The good people at New Balance are re-releasing the 420 running shoe to get runners ready for the 2008 racing season. There are four colorways in the NB 420 that will be available online and through retailers around the United States in upcoming weeks. New Balance is returning to its roots and competing with companies like Nike and Adidas with its resurrection of the 420s.

I have posted my two favorite colorways in this post. The white/blue/yellow colorway has a dark gray suede heel that adds a nice accent for a shoe that is perfect for professional runners. I love the olive green colorway posted below because it adds a perfect complement to the white 420s. The light gray suede heel on the olive New Balance 420 provides some relief from a shoe that may be boring to some sneaker fans.

There will be many sneaker fans who will pick up these retro sneakers without any intention of running in a street race. The classic look of the NB 420s should not dissuade runners from going back to something that worked well in the 1980s. I am looking forward to trying out a pair of these shoes this summer alongside technical running shoes from Saucony, Adidas and other brands to see which sneaker is superior. I have a feeling that the classic heel construction, insole and lightweight construction will be favorable to many runners.