In celebration of Global Running Day, New York Road Runners (NYRR) had a 5K race around Central Park. As an added incentive, they gave away New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit sneakers to all participants.
When I signed up for the race with Colleen and Dawn, team members from Team Galloway Long Island, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that NYRR was also giving out “free” sneakers. That was a great incentive to sign us up and get us into the city at 6 am for a 7 am race start.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit
The sneakers are better than I expected. They feel like socks on the top of your foot and stability sneakers under the bottom of my foot.
The race cost us $60. But the sneakers retail for $110!
Lightweight
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuits are extremely lightweight. They only weigh 6 oz in the women’s version and 7 oz in the men’s version.
The feel
These are quick and responsive sneakers. They have a 6mm drop from heel to toe, which again makes me happy. (Anything over a 5 mm drop works for someone with Achilles problems.)
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuits are so incredibly comfortable. The tongue is attached to the shoe with an elastic band that you don’t feel when you’re wearing the sneakers.
The sneakers have a large toe box and the heel has a snug fit. When you lift up your toes in the sneakers, the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuits feel as if they are socks. They have a lot of flexibility.
What I also love about these sneakers is there are tiny air holes that keep your feet feeling cool, even after the hottest run. Air circulates inside the shoe.
When you try to twist the toe box, there’s no give. These are true neutral stability shoes.
From the website:
“We packed our New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit running shoe for women with technology to help enhance your run, based on data from real-life runners. The result: A soft and responsive Fresh Foam midsole with laser-cut perforations that delivers a fast feel without sacrificing cushioning. Plus, an innovative HypoKnit upper offers soft yet strategic support from heel to forefoot.”
I’m really impressed with these sneakers. I didn’t know what to expect when I found out we were getting free sneakers but the more I’ve been wearing them, the more I love them. Thanks, NYRR, and New Balance!