New Balance Wear Test Program

In my Sunday run gang there are 2 guys currently wear testing for NB and another guy who has in the past. Seems like they will take anyone with a 9.5 show, or whatever size it is they use for wear testing.

Its a good program, more-so if you're interested in shoe development. It's not really for people just looking for free shoes - you return everything that you test. I've been testing for them for about 4 years. You have to be very detail-oriented in the reviews. Having a garmin helps to keep track of the mileage/time details. What you'll find is that you'll test a lot if you are good about being on time with the reports and are thorough in the reports, not so much if you don't. You won't necessarily care for some of what you test but will need to "gut through" and complete the 4-6 weeks unless the shoe is causing injury. Best advice I can give you is to be as objective and thorough as you can. I really enjoy it and have learned much from it.

I get to keep just about anything I test ( media tester ) . My friends keep everything as well .

You can't possibly test too many shoes in this scenario. Many readers ask outright how many miles a shoe will go b4 losing shock absorbing abilities .

Thankfully all editorial stuff consists of performance runners and our positive opinions ( so far so good ) boosts the sales .

Producers are happy , runners thank us - win/win

I think the New Balance shoes of the last 2-3 years have sucked. They make them for people that weigh 200+ pounds. I won a free pair of 1062 and then a pair of 1063. The 1063 looks much better but you get the same crappy performance.

When filling out the application, it says "Preferred Shoe Last: SL-1 or SL-2" What does that mean?

I believe the Sl-1 last is more of a narrow/performance oriented last. Kind of like the new PL last. The SL-2 is much wider /Straight lasted?