The
New Balance shoes I've been wearing for the last 15 years seemed to be getting bulkier and bulkier and I wanted something lighter/trim. Also, my 7 year old daughter has started playing
soccer and I wanted something that could be a nice everyday shoe, but also could work as a decent
soccer shoe while playing with her. I was a bit apprehensive about wearing the
Nike Gato IC. I had worn
Nike about 30 years ago and the experience wasn't that great because they wore out comparatively quickly. Frankly, I'm much larger than I was then and there didn't appear as though they would have sufficient padding, especially after coming from
New Balance. However, these have been a real surprise. They have been better than I could have hoped for. They are stylish, comfortable, and the padding is, in my opinion, superior to that of the much thicker
New Balance (622's) I had been wearing. Unlike
New Balance which appears to rely on both the
insole and sole for padding, the Gato's sole provides all of its cushioning. I don't know how, I just know it does. I've been wearing a size 14 EE in
New Balance for about 6 years (it's true, foot size does increase with age!). I tried a 14 in the
Nike and they were way too tight. Zappos was great and sent the 15's before I had even returned the 14's. The 15's fit great. This is doubly surprising considering that it is also a medium width. Size 15 is also the largest in this shoe, so I'm out of luck if my feet "grow" (spread) more. Summary: Pros: Stylish, more comfortable that they would appear, good ankle support, and excellent padding considering the thinness of the sole. Cons: The
insole is glued in. Size 15
Nike is about same as a
New Balance 14. Potential long-term problem with sole compressing over time, reducing cushioning. Neither are show
stoppers.