New Balance Eco-Preferred Collection Review and Giveaway

This contest is now closed. Congrats to the winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered and to New Balance for sponsoring such a wondering giveaway.

When New Balance asked me to try out their new eco-preferred shoe, the New Balance 70, I was overjoyed.

I have never owned a pair of New Balance shoes before but I have heard my MIL raving about hers so I was excited about having a pair of my own, especially an eco pair.


After flipping a coin to decide between the blue pair and the green pair (blue winning) I anxiously awaited for them to arrive (which they did in a very short amount of time).

The first thing that I noticed when I removed the shoes from the box was how lightweight they were (light as a feather came to mind). 245 grams or 8.6 ounces of lightweightness to be exact. ;-)

A few days later I got the chance to wear my new eco-friendlier shoes to an evening BBQ. They were very comfortable in that setting and spruced up my jeans and t-shirt (which happened to be the same shade of blue as the shoes) attire.

I definitely appreciated the lightweightness of the shoe while I was wearing them and I also enjoyed the extra arch support they seemed to have.
Even though these were brand new shoes I did not feel like I had to "break them in" and at the end of the evening my feet felt fine (no soreness that is typically felt when I wear new shoes for the first time)
Another feature that stood out to me were the soles. They were very grippe, slightly elevated, and very cool looking.

I probably wouldn't wear these shoes hiking or running but for a day of leisure, running errands, or an evening BBQ, they were perfect.

Here are some official stats on the New Balance 70 eco-preferred shoe:

*This new collection features shoes that utilize environmentally preferred materials, constructions and manufacturing processes.

*Is developed for fashionable consumers who consider the environment without relaxing their standards of style and comfort.

*Seventy-five percent of the upper components are “environmentally preferred materials.”

*The laces, webbing, rand, quarter, tongue and saddle incorporate recycled polyester

*The foxing and the tip of the shoe are synthetics made with fewer solvents than traditional materials.

*Rice husks filler in the outsole reduces the amount of rubber needed, thus reducing the amount of petroleum used.

*Water-based adhesives (rather than solvent-based) are used to join the upper and the sole unit

*No paper stuffing or paper wrapping are used in the packaging of 70 (This is true. I hadn't thought about it until I just read it.)

*The upper is constructed with minimal layers to reduce unnecessary material usage. It features a uniquely efficient design--the parts fit together much like a puzzle--in an effort to utilize as much of the original cutting material as possible.

One downside to the shoe is that it is made in China and not in the USA. Maybe the next generation of New Balance's eco-preferred shoe will be made in the USA. (We can always ask nicely and hope they listen)

***The New Balance 70 is made with a reduced waste design and recycled materials, this trail shoe is an elegant blend of eco-friendly shoe construction and New Balance's famous fit and comfort

I would have to say that I agree with that summary! I am extremely happy with my blue New Balance 70 eco-preferred shoe.

Thanks to the generous folks at New Balance 2 of my readers will get a chance to determine if they agree with that summary too. How awesome is that!?! (Thanks guys!)

To Enter: Visit the New Balance website, take a look at their products, learn more about their first green shoe, then come back here and leave me a comment telling me what color and size of New Balance 70 shoe you would love to win!

Don't forget to include your e-mail address (if your profile does not have it listed)

Giveaway Ends: Sunday Sept. 13th!

Extra Entry: Blog or Twitter about this giveaway and post the links here.

Good Luck!