I have used New Balance running shoes in the past and have found that all of their shoes are easily five star shoes. Switching between ASICS and NB I can finally say that the 993 is the absolute best running shoe I have ever purchased hands down. I was skeptical before buying based on all of the near perfect reviews thinking that it was too good to be true but I can say that the 993 is worth all the praise it gets here on Amazon. The shoe feels great from the moment I tried it on. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these shoes are the best cure so far. Also the fact that the NB 993 is made in the USA really makes me feel good that I have supported a great American made product that easily outweighs the foreign made competition. Buy the NB 993 if you are looking for the best running shoe that money can buy!