A Brighter (And Lighter, And More Comfortable) Geometry: New Balance Minimus 2012 Uppers

From the time the updated New Balance Minimus was first announced, much of the focus was on the revised platform. Instead of the 4mm heel-toe drop of the 2011 version, the 2012 Minimus will have a pure zero-drop platform – news that was met with much rejoicing from minimalist fans. (Random Monty Python-nerd link.)

However, the forthcoming shoe is more than just a low-rider version of its predecessor. There are top-to-bottom improvements based on user feedback and lessons learned from the initial Minimus trail and road models, as the latest installment of New Balance’s slow-boil marketing campaign demonstrates.

New Balance Minimus road upper

In the newest addition to the New Balance Minimus Zero website, Senior Designers Drew Nyssen and Chris Wawrousek explain the process of improving the comfort of the original Minimus line – which was already pretty great – while simultaneously decreasing the overall weight and maintaining the high-performance fit. There are also a handful of high-res photos to whet your appetite for the new models, which are scheduled for release in February.

Multiple colors of Minimus trail uppers

Among all the shoes I’ve tested this year, the New Balance Minimus trail version undoubtedly had the most comfortable upper – so if the company finds some way to improve upon that aspect, I’ll be duly impressed. Combine that with the flattened platform and the revamped outsoles, and the Minimus is very high on the list of shoes I’m looking forward to testing in 2012.

Translucent upper material

The new website content just went live this morning; check it out here for a longer glimpse of what’s to come, and I’ll continue to post updates as the company passes them along.



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CLIF Bar Seasonal Flavors Giveaway

“Then shalt thou count to three - no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out.”
- From Monty Python and the Holy Grail (video clip after post)

I can’t say with any certainty whether the CLIF Company bases their inventory policy on Monty Python’s fictional Book of Armaments, but one thing is sure: when it comes to their seasonal flavors, the number of the counting shall be three.

Here’s what I mean: for the past two years, CLIF has released a trio of limited release flavors with a holiday theme.  Last time around, our family tested all of them, and each flavor was outstanding – so much so that we went out and stocked up on all of them in December, before they disappeared from the shelves for another nine months. (Once the bars sell out of stores, they’re gone for the year – so if you see them, grab them quick.)

This year, the seasonal flavors are back, and the press release that accompanied my sample shipment announced the debut of a new flavor in the lineup: Peppermint Stick, which is about as wintery-sounding as you can get. However, when I was picking my way through the box, something seemed amiss – so I e-mailed my CLIF rep to ask about it.

Me:  Does this mean that the Cranberry Orange Nut Bread flavor is discontinued? That would be a bummer - we all really liked that one.

Her:  That is correct, but I promise you won’t be disappointed with the Peppermint Stick!

Apparently there isn’t enough room in the holiday lineup for four flavors, so this season, as in years past, there are three – no more, no less. The lineup for 2011 is Iced Gingerbread, Spiced Pumpkin Pie, and Peppermint Stick.

CLIF Bar 2011 seasonal flavors; photo courtesy of CLIF Bar

I have to admit that I’m still a little bit disappointed by the development, as I definitely preferred the old Cranberry Orange flavor to the new Peppermint Stick one. It’s simply one of those individual preference things, but I should also point out that I am strongly overruled by my kids, who all love the new Peppermint Stick bar.

It’s no wonder, really. The new flavor tastes almost exactly like a candy cane on Christmas morning – except, you know … one that’s totally good for you. Like the other seasonal flavors, CLIF’s Peppermint Stick is all-natural, made with organic ingredients, and packs the same wholesome balance of carbohydrates and protein for sustained energy that regular CLIF Bars are famous for. In other words, they’re just like other CLIF Bars, but a little more festive.

They’re also a little more charitable; like last year, 1% of sales from this season’s holiday CLIF flavors will be donated to the Winter Wildlands Alliance, a national organization working on behalf of cold-weather athletes and outdoor adventurers to address issues that impact winter recreation areas. It’s all in the spirit of giving, which is something CLIF does exceptionally well.

On that note, I’m pleased to announce that CLIF is doing some festive giving through this website as well. In conjunction with this post, CLIF will award 4 bars of each holiday flavor (12 bars total) to three different readers. Leave a comment below this post to enter, and winners will be announced on Saturday, October 29. Obviously, a very big thanks goes to CLIF for sponsoring this contest, and good luck to everybody!

*Products provided by CLIF Bar

"Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch", from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (click to play):





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