New Balance 1225
August 6, 2009
NB 1225
a.k.a. The Kayano Killer
Profile: a high mileage trainer for the runner who requires moderate to full stability with exceptional cushioning for all their runs.
Features and Benefits: The 1225 features two all-new New Balance technologies, N-ergy and Stabilicore. N-ergy provides responsive cushioning, a smooth transition, and impact force distribution, reducing the number of “hot spots” in the shoe. Stabilicore, a medial support system that provides an extremely smooth transition from heel strike to toe off, offers pronation control, a continuous range of support through the gait cycle, and enhanced cosmetic appeal. ABZORB cushioning combined with ABZORB FL and an Ortholite insert ensure a comfortable, cushioned ride, while an NLOCK support system provides enhanced mid-foot structure, and an Ndurance heel crash pad offers durability. A LIGHTNING DRY Phantom Liner™ offers moisture management and blister-free comfort, an Ortholite insert ensures a cushioned ride, and the New Balance SURE LACE keeps shoes tied. 360 reflectivity ensures safety during early morning and evening runs. The 1225 is built on New Balance’s new PL-1 performance last which provides a more form-fitting feel with a more streamlined look.
Transition from the old to the new:
Above: 1224 Below: 1225
It is totally a whole new shoe from the ground up. The outsole has a different construct form the heel pad to the forefoot area.
Above: 1225 Below 1224
They replaced the TS2 support with Stabilicore and this time, they did away with the help of the stability web which in the 1224, had to extend to the TS2 area.
Left: 1224 Right: 1225
The toe box area of the 1224 looks better only because the design of the reflective material on the upper looks more organic with the flowing lines.
They replaced the Abzorb cushioning with Nergy. The upper has a more dynamic fit and feel to it. The midfoot strap on the upper is more simpler; the attention in the heel counter all the way to the rand sa great – you have to love that gold accent – this makes the shoe a little more prestigious.
Cushioning: This part was a surprise for me. The 1224 seems like a chunky distance shoe, but whats surprising about it is that, once you wear it and run with it, it runs like a low profile shoe (felt like air zoom elite, gt 2140, even like the elixir but only stiffer).It is actually pretty fast for its size and weight. Going back to the cushioning, the Nergy feels more softer and forgiving when you strike it. Try that, and then go back to the 1224, youll notice the 1224 feels stiffer all of a sudden. Just take a look how the 1224 is compressed, the Abzorb is almost swallowed in between the crashpad and the midsole foam – while the Nergy is still apparent, plus you can see it really accommodates the crash which gives you a more forgiving impact.
"Kayano Killer" Tale of the Tape:
New Balance 1225
Weight:12 oz.
Cushioning: Nergy
Upper: Lightning Dry Lining
N-lock Stability
Sure Lace System
Price: P6,495.00
Asics Kayano 15
Weight: 12.9 oz.
Cushioning: Gel
Upper: Personal Heel Fit
Biomorphic Fit
Asymmetric Lacing
Price: P7,900.00
