I have owned at least 15 pairs of New Balance over the years and have liked them all very much. Until now! I first ordered this model on Aug. 10, 2013. I ordered my usual size, 11D. To Amazon's credit, they arrived very quickly. They looked very nice. However, my first few trips across my living room carpet told me something was wrong. They felt very tight and rubbed badly up near the toe of the shoes. I packed them up for return immediately and ordered two more pair. A pair of 11 4E and a pair of 11.5D ( the next two bigger sizes available). I returned the first pair free of charge (thank-you Amazon) and received my second order in two days.When I tried out the second pairs, the choice was pretty clear. The 11 4E's were too wide. Very loose in the heel. My foot slopped up and down with every step, even when they were snugly tied. The 11.5D's were better. Not perfect, but closer. I figured they would be much better after a few long walks. However, I had to end my first walk after 1 mile because the knuckles of my big toes were rubbing very painfully. One was actually rubbed raw. The bad area on the shoes seems to be right under the bottom shoelace eyelet on the inside of each foot. I felt inside the shoes for rough spots and found none. However, the entire body of the shoes seems to be a little thicker than usual. Possibly because of the extra waterproof Goretex layer. Anyway, I did like the looks of the shoes and the 11.5D's seemed bearable so I kept them and returned the 11 4E too-wide ones. That was on August 15th. I then decided to help the break-in along by jamming tennis balls into the toes of the shoes at night to try to make a little more room in them.It's September 13th now, I have about 25 miles on the shoes, and they are still not comfortable; not as bad as at first, but definitely not comfortable. I've used the tennis ball routine a total of about 6 nights but it doesn't seem to do much. Now, to add insult to injury, the left shoe has started making a clicking noise with every step.I'm not saying these shoes would be an unwise purchase for everyone, but I definitely do not like them. I am very disappointed, since I've liked every other pair of New Balance I've ever had. I haven't investigated my warranty options yet, but intend to see if I can get my money back from Amazon or the manufacturer.***Update on 10/27/2013***I'm updating my original rating from 1 to 3 stars. These shoes are finally comfortable now that I've walked about 75 miles in them. No more rubbing on my toe knuckles and they feel very supportive as well. I still cannot rate higher than 3 because of all the hassle I experienced getting them broken in, but they're definitely worth keeping now.I have 13 4E feet so it's pretty tough to find shoes that fit. New Balance is one of the few manufacturers who make a variety of good shoes in this size. I needed a pair of light hikers for camping and other outdoorsy activities in the summer and this fits the bill. I can stand, walk or run and not have any issues. The sole treat is pretty aggressive but not heavily lugged, so the shoe remains light. I put them on and immediately went out for several hours without any complaints, no break in needed. They breathed well so, even on a fairly hot day I didn't sweat. I haven't checked their water resistance but I've had other Gore-Tex lined shoes and have never had issues with occasional water exposure.For awhile NB shoes seemed too narrow at the toe for me and were uncomfortable. Maybe they changed their last or maybe my feet have changed but they are all very comfortable now. This is the second pair of NB shoes I've purchased in the last 6 months.Edit: I'm taking away a star due to the laughably small finger loop at the back. These are snug fitting modern shoes that go on more like a sock and the finger loop is a big help. Or it would be if I could get my finger through it. I have large hands but not overly think fingers and the loop on a 13 4E shoe should be pretty big regardless. I still love the shoe but the loop is extremely irritating.I have wide feet/toes and I have always liked the fit of new balance. I've owned lots of different pairs over the last 20 years and I always have worn 10.5 wide. I ordered some 10.5 wides in this model, but was suprised to find them too large for me. I would estimate they were between 11 and 11.5. So I returned them (thanks amazon for free shipping on shoe returns) and ordered a pair in size 10 and they fit perfectly.Otherwise the shoe is comfortable and looks good.EDIT: So I've had a chance to extensively test the waterproofing of these shoes. I've been hiking in the rainforest 3 days a week for the past 6 months and they are still waterproof. This is above average for most shoes I've tested, including keens (my favorite) Northface, Nike and more, many of which cost twice what this pair of New Balance does.Recommended however I would order a 1/2 size smaller than what you normally wear.2nd EDIT: So about 2 months after my last review the shoes lost their waterproofing. Not because of leaky seams or anything, but because the "flex zone" under the ball of the foot cracked apart and started letting water in. I admit I put my shoes through above-average wear and tear, so I still would recommend this shoe (although the price has gone up a little since my initial review.)I've only had these shoes a few days but find them to be a great buy. Very comfortable from the moment I put them on. Needed no break in period. Took them on a nine mile hike the second day with no problem. Cons: As always with New Balance you need to go up a size and perhaps a size wider too. If you do this you won't have any problems. I'm normally a 10.5 2E wide. For these I bought size 11 and 4E, probably 2E would have been fine but with NB it's best to err on the side of a bit larger size. Also I don't find the shoes especially attractive. They looked better on my screen than they do in person. But a good, comfortable walking shoe nonetheless. I would definitely buy again.My family got a good laugh out of me buying "used" shoes from Amazon. They seemed to be brand new. Someone probably returned them because they are so ugly. I hike a lot on dirt and gravel roads. These shoes are great for this. Replaced a long worn pair of Vazquez with them. No break in needed. Fit perfect like every other pair of NB I've purchased. Four stars instead of five for only one reason - they are the ugliest shoes I've owned as an adult. Fortunately, also the most comfortable...