I have a wide foot(4e)and have an over-pronation problem so I am limited in finding a shoe that works for me. Up until now I have always bought Brooks Beasts,which is more of a running shoe. After reading the reviews about the New Balance MW 977 on Amazon I took a chance and ordered a pair. Let me tell you, this was probably the best decision I have made concerning a shoe purchase. It is much lighter, yet appears very well made than I thought it would be, and way better and more comfortable for trail use than the "Beast" was.
  I was going through a pair of shoes every six months, mainly because my foot was breaking the webbing on the sides on the Brooks- due to hard trail use (especially steep downhills). The New Balance Mw977 is a much more ruggedly built shoe for the trail or for a heavier person. I read reviews saying it doesn't last long, but if it lasts me only a year I will be happy. I find it less fatiguing on my joints and can stay on my feet longer during hikes than any other shoe I have owned. I am sold on the MW 977 and hope New Balance keeps making it.