New Balance Vazee Rush (on sale for £55)
“Built for athletes who seek the ultimate in cushioning and flexibility for their workouts, these running shoes deliver a comfortable ride mile after mile.”
Recently I was lucky enough to be gifted* a pair of New Balance trainers. When it comes to trainers I tend to have two “active” pairs. One pair for running, which are filthy because we do a lot of running along the canals which can be really muddy. And then I have a pair that I wear indoors for the other workouts that I do.
Having two pairs of trainers on the go at the same time sounds a little indulgent but it only really came about by accident when I bought a pair of Asics for running in but I couldn’t get on with them so I “relegated” them to my indoor workout trainers. And you know, we get along quite nicely like that. The house doesn’t get all muddy, the Asics look pristine plus they get worn rather than being abandoned and it’s probably good for me to swap between the two pairs.
And then the New Balance came along and they’ve well and truly upset the apple cart, to the point that I fear that the Asics may well be abandoned after all. But first a little by way of background…
Although I’m generally a size 6, because trainers always come up small, I opted for a size 7. I wasn’t sure whether they might be too big but I could tell as soon as I put them on that they fit perfectly.
And then I walked around in them. Oh boy are they light? (181g or 6.4oz to be precise). I don’t think that I’ve ever worn trainers as light as these. But at the same time they are really substantial around the heel so they feel really snug and supportive, which I like.
I haven’t yet worn them outside for running in but I think that I may give them a whirl around the block tomorrow when I do some hill work. Frankly I need all the help that I can get and a lighter pair of trainers may just give me a little something. Plus, much as I love my usual running brand, they are a bit boring on the looks front (shallow comment alert) and it would be nice to see something a bit more interesting at the end of my legs when I’m plodding the streets.
And this is what they look like at the end of my legs. I always think that it’s funny seeing things from someone else’s perspectives. You get so used to seeing how you look and I bet right now, people are thinking “Oooh she’s got short legs” or “Oooh she’s got long legs” or “Oooh she’s got chunky thighs” or “Oooh she’s got skinny thighs” because these things are all relative aren’t they?
So there we go. It’s always risky reviewing an item but trainers must be one of the trickiest because it’s so important they are not only right but more than right. And these are. In fact given the choice tonight (for HIIT training) and last night (for resistance training) between the Asics and the NB, I chose the NB, which pretty much says it all.
In addition to neutral running trainers, NB also make trainers for those who pronate and trail trainers too. I have to say that I’m new to NB so I would love to hear whether anyone else out there wears them and if so, what do you think?
*For disclosure purposes, I realised that I was going to receive a sample pair of trainers but I assumed that this meant that I had to return them after I’d worn them briefly (indoors). However when I enquired about how best I should return them, I found out that I was able to keep them – which I am delighted about as they are rather lovely.
They look fab!
Thanks Fiona. I'm a little bit in love with them. Anything that makes lifting my feet easier when I'm exercising gets a big plus from me – plus the colour of course! x
Love New Balance for running. And have always had separate trainers for running /indoor workouts. Apart from the mud issue, running trainers aren't suited to eg aerobics.
Hi! I haven't really seen lots of runners wearing NB – most tend to wear Asics, Saucony or Brooks (I think) but they look to have a great choice – especially for pronators like me and I love the ones I have. Two pairs of trainers gets my vote any day!
I am normally a US 8.5 and normally size up with sneakers – with my Vazees I wear a 9.5! I'd never run in anything else now!
Hi Joanna, yes you're right, they're particularly small aren't they? I like the fact that they are wide at the front too, especially as my toes are taking a right bashing at the moment! I think that I may well become a convert! Good to hear from you x
Love New balance, comfiest ever. Have you been to resorts world yet? They have an outlet shop, some fabulous bargains.
Hi Jacqueline – I haven't been to resorts world yet but oddly I have a meeting with them in the next couple of weeks so I shall definitely investigate the NB shop whilst I'm there. Thanks for the heads up!
I agree that they are light – I am a 4.5 and the 5 are too tight after a long run – my toes seem to move to the front of the trainer. If they did a 5.5 I would be in there like a shot! I have some Adidas at the moment which are also nice and light for road running (very spongey) but a nightmare on Park Runs!
Hi. Thanks for dropping by! I've just checked and it looks as though they do a 5.5 – but I could be wrong! The Adidas sound good. What is it about the Park Runs – do you need more of a trail trainer?
I am training for my first half marathon in May – eek! What other training do you do apart from running?
Hi Julie, good luck with your half Marathon – I really hope that it goes well for you. As well as doing one long run a week to get used to the distance, I find it really helpful to work on fitness too as it makes a huge difference on the day. So interval training is good (30 seconds sprinting, 30 seconds resting) for ten mins to start off with then building up to 20 mins. Or do a half hour run that involves 3 or 4 decent hills, or find one hill that takes 30 secs to sprint up and do that, then walk down it and do it a few more times. You will see a real improvement in your fitness in a short space of time. And core work is crucial to hold everything up and together! Plenty of stretching is good too and on the day, expect the unexpected – a windy day, a stone in your shoe, your music dying on you, stitch – they can all throw you but not if you're prepared and if you take them in your stride (ha, ha!) Hope that helps! x
Thanks! Big help 🙂 So when you talk about your 'indoor workouts' is that your core work like sit ups etc or is there anything else that helps with the running? Anything that makes it less of a struggle would be good 🙂 I do love my running but it just never seems to get any easier although I have recently changed from being a heel-striker to a forefoot runner and now a mid foot runner to try and avoid injury and to improve on my times etc xx
Hi Julie – you sound a far more technical runner than I am – I just run! Yes I do a core session each week, a leg session and an arm one, plus some indoor HIIT training too. I'll write a post soon so you get the full picture as that might help! x
Oh god no, I just got injured and did a bit of digging 🙂 Thanks for the posts, really helpful to hear from someone who is actually doing stuff in practice that work 🙂 Love your blog by the way xx
Hi Julie – thanks so much; I'm so pleased that you like the blog and that you find the posts helpful. Hope that your digging around means that you remain injury free! x