I used to just order a new pair of New Balance walking shoes on line whenever I needed new footwear.  This time it has been a real problem: 1st I ordered a model with a lower number, and they weren't even foot-shaped.  I returned them and ordered a pair of these, and there was a manufacturing defect: a big lump on one side of one shoe.  I returned them for a new pair of these.  I kept the new pair because they're technically not defective and I really needed new shoes.  But I'm not happy.  They're stiff and ungiving - feels like wearing wood-bottom clogs, and makes me worry about slipping on ice.  Adding Dr. Scholl's inserts helped with the sore toes, but every time I walk to work in them I can't wait to take them off.
What has happened to New Balance??