This morning I hit the gym for the first time of 2012. Not only did I feel like the energizer bunny (thanks to paleo/primal foods!) I wore some new athletic shoes thanks to the fine people at PlanetShoes. Last month they sent me a pair of the “new” New Balance shoes, called NewSky. I already have some New Balance minimalist shoes in black and pink, though not this version and I love them so I was excited to try NewSky. I absolutely adore the blue/grey coloring (I was getting sick of pink) and these shoes come in wide width so they are way more comfortable than my other ones. Yes, those are my pasty white legs in the photo above. I don’t usually wear shorts in the snow but I haven’t done any laundry since the week before Christmas. I got some pretty strange looks at the gym today, LOL. Shorts and a parka isn’t a good combo?
Anyway, NewSky shoes are special because they are a much greener version of the classic shoe. They are minimalist and uber lightweight, which is important to me. You also know as you lace them up that the material they are made of is different. 95% of the upper section is made of recycled P.E.T, also known as recycled plastic bottles. Cool beans! I often hesitate to buy products that make the same claim because who wants to sleep on a pillow filled with plastic bottle filling or wear a shirt made of plastic bottles, but shoes are perfect. I always wear socks with them so they don’t come in contact with skin and athletic shoes typically wear out so fast that it is reassuring to know they are made from recycled materials. Also in order to make a shoe with so much recycled material they had to completely redesign it and that meant reduced waste overall. All of the inner materials you see in typical shoes like foam and reinforcer materials are not there. This makes the material very soft and pliable, not stiff. It is evident in putting on the shoe since you need to mold it your foot and then lace it up. This makes NewSky very different from other shoes but I personally think this it is rather awesome. The fit feels custom and perfect, like I am not even wearing shoes.
Cool fact: Each pair of NewSky shoes uses 8 20 ounce plastic bottles.
I first wore these on a quick two mile hike earlier this week. They were comfortable from the get-go and I never got a hint of a blister despite them being brand new. I can’t say the same of my other New Balance shoes. Today I wore them to the gym. I had to take them off before I jumped in the pool of course but afterwards I did some weight training and they performed well. I think these will be prefect for colder days when I can’t wear Vibram Five Fingers as I normally do.
Love the fit, love the comfort, and I love that they are made from recycled materials. They get an A+ from me! If you are interested NewSky shoes come in the blue/grey you see above as well as pink and a yellow/green combo. They also have NewSky shoes for men.
Contest Closed! The winner is Debbie Clauer, congrats!
I plan on walking or running at least 4 days a week, plus some swimming to keep my health in check!
I would love to win! These shoes sound awesome and I am currently tennis shoeless! I am really wanting to begin exercising and get in better shape. I don’t really need to lose weight but because of health reasons I’ve just gotten so out of shape!
This year is going to be the year of the 5K for me. I have a lot of health problems and some of my closer friends have told me my plan is silly. For me its a goal that I will finish and I cannot wait! Training started yesterday!!!
We just spent the last week purging things from our basement to make room for our new treadmill! I will be running regularly and would love these gorgeous shoes. Thank you!
These sound fantastic! I’ve been looking for new shoes to work out in and I love this idea.
The new me will be flexible and balanced. I am starting with a yoga program and a nourishing traditional way of cooking. I will continue with raising my chickens, goats, vegetables and herbs. Betsy
Working everyday on a healthy pregnancy for myself and my 2nd little one. It’s hard to find motivation sometimes but nothing’s better than new shoes or workout clothes to keep the momentum!
The shoes are awesome. I am going to get back into running shape again. My mom and I are training for her first half marathon in March. I am also working on completely changing the family diet, in small steps. For the month of January we are eating every meal at home and I am cooking them, nothing store bought. It should be an interesting month since I am not known as a cook.
I plan to get back to the gym that I joined in September! Would love a new pair of shoes to motivate me.
Our household of 4 will be Vegan in the new year. I also figured I would get a head start on 2012 and joined the Cross Training program at the gym just after Thanksgiving. I am wearing old stretch maternity pants (even though my youngest is 2.5) and old t-shirts to the gym. New shoes would really snazz up the ensemble.
I love new balance! I’m starting a 10-day juice fast today, cleaning the house too and plan on keep running/ walking/hiking, yoga, pilates, h.i.i.t, and weight lifting, and maybe start training for a triathlon.
I’m trying to get the whole family moving & include nightly after dinner walks in our routine. Quality time & a bit of exercise, what could be better?
I’m resolving to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and then keep it going! I want to take my son on hikes and play with him with tons of energy, not weight!
It’ll be a slow start, since I have son #2 due next week – but I am resolved to lose the weight this time! My husband has already motivated me by participating in his office’s Fitness Challenge. I’m doing what I can now – trying to walk myself into labor all around my neighborhood! But for post-baby time, my honey and I have already begun discussing family bike rides, hikes, and other physical adventures! I also look forward to some alone time in the gym – and trying a new class of two! Maybe this will be the year I finally give yoga a chance?!
I’m starting small. I have resolved to work on portion control, and to get at least 10 to 15 minutes of exercise everyday, working up to 30 minutes 5-6 days a week by next December. Starting at “couch potato”, I figured that was something I could strive to do without
I’m back in the gym after having a baby in late 2011. And got a trainer for three sessions to give me a back-in-the-game boost. :)
I’m resolving to workout a minimum of 330 days this year. So far I’m 2 for 2 :)
My goal is to get my eating under control – especially watching my sugar intake!
My goal is to get my eating under control – especially watching my sugar intake!
My family re-activated our YMCA membership right before the new year and are excited about using their facilities for swimming, cardio, yoga and classes for the kids! We’ve been there three times in 5 days already!
I usually go to the gym, but would like to do just more old fashioned walking this year. 30 min. a day, every day.
These are really neat. Getting for will be much easier for me once sprung is here. Then I will go for a two mile walk after walking my son to school. In the mean time I need to start doing something. Maybe Netflix streaming exercise video.
Definitely nifty shoes! I resolved to try a new fitness program (Beachbody) and change my diet to paleo. So far, so good! :)
Definitely nifty shoes! I resolved to keep up with my new fitness program (Beachbody) and new diet (paleo) vso far, so good! :)
I resolve to add a 4th day of exercise in the form of yoga (which I haven’t made time for in the past months). Currently i just do cardio/strength work and i need my flexibility back!
I’m training for a half marathon in April & a full marathon in September!
I’m resolving to overcome my addiction to sweets. I’m also trying to figure out how and when to work out regularly without a gym membership while watching my kids.
I joined a yoga studio with childcare so I can exercise and get a mom-break during the day!
I left my gym in 2011 so, I am resolving to hike outdoors, zumba at home and bring yoga back into my life! Love NB had no idea they made an eco brand. Cool!
I plan on continue going to the gym and walking.
I plan to continue my morning walk and try some P90X videos that my husband uses. I’d love to start yoga again :)
I plan to keep up my routine of weight training and cardio on my eliptical trainer at least 5 times per week. I would also like to improve my eating with more whole foods!
My first act of fit-ness is to find the rowing machine and get on it. It’s low impact (but also hard) and I think it’ll be perfect for me.
Our family is staying fit and healthy by adopting a Paleo diet, and making sure that we get exercise together every day.
exercise!
i liked Planetshoes on fb!
my family walks and goes geocaching!
Tiffany, I am planning to up my runs from 2 – 3 times a week to 5 days a week. Most likely 1 10 mile or more run and the other 4 will be 5k’s. I have also started my 7 year old on 1 mile jogs. Soon my hubby will be starting too.
My goal is to eat less and keep walking.
I “like” Planetshoes on Facebook.
What cute shoes! I plan to continue walking this year (started last year) and starting some zumba or other dance!
A new pair of shoes minus the break-in blisters…I’m in. Thanks.
I’m pregnant at the moment, so my fitness goal is a little different this year…I plan to exercise each day so I’m in great shape for labor and delivery:)
Just liked Planetshoes on fb:)
Running is key along with some muscle pump classes…..
This year I’m going to find my way back to yoga, use my jogging stroller at least twice a week and hit the gym twice a week after my daughter goes to bed. I feel creaky these days and exercise is high on the list for remedies!
This year I’m turning 40 and want to be more fit than EVER. I have only 6 months so I’m getting my plan in place!
I liked Planet Shoes on FB!
Currently I am preggers so I just want to feel healthy and strong. Oh, and a little less tired. LOL! Yoga, light walking, and light strength training on this baby train.
I like Planetshoes on FB. Love the idea that these shoes are made out of recycled plastic bottles!!
I love working out so not a problem for me, but I do want to 1. try a new skill in the gym – some fun new class like trampoline, and 2. gotta work on my streeeetching more!
I am cleaning out processed carbs from the family’s diet, not just mine. Say goodbye to your chips, my Dear! Ha!
I liked PlanetShoes on FB.
I need these shoes so I can keep up with my 20 mo. old grandson while his mom is working on her teachers degree .
I am resolving to walk four times a week and continue doing yoga on the weekends. These would be great shoes for walking!
I am resolving to walk at least 10,000 steps and so far so good. I make myself get those points. I’m a 50 yr old mom of 9 children and 2 new grandbabes. I will be busy caring for one grandbabe full time. I am an ‘almost’ raw vegan and really trying to make a difference in my families life with ‘better’ choses! These shoes look like they could fit right up my alley ;) I am determined to grow older ‘gracefully’ and ‘healthfully’. These shoes are CUTE! Pam
I will stretch, exercise and feed my body right in 2012. Less processed foods, more fresh air walking and jogging, more sleep at night! Love the fancy kicks, here’s to winning!
I’m planning to eat more fresh foods, not processed. Add fruits/veggies to all meals. New gym just opened,,,trying to get there 3-5x per week.
These look awesome!
and I liked them on FB. =D
and I liked them on FB. =D
So want some of these! Thanks for the giveaway!
And i liked them on facebook.
I would love these shoes! My goal for 2012 is to walk at least an hour every day – either outside, weather permitting, or on my treadmill.
I also just “liked” PlanetShoes on Facebook. :-)
I’m going to attempt p90x with my husband as long as I can (before preparing for another child) and maybe I’ll do some Zumba on Kinect :).
I like Planet Shoes on Facebook (Sheena Tatum).
Exercising every day – so far so good!
my new years resolution is to take better care of myself, my family and my planet. I came across your blog on New Years day and have found it very helpful and inspiring. The sneakers would be the perfect accent for my goal!
I resolve to continue my exercising inside while the air quality is not good.
My family and I have a new membership to the YMCA and we resolve to go at least 3 days a week to swim and workout.
I liked on Facebook.
In addition to my running and yoga routine I plan to walk to do more of my errands.
I am eating clean and vowing to go to the gym at least three times a week!
I liked planetshoes on fb.
These are so cute! I’m going to exercise at least 3 days a week.
I plan to stay fit by eating healthier, drinking more water and walking regularly. These shoes are cute!
Yes! love these shoes. I always get blisters and it takes me a long time to break shoes in. These looks incredibly comfortable.
I want to walk, walk, walk……farther & more often. Also am drinking more juices and less pop.
I really like their shoes & I liked Planet Shoes on Facebook.
Looking forward to feeling energized and happy from the inside. Cute new shoes would mirror my outside!
I would love to win! I am trying to walk more and working my way back to a daily walk. I’m always trying to eat “better” thought the definition of that seems to change. :)
Liked them on FB too.
I am working on getting and staying fit by going outside to play with my daughter everyday.
I’m waking up early to ensure that I get my exercise in for the day. Done nice and early so that I feel amazing for the rest of the day.
Trying to eliminate processed foods in our diets and doing at least 20 minutes of exercise a day.
liked planetshoes on fb
Taking my family off Processed foods, incorporating more active playing with my kiddos, and starting a mommy bible study/exercise group at church. And I’m will continue to teach my children that fresh fruits and vegetables are the best for us and can be fun and tasty to eat!
Exercising more and drinking fruit/Kale smoothies
Trying to make healthier choices…making alot more homemade foods.
Like planetshoes on FB!! Thanks!
10 minutes of yoga in the morning. walking to do errands. when the light starts to return in the evening, run with my daughter. eat more fish.
Less sugar and More active are the ways I plan to get healthier in 2012. I’ve been G-free for 1 1/2 yr’s, so that parts pretty under control.
Exercising regularly, and trying to incorporate more outdoor exercise too. Thanks for the opportunity!
Portion control and being more active! So far, I have done really well sticking to my goals.
Going to start utilizing my jogging stroller when it warms up in Alaska and taking my almost two-year-old on some challenging (for me) runs while I push her! These shoes would be a nice reward :)
Continuing on going to the gym and walking.
pilates, yoga and “accountability” with a new personal trainer at the Y!
More exercise!
More exercise!
This is the year I have resolved to take bake my health. As a working Mom who is also a full time student life does not always allow you time to be as fit a you’d like. I now have an amazing fitness coach who I see 3x a week and moving closer to achieving my goals. In just three months I have already lost 7% of my body fat through diet and exercise. Planetshoes philosophy and commitment encompasses my approach towards life!!
This is the year I have resolved to take bake my health. As a working Mom who is also a full time student life does not always allow you time to be as fit a you’d like. I now have an amazing fitness coach who I see 3x a week and moving closer to achieving my goals. In just three months I have already lost 7% of my body fat through diet and exercise. Planetshoes philosophy and commitment encompasses my approach towards life!!
For 2012, both my husband and I resolved to wake up before the kids together and trade off days on the treadmill and wii fit. It’s easier to get up to exercise when you’re waking up with someone and now we’re both getting exercise every day.
LOVE your picture of your VFF :o)
I also “liked” planet shoes.
I am a 40 year old mom who just joined a gym 2 days ago. My goal is to shed 15 pounds and get some muscle mass to boot.
I have bought some new videos that I plan to incorporate every other day at first. I live in the boonies and don’t have a facility near me.
I like Planetshoes on Facebook!
Love New Balance! I just started running.. which is my ‘me’ / fitness time. Such a great giveaway, thanks for the oppertunity.
More yoga and long walks. Getting to the park more with my kids. Bike rides with my older son. Less processed food for our whole family. Cutting way down on wheat, dairy and wine. Love the shoes!
I have decided it was yime to end the excuses and do something for me. Getting myself healthy, watching my portions and playing more will make me a better mom and s better influence on my children.
Staying fit by walking around the campus at U.N. Omaha several times a day from class-to-class, as well as walking my Beagles every night (that the weather permits us to).
I also “like” Planetshoes on FB!!
As I understand it New Balance is the ONLY american made athletic shoe. I have been waiting for my old shoes to wear out so I can switch them out. Plus I realized that even though I do a lot most of it doesnt fit in the cardio department and that is my new goal this year, add more cardio!!
I ‘liked’ Planet Shoes on FB!
For 2012 (and on) I am starting a vegetarian diet to stay fit, as well as working out 4-5 times a week. I am also finding workouts for my kids to do so they can understand the importance of healthy exercise and eating.
My goal is to take my boys for a walk every morning after I drop my girls off at school. I will continue to hula dance and swim. It’s the easiest thing for me to do with having RA and fibromyalgia. I am going to continue cooking most of our meals in our solar oven. No microwave cooking! And as soon as we close on our house I am going to plant my garden with heirloom seeds.
I liked Planet Shoes on Facebook!
I incorrectly put@yahoo in my previous post. My email addy is @gmail. Thanks!
I began running with my husband and daughter about a year ago. It has been the best therapy and spiritual practice ever! We have also been incorporating Paleo diet.
I am also an elementary school teacher who gets the students to run three times a week. I am teaching proper footwear, form, and breathing to my third graders :o) I am hoping by May we can all run a 5k together raising funds for the Palm Springs Police Dogs.
2012 is goin to be a fit year for me and my family. My son and I are waking up early to get 30 minutes of cardio in before work and school and we joined the YMCA to work out doing spin class, Zumba an yoga. We also got a juicer for Christmas and have been drinking carrot, apple and beet juice as well as eating more kale. I love to hike, trail run and be in the woods during the warmer months with my dogs and kids. Happy New Year!!
I love these shoes! I am resolved to walk in the National Forest twice a week, added to my regular workout. I T-Tapp five times a week. :)
The shoes are so cute! I am 7 months pregnant and have been walking everywhere with my two year old. I’m hoping this will help me get back into shape after I have the baby in April.
For 2012 I’m working on eating more fruits and veggies everyday, along with some sort of daily exercise – gym, skiing, walking, hiking, etc.