After reading many online reviews at various sites I decided to purchase the Brooks Trance 9 for its cushioning and stability.

I am new to running (about 6 months now) and to Brooks shoes.  I have been wearing the&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/New-Balance-Women-s-WR760-NBX-Stability-Running-Shoe/dp/B002NSKYLW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">New Balance Women's WR760 NBX Stability Running Shoe</a>, and happy with the fit and feel of it until I developed pain at the base of my second toe which was diagnosed as metatarsis - inflammation from striking too hard at that point on my foot. (I also have fibromyalgia which may be a contributing factor to this condition.) I had been training 10 to 12 miles per week at a 9:30-10 minute pace for my first 5K, but had to stop for two weeks to get my foot pain-free before I could continue. (I do tend to strike more on my right side - on the outer portion of my foot and on the ball of the foot.)  During that time I purchased the Brooks Trance 9's on clearance (under fifty-five bucks...) based upon rave reviews regarding its cushioning.

Sizing: I wear a Nike size 10 and a 9.5B in New Balance.  While I could wear a 9.5B in these shoes I decided upon the 10B for added toe box room.  I'm glad I did.  The arch is supportive (I have a normal arch), as is the heel cup.  The wide toe box isn't too wide once the shoe is laced properly.  I believe it's a true 'B' in width overall.  Underneath the metatarsals is a generous pad of gel, which acts as a shock absorber. Very noticeable when you first put on the shoe.  I also added&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Lynco-L400-Orthotics-Women-s-10/dp/B002UUOY2I/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Lynco L400 Orthotics Women's 10</a>&nbsp;to the shoes for added support.  They fit perfectly in the shoes.  **If you do this, be sure to remove the Brooks insert prior to adding the other one or the orthotics won't fit properly.

While my foot pain isn't completely gone, these shoes have definitely helped ease it.  I think the New Balance shoes have a tad bit more stability, but the cushioning in the Brooks is the hands down winner and overall, it's a very comfortable shoe for walking or running. I would recommend this shoe to anyone with foot pain.