New Balance Canada Launches New Kids Collection

New Balance Canada will release two new shoe lines this summer with a focus on back to school Fall 2012. The 574 Backpack Collection, a lifestyle footwear brand, is geared towards university / college students as well as adults. For infants, pre and grade schoolers, the 689 Kids Collection offers kid-friendly colours with traditional New Balance quality and fit.

The 689 Kids Collection (KJ689 / KV689) is available in stores now. Both SKU’s are available in various colours and mom-approved quality and fit. They are made with a mix of leather and mesh upper package, Abzorb cushioning and a non-marking, rubber cup outsole. MSRP ranges from $39.95 for infant/pre-school children (sizes 2-5 and 5.5-10) to $54.95 for youth (sizes 7-10.5). They are also available in width sizes.

We were sent a pair of New Balance 689 shoes for each of my school-age kids.

Elijah received the 689BGY style in black, grey, and lime in a size 2 which fits perfectly (he’s 8).

He’s so not a fan of laces (still!) and was thrilled with the zig-zag elastic strap with hook and loop closure. He can still secure them as snug as he needs but isn’t fiddling around with laces when he has oh-so-much-else to do (like racing out the door for recess, I’m sure!)

The non-marking sole is of course important as it’s a requirement for most schools now but beyond that, the quality and craftsmanship behind a brand like New Balance is important when I have a rambunctious 8 year old boy – these shoes need to last a year so they need to be able to stand up to everything my son will put them through!

My daughter, who will turn 5 this fall, is in pre-school this year so while she undoubtedly won’t be as hard on her shoes as her older brother, she still needs something functional, stylish and good quality to support her growing little feet.

She was sent these adorable pink, silver and white shoes from the 689 Collection in a size 9.

Like he brother’s shoes, this style has an elastic strap but without the hook and loop closure – just a velcro tab (which, for her age, makes sense as it’s less to fiddle with).

The non-marking Flex sole has a lot of give ensuring her feet are well supported but also have a natural movement when in them.