New Balance 1226

DiscountRunner :-)
Reviewed: 01 May 2013

Great go-to shoe for over-pronators

Flexible, supportive, hard-wearing - I've run 390 miles in one pair and they show very little signs of wear and the cushioning is still okay. They hug the foot well, esp in the midfoot and the lacing system works well for creating specific areas of tightness/looseness.

Support is good - you don't fee the post and the shoe 'rolls' well - no 'slap-down' for me!

Ugly? Does it matter? Also, personally, I'd like them to be a little more breathable/airy.

Great shoe with build quality easily as good as any other brand on the market, but can be found discounted.

GARY BARNETT 2
Reviewed: 07 April 2013

I have had these for a while but not done too much mileage. Bought them after gait analysis.

They were fine but didnt ever like them as much as my asics.

Two weeks before the london marathon after picking them up today I noticed the black rubber has worn right away in the place where I was told I needed more stability. 65% of the tread is as new.

Waste of money

Nathan Farrugia 2
Reviewed: 04 April 2011

Excellent shoe for long runs and ultras providing support where needed.

Very subjective as everyone's foot shape and gait is different, but i found this an excellent shoe that allows natural foot movement with the required support after mile 20 when my form suffers. Slight Heel-forefoot height variation allows quick weight transfer and smooth toe-off.

Used Kayanos before, which were very effective but with more miles I needed more cushioning.

Good to have an option of width sizes too.

NB shoes range is confusing. they have some excellent shoes but also play in the 'cheap' shoe market as well.

Shoe size is also confusing as i needed a much larger size than my asics.

They get very heavy when wet. (But i weigh over 80kgs anyway :)

Other than that, no real troubles (for my particular feet and gait).

Moved from Nike (too soft) to Asics Kayano after multiple knee and ankle surgeries which gives me problems on one leg but none on the other. All was great until I started running marathons and ultras on roads. (I can even run barefoot for short distances as long as i keep 'form').

Needed a shoe that provides support as I tire and my form goes out the window, but cannot use motion control as it restricts my gait on the 'good'side.

I tried insoles , gait analysis and many different shoes and to date, the 1226 is the one that does the trick as it allows natural movement unlike some shoes and insoles. (I'm a physio so I've worked on all the re-balancing too)

Great shoe and have ordered my second pair.

Casual 10k
Reviewed: 01 April 2011

Great stability with decent toe-box and excellent foot support between strides....

Price is keen for such a well made shoe. Compares favourably with the 1225 and very well against other brands top stability shoe.
Stability is second to none. It is virtually impossible to turn your foot over so perfect for runners with weaker ankles.
Comfort is enhanced by a good lacing system that never seems to loosen. The material used to line the shoe feels like it is gripping your sock while the foot is between strides adding the feeling of security and minimising unwanted movement.
Ride is very smooth and cushioned for a stability shoe. Ideal for 10k to multiple marathons!

If similar to the 1225 the shoe wear may be excessive meaning more pairs for your pound. Still the value is very good if compared with the other premium brands.

No brainer. A must buy if you use stability shoes.

Andrei Aiden Go
Reviewed: 18 March 2011

shoes look good. breathable. good cushioning. forefoot's more flexible.

really breathable upper. i can feel the draft on the top of my toes.

the inner part of the heels near the arches gets blisters. there's this hard foam which helps stabilizes the arch that rubs against the heels near the arches.

I've changed the insoles for a more bouncy ride. It solved the blister issues. But the stock insoles give a more cushioned ride but you'd get blisters. Forefoot's more flexible than Lunarglides, which means you have more effort during toe-off. On the bright side, better workout for the calves. Shoes push you more to land on your forefoot. Overall, I still loved the shoes..