Why would I rate a fine-fitting shoe, made in the United States, and vegan, so low?  Because, despite the fine qualities of this item, these shoes have one overwhelming negative quality.  They support the Komen Foundation.  I did not know this when I ordered them.  Simply put, I cannot stand Komen and its animal-abuse supporting ways.  You would think that New Balance would realize that their vegan shoes are highly sought after by animal rights activists and would have had the good sense NOT to use these shoes to support Komen.  What were they thinking?  For anybody who thinks that Komen is all about supporting women, put "Komen lawsuits" into your search engine of choice and see what pops up.  I can't stand Komen.  I only kept the shoes in order to be able to write this review.  If even one person reads it and refuses to buy these shoes, the money will be well spent.
In case anybody had any doubts about Komen, the latest antics regarding defunding Planned Parenthood's breast cancer screenings should have been enough to further tarnish its image.