I've been buying New Balance shoes for a little over 30 years because they were made in the USA when every one else wasn't.  And they made a great shoe.  I won't buy anything else for walking, hiking or whatever except for Merrill.  For the outdoors you won't do any better.  These were made in Vietnam so I was a little put off for a number of reasons.  But the proof was in the shoe.  I took them on some of the worst terrene I could put them thru.  They came up with nothing I could find in the way of flaws.  They came out on top.  I've owned the 645 and they're just as comfortable.  These are winners despite the whiners reviews.