New Balance launches its sportswear lending program in Westin hotels

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Mar 12, 2013

As far as sports go, running is probably the most universal. No matter the time or the location, you are always able to fit in a session, which makes it a go-to sport for those sporty professionals with busy schedules. And of course, they need the correct shoes to take part.

It is exactly these professionals and travellers that Westin Hotels & Resorts have targeted. In partnership with New Balance, they have been testing a lending program for sports shoes at a dozen hotels including in Boston, Berlin and Tokyo since 2010. Last autumn, the hotel began rolling out the concept in 118 hotels in North America, before recently launching it internationally.

"Today's travelers are committed to staying healthy and fit while they're away from home and convenient access to the proper athletic equipment and programming is vital to making this happen," said Hilary Keates, director of global marketing and brand management for New Balance. "New Balance is excited to expand its partnership with Westin to provide their health and fitness-minded guests, worldwide, with footwear, apparel, accessories and programming for an overall enhanced experience."

New Balance is not just providing the goods for the program – the brand has also developed exclusive in-room fitness and equipment-free content that includes stretching and strengthening workouts, cardio and yoga. The program will allow an entirely new clientele test New Balance products.

For 5 dollars, clients are able to borrow running shoes with disposable insoles as well as an entire range of New Balance sportswear for men and women: shorts, t-shirts and socks for men and shorts capri-pants, t-shirts, sports bras and socks for women.