I've worn and loved the NB 8500 Zip series since their inception (along with a number of other NB shoes) because they've always been a great workout shoe, comfortable and light enough to run in and cushy enough in the forefoot to do workouts on ellipticals and whatnot.

This shoe is a marked and sad departure for New Balance.  While the heel is still very comfortable, the forefoot section lacks the usual 8500 series cushy feel, with a stiff and oddly flexing midsole that caused pressure on my foot just in a short try wearing them in my house.

I would never wear these shoes to workout in, or even casual wear.  New Balance needs to go back to the drawing board on this one...either that or because they're making more shoes in China, they're quality is suffering dramatically.  This shoe could have had an improperly injected midsole...that would explain the poor cushioning in the front end.