Great and Perfect Running Shoe
I am very satisfied with these shoes and would probably buy another pair, but take that with a grain of salt: my path in the sport of running has been less than wise.
My first attempt at running for any distance at all was in a pair of new black leather Army boots, so you can understand why after 13 weeks of basic training I was ecstatic at being issued a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Top Black to run in. Then, in 1982, I found something at the mall called a "running shoe", made by a company called New Balance. I could not believe the experience: like running on marshmellows for five miles each morning. Can you blame me for keeping them for 16 years?
Alas, eventually even thread, string and duct tape wouldn't keep my beloved NBs together, so about ten years ago I bought a new pair of New Balance 550 Cross Trainer, only to discover that after only 6 six years they had to be replaced.
Well, ok -- if thats the way its gonna be, I might as well shop around, right?
I first bought a pair of Z-coils, which held up well but felt as is I were running on stilts. Then I bought a pair of ASICS Gel Enduro 3 Trail Running Shoe Mens and promptly gave myself a case of shin splints that took a full year to heal (how was I to know they were for trail running? You mean people run on TRAILS?)
Two years ago I bought a pair of NB 992s and though they protected me from shin splints, they seem to "hit" harder now than when they were new. Its not like they are falling apart or anything, but even with gel inserts I can tell its time to buy a new pair. I also started trail and desert running in an attempt to run on a softer surface, but when I did I twisted my ankles in these shoes so many times that I eventually used those Asics on an actual trail (and they worked so well I wore them out completely, they are totally falling apart.) I will probably replace both the 992s and the Asics with a pair of Mens New Balance 908 Trail Running Shoe, which are supposed to be good for both the street and for trails.
So, would I compare the new 443s to my first pair of NB? In truth they are almost certainly better shoes, but the leap from Converse low tops to NB was such a jump forward that its hard to match. The bottom line? I've never gone wrong with New Balance and the 992 is no exception. Firm, no shin splints, and no bad knees either. Worth the price and made right here in the US, too.
I used 11 4E M99's for several years. I actually went through 3 pairs of M991's and had no problem until I ordered the 11 4E M443.. When I tried it on, it looked and felt a bit large and loose (and it was to late to think about returning it. Also the left shoe, felt wider and looser than the right one no matter how much you tighten it.. So few days ago, I put the new pair next to the same size New Balance M991 and it became obvious that it is about 3/4 inch longer and quite wider than the older M442 model... Enough said for quality control when you cannot rely on using standard sizes and measurements.. and you don't even get the consistent size between the right and the left shoe in the same pair..
Product Description
Heritage shoe built for the mild to moderate overpronator who requires a combination of cushioning and enhanced stability. ABZORB SBS in heel and forefoot: Maximum shock absorption. ENCAP in midsole and heel: Polyurethane rim with C-CAP core provides supportive ride with cushioning benefit. C-CAP in midsole: Compression molded EVA for cushioning and flexibility. N-DURANCE in outsole: Rubber compound for maximum durability in high-wear areas. Blown rubber outsole: Lightweight and cushioned. Style meets national guidelines for diabetic customers: fitting (including follow-up) custom preparation and supply of off-the-shelf depth-inlay shoe manufactured to accomodate multi-density insert(s) per shoe.
Features:
• Made in Japan
• This style runs small. For an accurate fit we recommend purchasing a 1/2 size larger than you typically purchase. Example: If you normally purchase a size 7 1/2, we recommend purchasing a size 8
