represents many of the partners from RunningNetwork.com, as well as new partners.
The complete partner list is as follows: American Track & Field, Athletes Only, Athletics (Canada), AustinFit, California Track & Running News, Club Business Internaitional, Club Running (RRCA), Coaching Athletics, Colorado Runner, Get Active!, Greater Long Island Running Club’s Footnotes, healthclubs.com, Latinos Corriendo, marathonguide.com, Michigan Runner, morunandtri.com, Running Journal, Racing South, RunBlogRun.com, RunMinnesota, RUNOHIO, runningnetworktv, runningproductreviews.com, The Shoe Addicts, Track & Field News, USATF/New England’s Exchange Zone, Techniques, TFRRS.com, The Winged Foot (NYAC), The Winged M (MAC), USTFCCCA.org, womentalksports.com, Youth Runner.
To learn more about Fortius Media Group, LLC, contact Larry Eder at [email protected].
