Women's New Balance 890v2

I started running in October of 2011. Literally went from 0 miles per week and trained for my first half marathon in February 2012. Ran a 2nd half in April, and am prepping for my 3rd half this coming November (2012). I have always purchased good running shoes for my daily dog walks...so while I wasn't a 'runner,' I did walk 15+ miles per week, so I wanted good shoes. It took awhile, but I eventually was fitted in New Balance 890 v1 and LOVED them. That is when I started running (using C25K). I had two sets of the 890v1 and I felt it was the perfect shoe for me. I'm a neutral runner, need a bit of room in the toe box area, need something that keeps my heel in place, and preferred lightweight. The 890v1 fit the bill. I purchased the shoe twice (every 3 months) before they changed to the 890v2, and the v1 was no longer available. I like the v2, but unlike the v1 (which I literally could slip on out of the box and go run 6 miles with no problems at all), the v2 has its issues for me. First, overall the shoe fits smaller than the v1. It seems shorter and much narrower. If I stick with the shoe, I may try to go from a size 10 to a 10.5 to see if that might help. Also, the heel in the v2 seems higher than in the v1. This causes a problem with me, not while I'm running, but if I walk at all in the shoe. I get horrible blisters. I can run in them just fine...but walk 1/4 of a mile, and I start getting hot spots. I generally turn my old running shoes into dog walking shoes once they've turned 3 months old, but I won't be able to do that with this pair. I do like them when I'm running...they're light and they provide adequate support for me. I just don't love them like I did the v1.

Very happy with this product so comfortable!

finally, a lightweight, cushioned, neutral shoe with excellent responsive feel AND it comes in my size. I never thought this day would come. Had to size up to 12AA in this shoe, but yea, it fits!

"I was a BIG fan of the 883. When they were no longer offered I went to the 840s (the new version of the 883). I thought I didn't like the 840s until I bought these. They are nice-looking and lightweight, BUT, the balls of my feet were killing after the first wear and the front dips down to squeeze your foot. The width is slightly tight, and I have a narrow foot, so I imagine if you have a "normal" width these will be tight. I really wanted to like them, but I returned them the next day and will stick with the 840s for now. If they brought back the 883 I think a lot of people would be happy. "If it ain't broke....." ;)"

I am in love with this shoe! I think they might run a little bit wide because I have a wide-ish foot and these fit perfectly. Usually normal width shoes are a bit tight and cause my foot to fall asleep. I generally have to search high and low to find a pair that works. I walked over a mile in them right out of the box and did not experience any discomfort whatsoever. No "breaking in" necessary! And they're very lightweight. Add to that the fact that I think they are super cute and it's the perfect shoe for me! I honestly could not be happier with them. If your foot is on the wide side and you like a less bulky shoe, these are great