Have you heard the buzz about the new Mickey and Minnie running shoes? Well…it goes like this! Walt Disney Parks and Resorts aligned with New Balance and – Voila! – Minnie and Mickey running shoes manifested like magic.
The new alliance was announced on January 9, 2013 in conjunction with the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon. New Balance has been designated the “official athletic shoe” of the Walt Disney World Resort. Still on the drawing board is the “official baseball shoe” by New Balance, which will be available during baseball activities at the Sports Complex.
With Disney quickly becoming the preferred vacation spot of runners and New Balance enjoying a stellar track-record for fashion forward athletic shoes, this is appears an auspicious connection.
As for future plans, the alliance will promote Disney as the healthy and dynamic vacation alternative in addition to Disney Sports and runDisney.
According to Rob DeMartini, who is 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.”
As for Disney’s sentiments, George Aquel, senior VP, Disney Corporate Alliances stated, “We are excited about this new agreement and look forward to working with New Balance.”
To kick-off the new connection, New Balance created an exclusive runDisney 860v3 limited edition running shoe in commemoration of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey’s shoe was created in his colors, yellow, red and black, along with the traditional mouse symbol.
For Minnie’s shoe the designers chose white, red and yellow, drawing on inspiration from her polka dotted dress. Clearly delineated as “runDisney”, the slogan is displayed on both sides and the tongue of the shoes.
Unfortunately for Mickey and Minnie lovers who didn’t attend the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Health and Fitness Expo during January 10th -12th the shoes won’t be available until a future event, unless you are in the vicinity of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. If you’re fortunate to grab a pair, they’ll set you back about $125. Of course, Mickey and Minnie are worth the price!
