While New Balance is known throughout the world for their extensive line of walking and running shoes, their cross trainers don't receive quite as much press.  I can't really figure out a good reason for this as the cross trainers and trail runners that they make are second to none!  While other companies like Nike outsource their labor to off shore locales, New Balance makes all their products right here in America.  This "Made in the U.S.A" policy is good for a couple of reasons.  First off, it's good for the local economy.  In times like this, it's important to think and buy local.  The other reason to buy products made in the USA revolves around quality.  It's just understood that shoes made in the states are more durable and longer lasting than shoes made in third world countries.  Anyway...  Onto the New Balance 620 Cross Training Shoes.

So what's a cross trainer anyway? Well, in the case of these shoes, it refers to their ability to go off road. That's why they are also known as trail runners. They have a few qualities that your regular running and walking shoes don't usually possess. We'll cover these in detail in the following text. Before we go there, though, I think it's important to talk about where we buy our shoes. Up until recently, I though that the local mall was as good a place as any. That is, until I discovered a whole bunch of online stores. You can get exactly what you want at a much cheaper price. This is true of any type of shoe you want to buy. Do yourself a favor the next time you need a new pair of shoes. Check out a few sites, read a few reviews and buy your next pair of shoes on the Internet. You won't regret it!

New Balance 620's - An Overview

What exactly defines a trail running shoe then?  Well, there are a few different features that you'll find on a shoe like the 620 that make it ideal for rough and rugged terrain.  The most important thing to look at is the tread on the bottom of the shoe.  In the 620's case, the tread is what New Balance likes to call "AT TREAD".  The AT stands for all terrain and is thus designed for off road use.  Basically. the channels on the sole are a bit deeper and the spikes a bit sharper.  There are also a number of features that provide support and comfort for the trail runner.  You see, running on rough terrain isn't like jogging down your street.  The chance that you'll roll or even twist your ankle is much higher when you go off road.  Because of this, it's crucial that your preferred cross trainer has a lot of support as well as soft padding on the inside.  New Balance has included a few bits of technology in the 620's specifically designed to address this issue.  The first one is known as N-FUSE.  While most shoes only use one thin layer of for the sole, shoes armed with N-FUSE have two nice layers that sit in between the bottom of your foot and the inside of the shoe.  This makes running over rocks and stumps a lot less painful.  The New Balance 620 also features I-MEVA mid sole support for greater stability and comfort.

New Balance 620 - The Verdict

So are these shoes worth the price of admission?  I'd say so.  There are a couple of things that I change, but for the most part, the 620's are rock solid.  They are extremely comfortable.  With all the extra padding and support in these shoes, you may find yourself wearing them even when you're not running on a trail!  These shoes are also very durable.  Trail shoes generally don't last as long as normal running or walking shoes.  If you can get a year out them, you're probably doing OK.  Some user have reported that the heel of the 620 will wear out after a lot of heavy use.

Do you have any experience with the New Balance 620 women's and men's trail shoes?  If so, I'd love to hear from you.  Please feel free to leave me a comment at the bottom of the page.