New Balance: New Shoe Pains

Not all shoes are perfectly sized-- it sounds like these ones are just a bit too small. Or NB changed the design slightly-- this happens all the time unfortunately with shoe companies.

A good running shoe store should let you take them back. NB is usually good about this too. If you bought them at a big box or discount store you might be out of luck.

Note that running shoes shouldn't need to be "broken in". They should feel good on your first try running in them. They might feel a little bit better after you wear them a few times, but not substantially.

Thanks. I haven't noticed differences in multiple pairs as far as fit, but the design thing makes sense. I wonder why they change them? I used to be a loyal Adidas customer but one year they for whatever reason made all of their shoes extra thin and I quit buying them. That's when I found NB and loved how they offered wide sizes at a great price.

I hate shopping. I like to find a solution then keep the solution unless I find a better solution. I guess that's what the manufacturers are after or trying to keep updated designs to match trends, demographics, reduce long term costs or raise excitement.

That's kind of like when the minimalist thing hit. My NBs suddenly had very thin soles/insoles and I thought it was terribly uncomfortable and just a ploy to reduce material, but I actually adapted to them and loved them. This pair not so much. I hate returning stuff but I don't feel like buying yet another pair so I'll probably try to first. Thanks.

if you have a running specific store nearby, speak to the people there. They have amazing knowledge about shoes, what changes, and what other brands are similar.

I have switched from Asics to Brooks to New Balance, each time due to a design change and every time the new shoe they recommended fit as well or better than what I used to run in.

Good point. I do have a couple nearby but find specialized stores prices to be more than the big corps. I never had this problem before. Usually it's 1. Does it feel good? Check. 2. Is the price good? Check. Grab 2 pairs and done. I guess not this time.

Part of what you pay for at a specialty store is their expertise

Shoe companies are constantly changing the designs of their models for a variety of reasons, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. In my opinion it's better not to be married to one particular shoe or even manufacturer. Chances are whatever you like about it will change eventually.

Good luck finding something that works for you!