Hands down one of my favorite shoe purchases of the summer has been my brand new New Balance TrueBalance sneakers. Sure, they’re low-profile toning shoes, but they’re also a lot more. And coming from a brand like New Balance, you know these are high-quality sneakers.

When my box of New Balance WW1100 Toning‘s arrived, I opened it to find a nice surprise – these are seriously cool looking sneakers. The lime green is a chic contrast to the super soft grey upper. They’re light and breathable, with neat patterns in the side. They’re definitely sneakers, but I like that they look more akin to kicks versus a pair of running shoes (you’re not supposed to run in TrueBalance toning shoes).  The lining is also super soft. I put them on and laced them up to find that these New Balance TrueBalance’s have great support and are really comfortable. The great feel got me excited to take them for a spin, perhaps even burn some extra calories.

As I set out, I was skeptical at first. Do toning shoes really work? Especially a pair that looks so utterly unlike those rocker bottom ones. In fact, this is one that looks just like a regular shoe. TrueBalance shoes use a unique balance board technology that features a soft flexible sole unit with a spring-system design and a rounded bottom. Each step makes your body work to maintain it’s natural balance which in turn activates your muscles.

I can’t say my expectations for my pair were all too high, but I was willing to give them a shot. They didn’t feel any different at first. They’re a very stable pair of shoes and great for walking all around the city running errands. But after having them on a bit, I definitely started feeling some muscles I don’t usually during a given walk. I was shocked! And appreciative. I was getting an improved workout from shoes I think look great. As they say, two birds, one stone.

TrueBalance shoes tone your muscles from your legs to your glutes to your core and help to burn calories. Although results vary, New Balance has conducted tests that have shown up to a 29% increase in muscle activation and up to a 10% increase in calorie burning versus conventional walking shoes. I can definitely get used to these added benefits!

You can find both sleek New Balance TrueBalance shoes, the New Balance True Balance WW850 Toning and the New Balance WW1100 Toning, on PlanetShoes.com!

We’ve written about greening leather tanning practices in the past on the blog. The good news is that this treatment is getting better press across the green world and the best news is that a bunch of our favorite footwear brands are being recognized for making the responsible choice of using greener leather.

There was a recent article on Treehugger.com, referencing an article in Footwear News, about the three ways that tanneries are greening up their processes, and the companies that are supporting these more sustainable and responsible factories.

First off, leather tanneries are some of the worst water polluters in the world. There are so many chemicals used, and there is so much water used, that they not only flush bad chemicals into water sources, but also USE a massive amount of water, which is also wasteful. Simona Tanning, which provides leathers for some of our favorite brands, including Keen, Clarks, Camper, MBT Shoes, Sperry Top-Sider and Timberland is reducing their water usage and their discharge by 40% using reverse osmosis technology.

Second, Treehugger highlighted companies that are incorporating solar power into their energy production. The leather tanning company, PrimeAsia Leather Corp, who supplies New Balance, Clarks, Reebok, The North Face and Merrell cites that it’s highest bill and highest energy consumption comes from heating the water in large boilers for their process and by installing a sizable solar panel installation, they expect their up front solar investment will not only pay for itself in less than 18 months, it will also significantly reduce their carbon footprint!

Finally, and this is what every manufacturing company should do, the ISA Tan Tec leather tannery, who supplies Keen, New Balance, The North Face, Reef, Timberland, Merrell and Chaco is focusing on looking at every step of their process and optimizing and improving their practices. They have invested in a hydraulic cooling system, which uses water at specific temperatures to cool a space. As the water warms from ambient temperature, it is moved from the hydraulic cooling system into the boilers for the tanning process. The pre-warmed water needs less energy to heat, and the hydraulic cooling system has reduced the need for electric powered fans. This smart improvement has reduced energy consumption by 35% and water usage by 50%!

All of us want to shop more responsibly, support businesses that are doing their best to improve the world and still enjoy the great fashion and fun shopping that we love.

PlanetShoes.com has created the Brands That Care store to show us what companies are creating change. These companies take their responsibility to the Earth, their communities and their employees seriously.

Many strive to change the way that their products are made to create less of an impact on the environment. Some, like Chaco, have used wind or solar power to create a carbon-neutral footprint. Others, such as Patagonia find ways to re-use the scrap materials generated in their manufacturing process to lighten their eco-footprint.

Changing the world is not easy, but it is a challenge worth taking on and there are plenty of worthy causes to support. New Balance has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to join the fight against breast cancer. Lace Up For The Cure offers specially designed New Balance shoes where part of each sale goes to fund the fight against breast cancer. While Mi Mo handbags donates a whopping 5% of all of their profits to charities that fight domestic violence.

Several companies have integrated a commitment to others as a part of their corporate identity. TOMS Shoes donates one pair of shoes for every sold, an unparalleled effort to change the way millions of people face each day. While casual favorite Crocs created SolesUnited to collect used Crocs, recycle them and then donates the shoes all around the world to people who otherwise would go barefoot. Millions of people are sickened and injured every year by not having adequate footwear, and these companies are changing the harsh reality step by step.

Timberland has created the Earthkeeper project committed to building community gardens, rebuilding playgrounds and engaging their employees in community service. They have made steps towards changing the way that their company runs from the manufacturing to the sales of their shoes to reduce their environmental impact. Less packaging, streamlining distribution and selecting sustainable materials will all make this world a better place.

Patagonia, a leader in responsible business practices has also teamed with partners to create a re-soleing program that allows customers to keep their favorite shoes and boots on their feet and out of the landfill.

Ten years ago the 1% For The Planet organization got their start with just a handful of businesses, now 1248 companies donate 1% of their sales to a network of 2,023 environmental organizations worldwide. Planet Shoes, Patagonia and El Naturalista have joined this great cause and have helped to contribute to more than 30 million dollars raised for the planet!

Many of the companies featured in the Brands That Care store have progressive policies that allow their employees to live balanced and active lifestyles. Timberland and The North Face encourage employees to use alternative transportation, carpool and bicycle whenever possible.

I love knowing which companies are doing good things behind the scenes to make my world better. I get to shop in a way that is responsible and supports causes that I believe in. Each step that I can take to make my life, my habits- especially my shopping habits greener and more socially responsible the better I feel. The Brands That Care store is my cheat-sheet for knowing just where to look for great footwear with a conscience.

PlanetShoes.com is pleased to announce the creation of a Made in the USA specialty shop featuring a great range of shoes and accessories all made in the United States. Planet Inc. has long been known for its commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices, and the Made in the USA shop is designed to showcase products that are produced in the US and therefore employ Americans, sustain the American economy and reduce the environmental impact of shipping goods worldwide.

“We believe in supporting businesses that keep their production in the USA. While we understand this isn’t feasible for all of the brands we carry, we are excited to promote these particular footwear, sock, bag and accessory manufacturers in a special way. By offering a specialty shop, we help customers find these brands and support their businesses in a meaningful way,” explained Phil Meynard, President of Planet, Inc.

The Made in the USA shop features brands like Red Wing, New Balance, Smartwool, Wigwam and Teko Socks and bag manufacturers Timbuk2 and WeBe Bags. The products available in the online shop include athletic shoes, performance and comfort socks, backpacks, messenger and handbags, wallets and accessories for men, women and children.

“We plan to continue to find brands and companies that operate in the USA and make their goods in the USA as well. It’s well known that the shipping industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, which is why we implemented our Carbon Free Plus Shipping program where we donate proceeds donated by consumers to CarbonFund.org,” explained Meynard. “Finding companies that make their goods in the USA, and specifically companies like Teko Socks, WeBe Bags and New Balance shoes that also take their environmental impact seriously which means we’re supporting businesses that also think sustainability is important – which is important to us.”

PlanetShoes.com is currently featuring almost 300 products in the Made in the USA Shop found on the web at http://www.planetshoes.com/shops.asp.

About Planet Inc.

Planet, Inc. is an innovative lifestyle shoe retailer dedicated to selling the most comfortable and stylish shoes possible at value prices. Our flagship site found on the web at PlanetShoes.com specializes in active, comfortable, healthy, earth friendly shoes and products with a flare of fashion. Our product lines are ever expanding to bring our customer new fun footwear to choose from. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an eco-friendly fashionista, we strive to offer the selection you want.

We look at affordability and value in pricing our products. Customer service and unique products are our calling card. Contact us directly at 1-888-818-SHOE (7463).

Choosing the right kid’s shoes as they go back to school is always a challenge. You want something sturdy and versatile that will work with most of their clothes, keep up with them no matter how hard they run and play and that will stand up to changing weather conditions.

My daughter starts kindergarten this year and I have to say I’ve been stumped! Do I go with fashion or straight up durability and practicality? Do I choose an athletic shoe or do I go with a sturdy Mary Jane? So I perused my options over at Planet Shoes and I came up with a number of cute styles that will please the parent of daughter or son, girly girl or tomboy, athlete or bookworm!

Keen Coronado: Let’s start with the Keen Coronado’s. This is a cute and durable option from Keen, a shoe maker known for quality and making a shoe that can stand up to just about anything. This sneaker, in particular, is also made with eco-friendly construction in mind, offering a recycled PU and cork footbed and using an eco-friendly vulcanized construction.

The natural canvas is both breathable and strong and the look is classic and works perfectly for boys or girls depending on the size you choose. If you decide to go with the classic Converse inspired sneaker, consider the Keen Coronado for this fall!

New Balance KV993 Running – Do you have a preschooler heading into the hallowed school halls for the first time? One of the best options for an athletic or super active tyke is a great New Balance sneaker, with a Velcro closure. These are made for running around, so they are well cushioned and have reflective detailing for additional safety.

They are made with a suede and mesh upper which keeps the shoe comfortable in any temperature. Easy to get on and off and super supportive and durable, these kid’s sneakers are a great option for little boys or girls on and off the playground.

Simple Macaroon – Do you have a little girl on your hands who is likely to turn her nose up at a pair of sneakers, no matter how cute? Well, I have the compromise for you! The Simple Macaroon is an adorable Mary Jane style kid’s shoe that has the benefit of a rubber outsole and comfortable footbed.

As with all Simple Shoes, these sweeties are also very eco-friendly, using Organic cotton for the lining and the EVA pedbed covering. The rubber outsole used to be a car tire and these shoes ship in recycled boxes. So basically, you’ll be helping your little darling look adorable in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible! No downside!

Merrell Jungle Moc – Last, but certainly not least is the Merrell Jungle Moc, the classic Merrell slip on that combines simple styling, extreme durability and water and stain resistant exteriors. These shoes have a ton of benefits for kids – they are slip on’s, which make them easy for all ages, but they also offer fantastic traction and a great, snug fit because of the elasticity.

These shoes are sure to see them through the winter – and maybe you’ll swing over to the grown up section and pick some up for yourself!

For men this season, it’s all about fun, vintage sneakers. We’ve seen them on celebrities like Penn Badgley and now we’re seeing different styles and brands pop up all over the place!

You can find great options from a lot of companies, including PF Flyers who are the experts on the vintage inspired athletic shoe – but did you know New Balance has a great selection of sneakers for men that have the style and the substance you need in an athletic shoe?

A great example is the New Balance Vintage Running sneaker available in black and gray. This style debuted to great popularity in the 1980’s and now it’s been re-launched and celebrities like Elijah Wood have been spotted getting in on the action.

A great pair of vintage inspired sneakers gives you the benefit of healthy athletic support with the style you’re looking for as well.

So browse through our Men’s New Balance sneakers and find a great look for this summer, that will even take you into the fall!