Week 3
- My shoes and I visiting Starbucks
This week was a do everything under the sun in your shoes week. My husband asked if I was going to sleep in them. If they would tone my butt in my sleep I surely would.
I had planned to do a vlog but had some camera problems, so this week you get a break from my face and I thought I’d share some facts about the shoes and what New Balance research came up with.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is the technology behind truebalance?
A: It is a patent pending balance board technology featuring a soft, flexible sole unit with a
spring system design and a rounded bottom.
2. Q: How does the truebalance technology work?
A: Every step you take in truebalance shoes makes your body work to maintain balance
which in turn activates your muscles as you are walking on an unstable platform that engages
core and other muscle groupings.
3. Q: What are the benefits of wearing New Balance truebalance shoes?
A: With each step you take in truebalance shoes they tone your muscles from your legs to
your glutes to your core and help to burn calories. Although results may vary, testing has
shown up to a 29% increase in muscle activation and up to a 10% increase in calorie burning
versus conventional walking shoes. Burning calories is the basis of weight loss, a goal for a healthy wellbeing.
4. Q: How are truebalance and rock&tone different?
A: While walking in both truebalance and rock&tone will increase muscle activation which
leads to toning and increased calorie burn, truebalance offers more of a full range of motion
including side to side and front to back while rock&tone encourages front to back motion.
5. Q: How is your product different from those others currently on the market?
A: Exercising in truebalance allows the foot to go through a thorough range of motion from
side to side and front to back. Most other footwear that claim similar benefits either accentuate
front to back motion or side to side motion, but not both. For example, rocker bottom shoes
accentuate the front to back movement, due to aggressive radius, however it does not
accentuate side to side movements. Also, truebalance has been rated by consumers to be
the most wearable and most comfortable in Sports Research Laboratory perception tests when
compared to other footwear making similar claims.
6. Q: Is there something that New Balance truebalance shoes offer that consumers can
find elsewhere?
A: Although a few other toning shoes allow some side to side movement and potentially some
front to back movement, our consumer tests results show them not to be as comfortable as the
truebalance product. Also, truebalance features a lighter weight, lower profile silhouette which
creates a sleeker, more cosmetically appealing aesthetic.
7. Q:
How does the New Balance truebalance product work as compared to Reebok Easy
Tone?
A: Each step you take in truebalance allows the foot to go through a thorough range of motion
from side to side and front to back. A key competitor shoe might allow similar movement from
front to back and side to side however extensive testing has shown consumers to rate
truebalance to be more comfortable and more aesthetically appealing
8. Q: How do you know the technology works?
A: Research and testing in the New Balance Sports Research Laboratory as well as lab
testing with Dr. Joseph Hamill, one of the world’s experts on lower extremity biomechanics,
have illustrated the positive effects of walking in a truebalance shoe. Also, consumers
participated in a six week wear test and confirmed that they could feel the increased muscle
activation beginning after one week of walking in truebalance shoes.
9. Q: How can New Balance substantiate their claims? What scientific data does New
Balance have?
A: A variety of tests have been performed which substantiate these claims, including
Electromyography (muscle activity), kinematic (body’s motion), kinetic (forces causing motion),
and physiologic tests (energy expenditure), as well as “blind” human perception testing. The
New Balance Sports Research Laboratory and Dr. Joseph Hamill have analyzed the data to
ensure the claims made are accurate and the product is effective while offering an extremely
comfortable ride. In addition, hundreds of wear tests in the field have been performed to
ensure consumer satisfaction.
10.Q: What role did the NB Sports Laboratory play in the creation of truebalance, etc?
A: New Balance biomechanists in the NB Sports Research Laboratory acted as consultants
throughout the project, using their testing data, training, and knowledge to aid in making
informed decisions and suggestions for improvement. Ultimately their feedback was used to
ensure the product design was providing the optimal amount of toning/balance training benefits
and ensure the product was both safe to wear and comfortable.
11.Q: How long did it take for subjects to see a difference in toning, tightening, etc?
A: In wear tests, subjects began to notice the toning effects of truebalance after one week of
use.
12.Q: Is there a recommended way to wear truebalance? I.e. should they only be worn for
a few hours at first and then a ramp up?
A: As with any training tool, New Balance advises you to start slow and gradually increase
your frequency and duration of use.
13.Q: Did New Balance work with a doctor at all in the development of this technology?
A: Doctors were involved in the testing of the technology, but not in the initial development
process.
14.Q: How long did it take for New Balance to develop this technology?
A: New Balance introduced its first shoe specifically designed for walking more than 25 years
ago. At that time, the company recognized that this activity required different technologies and
designs from those used in running. Since that time, we’ve continued to refine our walking
shoes based on the consumer and their desired objective for engaging in this activity. This
latest version in our design and technology is our latest update to that evolution and has been
in development for over three years.
15.Q: Are these shoes made in the USA?
A: One out of every four pairs of shoes New Balance sells in North America is made in the
USA. These truebalance shoes are not currently being manufactured in the USA. As a
domestic manufacturer committed to providing jobs in America, New Balance continually
evaluates products that are best suited to the skills and capabilities of our domestic factories.
16.Q: Will you be extending this balance board technology into running and
fitness/training product – or is it just for walking?
A: This technology was designed specifically for walking and the needs of the walking gait,
but we are currently investigating how to extend a similar technology into other health/fitness
products in the future to engage similar muscle activation benefits.
17.Q: Could I use this product if I wanted to go for a run or do a boot camp class or would
it inhibit that motion?
A: The truebalance shoes are designed specifically for walking, any other dynamic activities
such as running, tennis, or training are not recommended and should only be engaged in at
the person’s own risk.
18.Q: Is there any danger if I were to do more than walk in this product? Could I harm
myself?
A: The undercuts placed in the shoe are specifically designed to allow the foot to move freely
during walking. This shoe is designed specifically for walking, any other dynamic activities
such as running, tennis, or training are not recommended and should only be engaged in at
the person’s own risk.
19.Q: Is there a specific type of person for whom this shoe is NOT good?
A: truebalance products intentionally compromise balance as a person does normal daily
activities, which in turn requires more muscle activation and more focus on balance that
typically results in positive benefits. Due to this inherent instability, we would not advise this
product for individuals who require a stable platform or may be prone to falls or instability while
walking. Anyone who has a concern whether this product is right for them should first consult
their physician.
20.Q: Plans for the future? Will you extend the line/collection? Are you continuing to
innovate around balance board technology?
A: Yes, this is an important New Balance Wellness technology/platform in which the companywill continue to invest.
A: It is a patent pending balance board technology featuring a soft, flexible sole unit with a
spring system design and a rounded bottom.
2. Q: How does the truebalance technology work?
A: Every step you take in truebalance shoes makes your body work to maintain balance
which in turn activates your muscles as you are walking on an unstable platform that engages
core and other muscle groupings.
3. Q: What are the benefits of wearing New Balance truebalance shoes?
A: With each step you take in truebalance shoes they tone your muscles from your legs to
your glutes to your core and help to burn calories. Although results may vary, testing has
shown up to a 29% increase in muscle activation and up to a 10% increase in calorie burning
versus conventional walking shoes. Burning calories is the basis of weight loss, a goal for a healthy wellbeing.
4. Q: How are truebalance and rock&tone different?
A: While walking in both truebalance and rock&tone will increase muscle activation which
leads to toning and increased calorie burn, truebalance offers more of a full range of motion
including side to side and front to back while rock&tone encourages front to back motion.
5. Q: How is your product different from those others currently on the market?
A: Exercising in truebalance allows the foot to go through a thorough range of motion from
side to side and front to back. Most other footwear that claim similar benefits either accentuate
front to back motion or side to side motion, but not both. For example, rocker bottom shoes
accentuate the front to back movement, due to aggressive radius, however it does not
accentuate side to side movements. Also, truebalance has been rated by consumers to be
the most wearable and most comfortable in Sports Research Laboratory perception tests when
compared to other footwear making similar claims.
6. Q: Is there something that New Balance truebalance shoes offer that consumers can
find elsewhere?
A: Although a few other toning shoes allow some side to side movement and potentially some
front to back movement, our consumer tests results show them not to be as comfortable as the
truebalance product. Also, truebalance features a lighter weight, lower profile silhouette which
creates a sleeker, more cosmetically appealing aesthetic.
7. Q:
How does the New Balance truebalance product work as compared to Reebok Easy
Tone?
A: Each step you take in truebalance allows the foot to go through a thorough range of motion
from side to side and front to back. A key competitor shoe might allow similar movement from
front to back and side to side however extensive testing has shown consumers to rate
truebalance to be more comfortable and more aesthetically appealing
8. Q: How do you know the technology works?
A: Research and testing in the New Balance Sports Research Laboratory as well as lab
testing with Dr. Joseph Hamill, one of the world’s experts on lower extremity biomechanics,
have illustrated the positive effects of walking in a truebalance shoe. Also, consumers
participated in a six week wear test and confirmed that they could feel the increased muscle
activation beginning after one week of walking in truebalance shoes.
9. Q: How can New Balance substantiate their claims? What scientific data does New
Balance have?
A: A variety of tests have been performed which substantiate these claims, including
Electromyography (muscle activity), kinematic (body’s motion), kinetic (forces causing motion),
and physiologic tests (energy expenditure), as well as “blind” human perception testing. The
New Balance Sports Research Laboratory and Dr. Joseph Hamill have analyzed the data to
ensure the claims made are accurate and the product is effective while offering an extremely
comfortable ride. In addition, hundreds of wear tests in the field have been performed to
ensure consumer satisfaction.
10.Q: What role did the NB Sports Laboratory play in the creation of truebalance, etc?
A: New Balance biomechanists in the NB Sports Research Laboratory acted as consultants
throughout the project, using their testing data, training, and knowledge to aid in making
informed decisions and suggestions for improvement. Ultimately their feedback was used to
ensure the product design was providing the optimal amount of toning/balance training benefits
and ensure the product was both safe to wear and comfortable.
11.Q: How long did it take for subjects to see a difference in toning, tightening, etc?
A: In wear tests, subjects began to notice the toning effects of truebalance after one week of
use.
12.Q: Is there a recommended way to wear truebalance? I.e. should they only be worn for
a few hours at first and then a ramp up?
A: As with any training tool, New Balance advises you to start slow and gradually increase
your frequency and duration of use.
13.Q: Did New Balance work with a doctor at all in the development of this technology?
A: Doctors were involved in the testing of the technology, but not in the initial development
process.
14.Q: How long did it take for New Balance to develop this technology?
A: New Balance introduced its first shoe specifically designed for walking more than 25 years
ago. At that time, the company recognized that this activity required different technologies and
designs from those used in running. Since that time, we’ve continued to refine our walking
shoes based on the consumer and their desired objective for engaging in this activity. This
latest version in our design and technology is our latest update to that evolution and has been
in development for over three years.
15.Q: Are these shoes made in the USA?
A: One out of every four pairs of shoes New Balance sells in North America is made in the
USA. These truebalance shoes are not currently being manufactured in the USA. As a
domestic manufacturer committed to providing jobs in America, New Balance continually
evaluates products that are best suited to the skills and capabilities of our domestic factories.
16.Q: Will you be extending this balance board technology into running and
fitness/training product – or is it just for walking?
A: This technology was designed specifically for walking and the needs of the walking gait,
but we are currently investigating how to extend a similar technology into other health/fitness
products in the future to engage similar muscle activation benefits.
17.Q: Could I use this product if I wanted to go for a run or do a boot camp class or would
it inhibit that motion?
A: The truebalance shoes are designed specifically for walking, any other dynamic activities
such as running, tennis, or training are not recommended and should only be engaged in at
the person’s own risk.
18.Q: Is there any danger if I were to do more than walk in this product? Could I harm
myself?
A: The undercuts placed in the shoe are specifically designed to allow the foot to move freely
during walking. This shoe is designed specifically for walking, any other dynamic activities
such as running, tennis, or training are not recommended and should only be engaged in at
the person’s own risk.
19.Q: Is there a specific type of person for whom this shoe is NOT good?
A: truebalance products intentionally compromise balance as a person does normal daily
activities, which in turn requires more muscle activation and more focus on balance that
typically results in positive benefits. Due to this inherent instability, we would not advise this
product for individuals who require a stable platform or may be prone to falls or instability while
walking. Anyone who has a concern whether this product is right for them should first consult
their physician.
20.Q: Plans for the future? Will you extend the line/collection? Are you continuing to
innovate around balance board technology?
A: Yes, this is an important New Balance Wellness technology/platform in which the companywill continue to invest.
The tag attached to my shoes stated that compared to traditional walking shoes, the truebalance provided up to16% increase glute and hamstring muscle activation, up to 29% increased quad activation and up to 14% increased calf muscle activation. It also stated up 10% increased calorie burning.
I can’t tell you what percentage I felt but I definitely am feeling a significant difference.
Please leave us a comment! We love when you tell us what you think!
