I grew up not wearing tennis shoes but more comfort shoes. I have a friend though that knows New Balance like the back of his hand. He can see someone wearing a pair and he will ramble off the number of the shoe and if there is a newer version of the shoe. In the years I have known him, ALL he wears is New Balance. He upgrades them through the years and can tell you each pair he has owned or wants. It is odd to me someone knows that much about New Balance. Until now...

When these became available I was excited to try them out and to let my friend know I was now part of the club. I read the reviews first and was scared because it seemed people had issues with the toe box. I did not know to order 7, which I wear, or a half size up because I have what I think are wide toes, not feet, toes. I ordered the 7's and hoped they would fit. In the meantime I ordered a pair of Keen running shoes. The Keens had high reviews so I thought I was getting lucky with two pairs of shoes. I know Keen, but the running shoes I ordered were terrible. They were very lightweight and I could feel the bottom, they were thin and also tight. I was then fearful of receiving the New Balance. Once I received them I could tell right away they were quality! They are made in the USA which made me happy. I checked out both shoes and they were perfect! Trying them on the fit was amazing! I am so glad I stuck to my size! The toe box has a lot of room for me and actually I can wiggle my toes with room to spare. The test was how long I could wear them around and not hurt my feet. I am 39 and have broken my ankle and toes several times and also dislocated both knees. So comfort is what I look for. I wore these first on a day I spent running errands nonstop. I was amazed at how comfortable they were on my feet! About the time my other shoes would hurt, I felt like I just put these on. Other shoes I feel I am lugging them around with my feet but these are the first shoes where I feel like they actually walk me! Each time I lift up my foot, the shoe is ready to go. I wore them for over 5 hours one day walking around and when I came home my feet were not sore! It was also getting dark that night and that is when I noticed the reflective areas on the shoes. My friend said New Balance is known for that.

I now wear these with my yoga pants and love the color, it is not too light or dark. They are by far the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. I feel like they are hugging my feet. I grab these when I go for a walk in my neighborhood or when I am running a lot of errands. I am so impressed with the comfort.

If I could change anything it would be the shoestrings. They are thin and I can tell I need to replace them. My friend already has that lined up; there is a New Balance store not too far from here that makes a special lace.

I can now see why my friend lives in New Balance and speaks so highly of them. He has worked for UPS for over 25 years so having comfortable shoes is a must for him. I am glad I am now part of the club and hope these last for some time. Amazing comfort!