Sqeaky New Balance?

I've worn New Balance athletic shoes almost exclusively for 25 years+, and based on this pair, I think my worst fears are starting to be realized. When they started to make their cheaper shoes overseas (China of course), I traded emails with one of their executives about how disappointed I was, but all he would do was point out that that still made some in the USA. That was probably 8 years ago or more. Over time, of course the trend continued, but I kept buying the more expensive pairs made in the USA, because they just fit so well. As many reviewers here have pointed out, the 99x series especially were always the best, most comfortable, most durable running shoes imaginable. Well I've had these 993's for 10 months now, and prefer a 5-year old pair of much lower priced NBs to these because they have never been comfortable, they've ALWAYS squeaked loudly, and they just seem more cheaply built. Other reviewers have noted the narrower tow, and I think that's the case as well. I had hoped they would break in over time, but enough is enough. If the top line USA-made shoes are going to be just as poorly made as the cheap China versions, I believe New Balance will be losing their best customers.

Unwearable, and I loved my 991

I'll start by saying that the 991 was the most comfortable shoe I'd ever worn. Based on that experience I decided to go for the 993. Big mistake. I first noticed that the arch seemed low, which was a little uncomfortable but I figured I just needed to break them in. Well, after developing shin splints from a day of walking in them, I looked side by side at the insides of both the 991 and 993, discovering a significant change in the shape of the footbed(not just in the materials, which is what the company claims.) I've decided that these shoes are unwearable. Still longing for the feel of my 991, I tried on various New Balance shoes. They all seem to have this new shape with a very low arch that graciously invites all sorts of injuries and pains.

You might think that this is just me, but about a year ago, a friend who was wearing the 993 noticed my 991 and said that he wished he still had his 991, that the newer shoe really sucked. I wish I'd listened to him. In the meantime, my search for a good all around sneaker continues...

The Best Running Shoe I Have EVER Owned!

I have used New Balance running shoes in the past and have found that all of their shoes are easily five star shoes. Switching between ASICS and NB I can finally say that the 993 is the absolute best running shoe I have ever purchased hands down. I was skeptical before buying based on all of the near perfect reviews thinking that it was too good to be true but I can say that the 993 is worth all the praise it gets here on Amazon. The shoe feels great from the moment I tried it on. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these shoes are the best cure so far. Also the fact that the NB 993 is made in the USA really makes me feel good that I have supported a great American made product that easily outweighs the foreign made competition. Buy the NB 993 if you are looking for the best running shoe that money can buy!

Best Running Shoe

This is the best shoe I have weared, doesn't matter you are running, walking or jumping, this is the best comfortable shoe to wear.

Delivers

I picked up these shoes to replace an old pair of Adidas runners... first thing I noticed was the price. After that I noticed the weight. Then I noticed the mediocre styling. But then I took them out for a run, and they were great. I'm a bigger dude at about 205lbs. The shoes provide plenty of support and cushion for pounding the pavement. I also own a pair of The North Face Fire Road runners, and the comfort level of the NB993's didn't quite match TNFFR out of the box. The stiffness and support on the NB993 is enough that I think you could take it running down some light to moderate trails without any problems. The weight of the shoes means you don't feel light on your feet on trails where footwork counts, and of course lots of rock will shred the foam. Construction seems better on the NB993 than my old Adidas or TNFFR shoes, and I think long term durability will be acceptable. NB993's are true to size as far as I can tell. The look of the shoe is such that I wouldn't feel weird throwing a pair of jeans on with them.