It's not uncommon for an employee working in a shoe store to become obsessed about shoes. In fact, it's half the reason most of us work in the shoe biz.
So when Frank, the Assistant Manager at ourĀ our Danforth storeĀ told us he finally completed his collection of the Global Race 890s, we decided to take a closer look and find out what made these so special to him.Ā
Q: What is it about the Global Pack 890ās that made you want to collect these?Ā
A: The 890 is really one of the few shoes Iāve seen that comes in quite an artistic array of colours and style. The industrial design and aesthetic is pretty unique among all the other shoes weāve carried. And Iām a sucker for collecting a theme. So it was five examples of the Global Race Pack and thatās why I decided to get all five.
Q: When did you become obsessed with the 890s?
A: When I tried on my first pair, which were a version 3, so about two years ago. I got a first pair and they were excellent! A great running shoe, very comfortable. Again, it had a lot of design and interesting aesthetic elements to them and with the version 4 came what I thought were improved designs overall. Much more comfortable, more cushioned. So certainly a superior shoe in my mind. Also came a lot more interesting designs as exampled by the Global Race Pack.Ā
Q: Tell us about your 890 collection.
A: Thereās seven shoes in total. The five Global Race, which are a version 4, and then theres the two version 2s that I have. One is also a London race shoe. Really beautiful design as well. Kind of tartan, pinkish, purplish colour.Ā
As well as The Rainbow which is the first 890 I picked up, which is still one of my favourite shoes to this day. And I use quite a bit for just everyday use and street wear.Ā
Q: Is there any New Balance shoe other than the 890 on your radar?
A: As a running shoe Iāve always stuck between the 890 and the 1080. The upcoming 890 version 5s look promising. But more interesting are the upcoming 1980ās which are our new Fresh Foam Zante. That looks like itās going to be somewhat of a comparable shoe and from what I can tell itās going to be another global race pack so it looks like I might be getting another five shoes.Ā
Certainly our classics have improved. We have a lot of beautiful Authors Packs in the limited edition stuff. The 1300ās are probably my favourite lifestyle shoe. Certainly the most interesting in terms of design and fit. Fit beautifully, lots of cushioning, but they have a nice aesthetic and a nice silhouette. And the newer stuff is pretty beautiful. Iām hoping to get a few of those.Ā
Q: How many New Balance shoes would you say you actually own. Ā
A: Including the ones Iāve had to retire or throw away? I would say weāre up to about 21. That includes 1080s, 890s, minimus shoes, lifestyle shoes. A couple of trail shoes, and whole bunch more runners. So Iām pretty set.Ā
Frank is an assistant manager at our Danforth location and has been with New Balance Toronto for just over 2 years now. An avid shoe collector as well as fitness/running enthusiast, he is able to provide excellent advice and customer service to all who walk through our doors. If you would like Frank to help you find your fit, visit us at 613 Danforth Ave (at Pape).
