If you’ve trained on New Balance 1225 for the past year and ran the New York City Marathon with them, the first thing you’ll notice when putting on these guys is the comfort in the heel. I have always liked New Balance shoes and these are no different and I have already been recommending the 1225 to my friends and neighbors as these are hands down the best running / athletic shoes I have ever owned.
NB 1225 is the 5th generation of the 1220 line (1220, 1211, 1222, 1223, 1224 and this model) and I guess the arch support in this series is what brings you back whether you use them for running or cross train. I had a pair of 1224s that I really liked, but they are much, much better. They are light, have great support and perfect cushioning. I highly recommend these shoes, especially if you are a mild overproner and heavier runner with wide feet.
How are the PL-1 Shoe Last? The last of the shoe is a foot model on which the shoe is built, and the last will determine the fit characteristics of a style. As the last of the New Balance PL-1 shoe was carefully designed to provide a preferred aerodynamic profile, it could fit perfectly if you have long, narrow feet (eg size 15B, narrow heel, low volume foot). However, if you used to wear a standard last, for example the SL-2, which is roomier than the PL-1, you may feel like the New Balance 1225 mesh upper hugs your foot more than it fits.
Squeaks? How to find out? They feel great, but they do squeak your shoes on occasion when you walk. You can fix this by simply sprinkling some baby powder on the shoe or alternatively insert a folded paper towel between the insole and the rest of the shoe. Easy, isn’t it?
Is there a problem with orthopedics? No. In fact, if you wear custom orthotics, you will find that it can be put inside the shoe without any problem as it fits the brace very well. For those over pronators who need orthotics, it is a great point to buy a pair of them. Also, these shoes help correct excessive pronation on their own.
How about the size and width? It felt wider than marked and a full size larger than marked. A size 13-14 on most other New Balance shoes should be a 12 1/2.
How about the cushioning? For those who have knee / hip issues that require quite a bit of protection against heel strike, 1225’s shock absorption is effective without bouncing, so you will likely be surprised that they did a good job of alleviating injuries in those areas. – no more knee or back pain.
How about stability? Good stability, if you use them during gym workouts as well, and trust them to provide a secure platform for all kinds of crazy exercises and equipment. I have tried other stability shoes (Nike, Asics, Brooks) but none provide the degree of comfort and stability of the 1225.
Do the laces untie themselves? They are beautiful, light and well laced shoes that never untie on their own. The laces are a bit high on the foot, which provides a more solid fit, but you need to loosen them a bit more when you take the shoe off than is typical with running shoes. However, they could have a longer tongue and a harder heel.
Buying tips:
- Model Number: MR1225 (men); WR1225 (women).
- Last: PL-1 Last.
- Made in the USA
- Weight: 12.00 oz (men); 10.00 oz (women).
- Size: half the smallest size.
- Width: Felt wider than marked.
- Laces: They never untie themselves.
- For orthotics: To put them inside the shoe without any problem.
- Noisy – Squeaks at times, but can be resolved.
- Breathability: Breathability is excellent and will not cause too much trouble in hot conditions.