I have had ongoing plantar fascitis and have bought numerous shoes only to discard them when they did not offer the relief I needed. This shoe was recommended to me at a store in Louisville, KY two years ago along with Prostep orthotics.  When used in combination, I have relief as soon as I put on the shoe. I can't use just any New Balance but this one has enough support to allow me a normal life without pain. Each year the number goes up by one so last year, this shoe was 854, this year 855, next year 856? I keep up with these things because it is the only shoe I live in. This price on Amazon is great, too. Much less than retail outlet.