While I've always been a 608 fan the last ten years or so I was tempted to try the 609 model out. Very comparable in design and quality but it does appear they have ramped back a bit. Still all leather (assuming) upper and comfortable sole but the logo and some stitching has been sacrificed. I wear my sneakers to work as well as play and the 608 would give me a solid year and a half of daily abuse before needing replacement. I'll give the 609 a year at best. New Balance makes a decent shoe for the $$. I've paid more for less for sure.