AU to wear NBs this year.

[DKW 86 7,440]

Link

Hope this turns out very well.

Tigers ditch Nike for New Balance

Friday, July 22, 2005

CHARLES GOLDBERG

News staff writer

AUBURN -- Nike's calling with a request. Could somebody please tell Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown to quit taping up their football shoes? They're covering up the Swoosh, and everybody knows you're not supposed to cover up the Swoosh.

The Swoosh is supposed to be in every photo. It's the logo. It's money. It's corporate America.

But players like "spatting up" their shoes. It's a fashion statement. Plus, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said he would not risk an ankle, foot or leg injury for a logo. So the university and Nike parted ways.

This season, the university and a different shoe company have come together in a new venture.

Auburn will be the only team in the country wearing New Balance football cleats, as the shoe manufacturer gets into the world of big-time college football.

New Balance sold Tuberville on what it says is a new idea to fit each player individually, and that it could provide a new, wider shoe for today's bigger athletes. Tuberville was also intrigued by the idea of being just a little bit different.

"Having Auburn wear them is going to launch the whole program for us," said Kent Richard, an associate product manager for New Balance. "We've given them a lot of attention."

New Balance is providing some 400 shoes, including football shoes, training shoes and lifting shoes, and almost all are individually fitted. New Balance isn't giving the university a traditional shoe contract and Auburn gets no endorsement money, but New Balance provides a virtually endless supply of shoes. Nike provided a limited number of free shoes and nominal endorsement money because Auburn's primary apparel contract is with Russell Athletics.

"Almost every other Division I program gets paid quite a bit to wear their shoes," Richard said. "Coach Tuberville just wanted shoes that fit the best.

"Auburn is going to be our main focus - learning with them and launching with them. We're changing the model. It's really about the shoes."

More...

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Way to go Tubs. Give Nike the bird on the way out

Last week I had a post saying "boycott Nike." Some responded I didn't give a good reason. Is this good enough?

[Jenny AU-92 0]

The biggest shoes to fill: size 16-double-Es, worn by three players.

I wonder who???

Good on CTT - heaven forbid no one see the most recognized symbol in advertising. Heaven forbid the guys choose safety over a stupid logo.

Nike sucks.

[AuNuma1 1]

Yeah, I love my NB's.

I always wondered why players on certain teams always had their shoes wrapped in tape but not others...should've known it was about money.

I'm glad Auburn is doing it's own thing.

[WarTim 3,457]

New Balance. The BEST shoes I have EVER had. I am on about my tenth pair.

GREAt shoes...GREAT news!

WAR EAGLE ! ! !

[WarEagle_57 0]

I guess I need to paint my 608 orange and blue now! Love those things, only thing I've bought in years.

[aulax1 0]

It was a great day when we finally got rid of nike and brought in New Balance. At least they wount be trying to push us into buying all of our apperal from them like Nike did.

If you are wondering who would were a size 16, just look at King Dunlap #77. A player that tall would have to wear a pair of shoes that big just to balance himself.

[Raven_tiger 5]

Good call on Tubby's part. I haven't worn Nike in years, due to the lack of a wide size in many of it's shoes.

[BustemBigBlue 178]

I have a pair of 991's I've been wearing just about every day for 4 years and they are still holding together and are more comfortable than ever. Best made shoes I've ever had.

[Wishbone 0]

Getting custom fitted for athletic shoes can be very important in some sports. I am into running and haven't had any of the problems I used to have after I was custom fitted for a shoe.

[tiger88 934]

New balance rules. I'll take a 4ee thank you!

I just hope they don't get huge like nike and start putting out crappy product.

[DKW 86 7,440]

685s RULE!!!!!!

[autigger 0]

hmm i have 2 pair of new balance shoes... i have the regular tennis shoes and then slip on tennis shoe that are awesome!!! i love my newbalances.... best thing about it they combined didnt cost me $100 but i also buy "kid size"shoes still so its all good.....

[AuNuma1 1]

Nothing beats the 991's for running.