This is not the first time I wear New Balance, so I wasn't surprised at the quality and comfort of these shoes. I added a pair of insoles and the package is now deployed on long walks at pace with great results. It took about two weeks to break the shoes in and now it is as if I am not wearing shoes at all. Excellent support and a sense that you're treading on a surface that absorbs all the usual tear-and-wear of long walks. I couldn't have asked for more.