The MX1012 has been out for some time now. I have the MX1011 (i.e. last year's model) and would rate them a 7 (or maybe an 8) out of 10. But of course, I'd rather have a 9 or a 10. Months ago when I first saw that the 1012's were released, I almost ordered them without thinking about it, hoping for a little improvement over the already-good 1011. But I haven't liked New Balance's running shoes lately so I thought I'd wait for a review before buying. Months went by and no reviews for the 1012 could be found anywhere on the internet. I found it uncanny considering how popular New Balance is, and how this is their flagship cross-trainer. So I took a leap of faith and ordered these.

These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. Not just athletic shoes, but any shoe. These make me want to walk. Even though NB is known for their wide assortment of running shoes, I haven't liked their running shoes for at least a couple years now. They feel hard and knobby inside and I don't feel sure-footed when jogging on a treadmill. So one day I thought I'd try my 1011's for treadmill jogging and it was great. But they're getting worn and they feel a quarter-size too small. So I ordered the 1012 a half size bigger than my 1011's. Doing so makes them feel a quarter-size too big, but not really in a bad way. They are SO comfortable. They feel light and cushiony. I jogged 3 miles on a treadmill at the gym in these shoes and it was so easy, I didn't even notice that I passed the 3 mile mark. Usually, I'm staring at the mileage counter just waiting for the 3 mile mark to hit so I can slow to a walk. I haven't tried these on an elliptical yet, but based on how wonderful they are for walking and jogging, I can't imagine any reason why they wouldn't rule for the elliptical as well.

As with the 1011, these are conservatively styled. I'm good with that. I really just wanted a basic looking black shoe that would do everything, and this one hits it out of the ballpark.

I love this shoe and may buy a second pair to put in the closet in case I don't like the 1013's when they come out.

I used to think that a do-it-all cross-trainer couldn't be very good at any one thing, and that dedicated shoes were needed. I was wrong. This shoe is great for everything.