For the past five years, I've toggled between four different brands for trail running and light hiking -- Vasque, whose BLUR offers consistent support and rigorous durability; Montrail, whose JAVA line touts a warm, dry, cushioned winter outing,  Teva, whose minimalist trail runners fit perfectly right out of the box, and New Balance, once the brand to beat.

Unfortunately, NB's sizing over the past two years made purchases a little dicey. I hesitated to buy New Balance runners online because their lasts appeared to be changing, and sizing had often been impossible to predict. In some cases, NB's advertised sizes ran a full size short, and D widths too narrow.  Thankfully, New Balance has nearly recovered its accuracy for Spring '13. Its new runners and trail runners, whether full-cut or minimal, are stylish and more accurately sized -- within a half-size.

The MR1400 is a more handsome shoe than it appears.  It is largely navy with five color accents that make wearing them fun, and enhance night visibility for oncoming runners and vehicles.  While the width is a shade snug, I'm certain the shoe fabric will stretch just enough to hug the entire foot comfortably. Since I'd heard this model ran about 1/2 size shorter than its advertised US size, I purchased an 11 D, where I once bought NB in 10.5 D.  The length appears to work now. I can press my thumb between the tip of each toe and the tip of the shoe, and have proper space. While the toe-box is more snug than I expected, a thin sock helps.  It's clear that a 2E in this model would be the equivalent of a D, but the option wasn't available on this model, even through NB.

The heel cup is surprisingly comfortable and gives the wearer a sense of security, even on icy ground. The soles grip many surfaces more securely than Teva's Spider Rubber, and lacing is comfortable and quick.  Of course, the laces on my MR1400's were quite short.  If you're someone who laces trail runners on the top or next-to-top holes, you may need to order longer laces, especially if you marathon-tie or double knot.  The laces also feel oddly thin; time will tell how durable they are.

The timing of my purchase was just right. Well-ventilated for spring and summer with rip-stop mesh, they're also featherweight, with an arch-support as long, gradually sloped and wide as possible for comfort.

But, NB has still not recovered its lead position in my book. They should listen to consumers, and gauge sizing more accurately. Their breadth of lasts doesn't make decisions any easier for the online consumer. Sure, the overall comfort and stability of the MR1400s suggest the rigor that went into their design, though.  Their colors are fun and not as wild as they appear online. An easy, almost intuitive purchase for those who love this brand, but remember to order your pair at least a half-size larger than your most comfy athletic shoe. Better slightly large than snug. You can compensate for one, but not the other. But the width may cramp your toes, and in come cases, the foam supports which parallel the foot will run slightly beneath it, and impact stability.

Four stars.  Would have been five had a 2E been available. If you have a slender foot, I wouldn't sweat the purchase, especially since the New Balance Customer Care team is the best in the business.