Hold the phone. If you know me, you know I don’t run unless something scary is chasing me, yet this news that Disney and New Balance are teaming up for a multi-year strategic alliance today that includes exclusive Mickey & Minnie themed running shoes, running-specific initiatives, and co-branding opportunities has me considering getting off the couch for a jog. New Balance is pretty much the only shoe that fits my foot, so this is, pardon the pun, a perfect fit for me.
This exciting alliance will bring New Balance’s innovative, design-forward athletic footwear to the leading vacation destination in the world, in particular Disney’s thriving sports business. As part of the collaboration, New Balance becomes the official athletic shoe of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. New Balance also becomes the official running shoe for runDisney race weekends and the official baseball shoe of amateur baseball events at the Sports Complex.
In addition, New Balance also becomes the title sponsor of the track & field facility at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, home of the annual Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic and Disney’s Track & Field Spring Training for high school and collegiate teams. Future initiatives include the creation of maps for the running trails at Walt Disney World Resort and fitness programs for Disney resort guests interested in pursuing healthy options.
“New Balance and Disney share a commitment to quality and innovation,” says Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance. “We are proud to work with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to showcase New Balance’s brand excellence and the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
“Our relationship with New Balance complements our company’s efforts to provide healthy options for families during their Disney vacation,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are excited about this new agreement and look forward to working with New Balance.”
To commemorate this alliance, New Balance created a men’s and women’s limited edition runDisney 860v3 running shoe that captures the spirit of two favorite Disney characters – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The limited edition runDisney 860v3 will be available for purchase at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Health & Fitness Expo from January 10-12, future runDisney Health & Fitness Expos, special events created jointly by New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts as well as branded pop-up shops located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
So what do you think about the shoes? Will you be adding a pair to your closet?
Will these be available for purchase without being there? My wife trained and trained for the half and got injured so she can’t come. I would love to buy some for her for all her hard work.
Will these be available at the Tinker Bell expo?
I’d love to know the same! My husband is an avid runner and would love to get a pair but this year we won’t be in Florida for any of the runDisney events or the expo. Any chance they will be sold online or outside of Florida?
I called today and spoke with people at Disney. They had zero indications that these would be sold anywhere other then the expo at this point. They couldn’t even tell me a price point. So I’ve decided. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning and driving to Disney just to buy a pair. Not only am I a sneaker head I’m the biggest Disney fan.
Keep in mind many of the women’s sizes sold out in the first few hours and they’re only available at the expo at espn wwos. I suspect most of the men’s sizes will be gone if they aren’t already too.
Price are $125 a pair and feel like they weigh absolutely nothing
I want a pair so badly but won’t be able to do a Disney race till 2014. We are going to DW this summer as our annual trip though, will they be selling them at the World Wide Sports area year round or only at the race expo’s?
Spread the magic and sell the shoes in New Balance stores or online. Pretty please! I have run in 5 Disney Races and won’t be at another in September. I can’t wait that long!
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OH MY GOODNESS! How can I purchase & break-in a pair before our trip this March???? Would love to have these ‘Magical’ shoes, asap????
I would love to have a set of these… just so I could show up to Army physical training formations with a pair of Mickey Mouse running shoes!
I would love to order a pair. Hope they will be available to order online!!!
I really hope you reconsider the limited quantities available. Considering their popularity maybe you could offer them with advance ordering on the Disney Store website. I think you’d sell a ton of them! Beautiful designs, but I’ll never make it down in time to buy a pair in person.
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I live to far to run but want the shoes. When I lived in Calif we’d go to Disneyland 3 or 4 times a year. Help us all out and sell them on the New Balance web site!
I WANT A PAIR! I’m not a runner but these shoes might motivate me to become one. Where can I buy a pair?
Will be going to DisneyWorld in July . Can I purchase the Minnie Mouse tennis shoes at the park
AFAIK, they are only available at runDisney race events and only in limited quantities.
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