Facts

  • Use

    Workout

    Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes

    CrossFit

    Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes

    Weightlifting

    Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes

    Walking

    Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes

    Cross-training

    Multi-purpose training shoes which can be used for a wide variety of exercises. See *cross-training shoes*
  • Arch support

    Neutral

    For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes

    Stability

    For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes

    Motion control

    Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes

    Good to know

    Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.

  • Price
    $100
  • Width
    Men: X-Wide, Normal, Wide
    Women: X-Wide, Normal, Wide
  • Release date
    Jul 2018
Show more facts

Expert Reviews

Experts are training geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.

Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.

Become an expert

  • The New Balance 1201 is created to provide comfort for extended periods of walking in a variety of outdoor environments. Its sturdy leather and suede upper is meant to give a steady foothold on trails.
  • The proprietary ABZORB unit is used for cushioning. It is a foam-based material that protects feet, legs, and lower back by dispersing the shock upon impact.
  • A layer of hard-wearing rubber lines the bottom of the platform. Its lug pattern is designed to grip the surface in multiple directions. A vertical rubber layer of contrasting color splits the outsole to accommodate a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

The New Balance 1201 employs a durable rubber material for the outsole. The unit extends up at the front and the back of the platform to protect the toes and the heel from bumps. These extensions have a razor-blade-like shape and act as brake lugs to prevent slippage on descends and wet surfaces.

The triangular lugs of various sizes are placed throughout the outsole. They are facing different directions to afford traction on unpredictable terrain. Multiple flex grooves between the lugs contribute to the flexibility of the unit.

The outsole is split by a rubber insert of contrasting color. It mimics the way a foot undergoes when it transitions from the heel to the toes during walking. It is meant to render a smooth walking gait cycle.

The brand’s foam-based ABZORB compound is the primary cushioning of the New Balance 1201. It is a full-length layer that guides the foot throughout the walking session. It ensures a safe and supportive ride, protecting the lower extremities and back from the impact.

The midfoot and the forefoot portions of the New Balance 1201 are covered in suede. It offers a snug fit and features perforations to keep the interiors of the shoe ventilated.

Genuine leather wraps the heel and the ankle for maximized support and stability in these areas. The toe box is also overlaid with leather for extra durability in this high-wear part of the shoe.

The tongue and the collar are generously padded to keep the shoe securely around the ankle. The edges of the collar utilize mesh to maintain breathability in the rearfoot.   

A traditional lace-up closure is used for regulating the tightness. Round laces easily slide through metal eyelets helping the wearer make quick adjustments. A pair of external metal loops is placed above the top eyelets. The laces can be run through them and cinched for a lockdown fit.

Those looking for a similar waking trainer with a waterproof upper, can consider the New Balance 1300.

Comparison