Men's New Balance 1226

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I am 6'3", 220 lbs with one low arch, therefore my shoes have to work hard. I run 6-10 miles, 4-5 days a week. I have run on the NB 1222, 1223, and 1225, and have liked them all. Each was an improvement over the previous, and the 1226 is no exception to that trend. It is very comfortable and seems to provide ample stability both on and off road.

With a 14 2E foot, my choices in a stability plus shoe are limited, but I also run in Asics Kayanos. I have had a pair of both the 122X's and the Kayanos conitnuously for several years, and frequently compare the two. I find this latest NB update to be less rigid than the Asics, with comprarable stability. I find the fit more natural in the heel, though some might find it loose in the toe box.

I retire all of my shoes by 400 miles, and have found the NB 122X's to provide good cushioning to the end, though they tend to show treadwear a little faster than the Asics. My 1225's, for instance, I retired at about 360 miles due to uneven wear around the heels. It is too early to see if these will be more durable.

In general, I continue to love the 122X shoes and this 1226 is my current favorite. While they may not last as long as the Asics Kayanos, they stay comfortable longer, and the biggest test for me, is that I get no additional pains when running in them.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

This running shoe feels incredibily comfortable-like running on pillows. I'm a heavy runner and the cushion and heal impact absorption is phenomenal. It has great midsole cushioning and excellent support as well. Also, the mesh allows my feet to breath so that they won't heat up, especially running in hot days. It's a very well built, durable running shoe. I would highly recommended it to heavy runners or high mileage runners who are looking for comfort, breathability, and support.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

Just received my pair on the door step yesterday! I put them on on quickly run around the block. Can't wait until I can run longer! Wait... did I just say that!?

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I purchased these Max Stability+ shoes based on lengthy research. If I could give them 4.5 stars I would because they felt great on the runs. I put over 200 miles on the shoes before reluctantly exchanging them for the Nike Equalon 4 (very bad choice which I exchanged again for the Brooks Trance 9 so far so good).

Before I go more in depth about the 1226 let me tell you a bit about myself. I am an avid runner. I train for marathons and run commute to work and literally run errands. My weekly average ranges between 25 miles when injured (ITBS, PF and calf strains) to 55 miles at the peak of my marathon training – average around 40 MPW. I run 80% concrete and asphalt and about 20% trail. I heel strike 85% of the time and 15% of my run is a combination of midfoot and ball strike (for sprints and tempo runs). Vitals : male, 35, 5' 6.5", 155 – 165 lbs. My left foot is very flat and heavily pronates whereas my right foot has a medium to high arch and "only" moderately pronates.

I wear a 9.5 in the 1226 and 740s which is true to size. BTW the size fit for the hurricane, the trance and the 1226 are all the same. The listed wt (size 9) for the 1226 is 12.5 oz on one site and 12.7 oz on another site; however, my size 9.5 weighed in at 12.7 oz which was a nice surprise. The 12.7 oz felt light too – I have had lighter shoes that felt heavier than the 1226. I guess that's because the shoe rides so well with a smooth transition. It would be nice if more people would list the exact weights of their reviewed shoes. We need to hold manufacturers accountable on their listed specs. It also helps to know in order to have some sort of weight comparison between models.

The shoes felt wonderful. My nagging plantar fasciitis was almost completely heeled by these shoes, my chronic ITBS never reappeared while ramping up my mileage in preparation for my fall marathon and I didn't get any strained calf problems when doing sprint intervals and tempo runs. BUT I did get a nasty blister on the medial side of my right heel. The blister eventually calloused over which was kind of nice, but blisters formed on top of the existing callous. It may be that the 1226 is not designed for a person with medium to high arches, which might explain the blisters on the inside of my right heel (my right foot having a medium to high arch). My left foot received a similar medial blister; however, it was much smaller. I should note that I only acquired these blisters on my longer runs greater than 15 miles.

On the injury spectrum I would rate these blister very low when compared to injuries like achilles tendonitis, chronic shin splints, ITBS, plantar fasciitis heel spurs. But they just were not quite the right shoe for me, so I gave them a 4 star rating.

The shoes are very durable for a mid framed runner. I put a little over 200 miles on them and they seemed like I was just breaking them in. I'd predict that I could easily get another 300 miles out of them perhaps more. The shoes breathed well and dried surprisingly quickly on my trail runs through creeks and water crossings. On one of my long runs I crossed a small creek about 4" deep; the shoes were pretty much dry within 40 minutes after running through a creek.

If my quest for my perfect running shoe does not prove to be fruitful, I will definitely go back to the NB 1220 series. It is a blessing for runners who are plagued with annoying and chronic injuries.

Up next for review are the Nike Equalon 4 (hated it), the Hurricane (love it so far w. only 20 mi), and the Brooks Trance 9 (love it so far). I'll let you guys know what I think after putting at least 100 miles on the above mentioned shoes.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I've been running in the 1200 series for several years. I like the support it gives and the cushion. The 1226 also have gotten lighter in my opinion and have added more of a mesh near the toes to help ventilate the shoe. Of course running while raining will get your socks wet faster. Overall, I'm happy with the shoe and have bought several pairs as I like to alternate days when running.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I am a high mileage runner and this shoe has left me speechless everytime I come back from a long run. It didn't need any breaking in, just put them on and off you go, and later you'll realize that you just ran all these miles and didn't even feel it. Get this shoe.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

Been in the 1200 Series for ten years. The 1226 for a heal striker will be excellent. I am a mid-foot stiker and the cushion in the fore-foot is not as good as the 1225. I will make a determinations about this shoe for me after a couple more run., The fit is excellent(feels like a Nike), I wear 10 2e 5'9" 160lbs, pace 7:20 for 10k.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

NB fit runs pretty much on size for me. I ordered this in 11.5 2E and have lots of toe box room. At first it felt like to much room but after several runs no problems and my feet feel fine. I can also run NB in the 11.5 D width just fine. But, in the D width I do sometimes feel like I don't have enough room in the toe box. I would give a 5 star but I haven't had them long enough to judge how long they will last. If these are like other NB shoes they should hold up for six months just fine. That's around 350 to 500 miles for me depending on the time of year. Bought two pair so this is my second review on the same product.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

Had these a couple of weeks. Felt great out of the Box. The Toe box is a little wide but after a few runs it has grown on me. I have used Mizuno and Asic mainly in the past. So far I have to say these are as good as the Mizuno Nirvana 3 I had. Still have to get through a season of Marathon training to see how these hold-up.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I've been a faithful NB wearer for more than 20 years. I like the wider toe box, arch support, and durability. I am a woman with a slightly wider foot. I opt for men's shoes instead of women's because I like that there is more room for my foot. I have tried wearing a women's wide shoe, but always veer back to men's (I am told the woman's wide is the same as the men's regular).

I am a faithful walker, street, trail, gym and find NB works best for my feet and body. The NB 1226 is comfortable right out of the box. There is no getting used to anything. They are cut to hit below the ankle and hit your heel perfectly. I purchased the 1224, but brought them back because they didn't even compare to the 1226.

The 1226 breathe and let your foot expand as necessary with your exercise routine. I am training for the Breast Cancer 3-day walk and AIDS Walk and am putting many hours and miles on my shoes…these are up for the challenge. I would recommend the 1226 to anyone who enjoys a comfortable shoe.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

better than 1225's My main shoe for 20-30 miles a week

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

Doesnt feel as stable as previous models. Been wearing this series for 10+ years, and never had a problem before this pair. Cant run in them as it makes my right foot, leg and hip extremely painful. So I wear my 1223's and have no problem. Not happy with the changes to this model.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I didn't give this 5 stars due to the fact that I don't know how durable the 1226 is yet since I've only ran 50 miles in them.

I have very flat feet & been running in Asics for years. I decided to try New Balance because the reviews said they're a lot more cushiony. I bought the 1012 two years ago, but being close to 15 oz, it was way too heavy for me.

I decided to try the 1226 since its weight of 12.7 oz is comparable to my Asics Gel-Foundation 9. I've ran in the 1226 about 7 times now and it beats the GF 9 hands (or should I say feet) down! My legs were barely tired after a 9-mile run last week. My legs would be hurting & tired running in the GF 9. It's a wonder I somehow finished 2 marathons in the GF 9!

I see the 860 is even lighter at 11.8 oz so I'll try that next. Either way, you can't go wrong with the 1226. I will stick with New Balance from here on!

For reference: I have flat feet. I'm 5'6" & 160-165 lbs.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

Upgrade from 1225, which I loved. Stock insole needed immediate replacement. Stability web feels great. Durable.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

good shoe

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

These shoes felt small when I put them on. I am a 10D in mens and I ordered 10.5D. When I checked it out closer, I realized that it is the cradle of the forefoot I was feeling. Something I haven't felt in shoes for a long time. They are long enough and run about 1/2 size small like the listing suggests.

For reference I'm 200 lbs and I overpronate, I don't have a typical runner frame but am fast enough to qualify for Boston and have run it. These are the most comfortable shoes I have had on my feet for awhile and they control motion just enough. So they don't look like bricks.

New Balance, don't stop making them. Great shoes.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

These shoes work well at keeping me from pronating. This is a good upgrade for this line. The 1225 predecessor sucked. It wore out really quick and did not have the cusshioning this shoe has. This is a great overall upgrade.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

No sprained ankles since switch to New Balance

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

I use these shoes for daily wear. I have bad feet after a bad car accident and need to wear orthotics. The orthotics fit well inside the shoe and they are comfortable.

Comments about Mens New Balance 1226 Running Shoe:

After my first Marathon; lost a couple toenails so I went with NB's 760 (B/c of NB's nice big toe-box and I am moderate-Pronator.) After 2 shoe cycles, had no complaint especially for the price. After my 2nd marathon developed a nasty case of Runner's knee (bruised Patella). After a stint doing rehab-PT, I decided to upgrade to the 1226 for the extra cushioning. They definitely provide a lot more cushioning; you can immediately feel the difference on balls of you feet but the 1226 appears to run a bit smaller that the 760's (especially in the toe-box). Not sure if it is because my feet have naturally expanded b/c of increased mileage, or the 1226 fits a little smaller (maybe b/c of the extra cushioning) or both. I definitely recommend trying on a pair locally (assuming you can find them; I couldn't) before you buy them or yer' gonna be making donations to UPS to get the size right like I did. I waited for a VIP promo, and took a gamble going into the venture knowing I might eat the discount to send them back to get the size right but they have been worth it. PS) My pair were Made in the USA!!!