In fact, I loved this walking show, it's the best shoe that I've ever walked in. But after about 9 months of weekend-only use to go walking, the top of the heel cup on one shoe seemed to change shape somehow. The tip of the cup cut through the cushioning, and then started cutting in to me. I've never had anything like it happen in more than 30 years of buying similar shoes. When I contacted the New Balance store that sold it to me, they said I should expect to "change the shoe out" (i.e. replace it) every six to eight months, and would not admit any fault in the show. I consider replacing a $100 pair of walking shoes twice yearly to be unreasonable, especially when I am light enough that my doc wishes I'd gain some weight. Summary: the shoe deserves five stars for its performance for 9 months, but one star for its exceptionally short lifespan.