In August 2008, New Balance released the MR800 model designed specifically for runners who mid-foot strike. It was launched in collaboration with the Chi running community who’s fan boys embraced it. The NB 800 ‘Midfoot Strike System’ had a crash pad that was designed to accommodate and cushion a midfoot strike – this increased the cushioning under the lateral midfoot. However, the shoe did not last and was quietly dropped from the New Balance line up. Like Chi Running, it failed to live up to the hype and claims made for it. Runners simply lost interest in it. New Balance quietly dropped the shoe from their line up, presumably because it was not selling well.
