This is an amazing model by NB! I'm a shoe fanatic, so have over 100 pairs or so, but I haven't been able to wear any of them all day long until this model came along. I've developed a soft corn in-between my two small toes AND this is the only shoe I've been able to wear all day long without being in massive pain, Hehe - The reason I have been seeking this last by NB, is the wide forefront design on this particular last, it's even wider in the mid toe area than the SL-2 Last where your little toe rest. In the minimalist I also have the model 730 but oh do they hurt the bottoms of my feet, this model does not! Another model with a wide mid toe area is the model 630 by NB and has much more cushioning, not quite minimalist but still the same format and toe area fit, for those interested, just more cushioning. Another thing, this model may look funny in the pictures and even out of the box but they look really classy when you get them on and look great with anything, not sure how they pulled that one off but they look great once you slide them on. That's another thing too, they are easy on and easy off, I have the narrowest of heels and they don't slip at all and have a narrow format foot overall and the regular D sizing fits perfectly. So if you're looking for a wider toe area, to perhaps get relief like me, Than this model here is a god send and the most comfortable pair of lightweight shoes I have ever encountered, pretty amazing model and if seeking minimalist style, this model is probably about as best as it gets as far as I can tell anyways, I know it's a popular model out there. The downside is they are pricy, but if you watch the sales here on amazon, they're worth every penny to get the most comfortable pair of shoes you'll ever slide on your feet. This is a pretty amazing model by New Balance and the most unique model I have personally ever run across anyways!