Customer Reviews New Balance WW978

This is a beautifully made shoe - the craftsmanship is much better than my other New Balance running shoes. It has a roomy toe box and, laced all the way up, will keep a narrow heel solidly in the shoe. However, it fits a bit too snug at the ankle for me so it will have to go back.

Super disappointed with this boot. Ordered the same size as my beloved New Balance walking shoes (7-1/2 2E) but they were way (way!) narrower. In fact, they were narrower than the wides I ordered to try in 3 other brands. I had to check the shoe label to make sure I was sent the correct size.

One of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned. They also feel very secure on my feet/ankles. I took the advice of another reviewer who said to order up a half size and that did the trick. I bought these as they fit the requirements of a new job, and I find that I miss them on the days I don't wear them.

Oh boy, I love these babies. Right out of the box, they were perfectly comfortable. They support my weak ankles beautifully, they keep the over-pronation at bay, they accommodate my orthotics and extremely high arches, and they are going to be very warm for my winter trail hikes. Thanks to the advice from the other reviews, I ordered a half-size larger and the size was perfect. I have checked the "felt a half size smaller than marked" to account for this issue.

I love these shoes. They are perfect for short hikes or walking on rough terrain. They are sturdy, well made and protect the foot from rocks and ruts. The laces and leather sides keep the foot stable reducing twists. I have a high arch and a narrow foot. New Balance carries narrow widths, for which I am eternally grateful. I love to hike with my dog and it's hard to find narrow widths with good arch support. Medium widths slip on my foot. Anyone who takes a narrow would like these. Thank you New Balance!

The search for light hiking shoes with support is over. These shoes give lots of support without a lot of weight. The 6WW is just perfect, I have always wanted hiking boots that I could wear thick socks with and these boots are just perfect. I have not tested the water proof aspect, but the comfort for long hikes is amazing.

These were comfortable from the first time I put them on. After wearing them a couple of times for brief periods, I wore them on a hiking vacation out West (daily 10 mile hikes). They were super comfortable. I normally wear a size 12, with a very narrow heel, bunions, and other foot problems. The size 12s were just a tad short. I wanted to make sure these would accommodate thick socks. I ordered the 13 narrow. My first time ever in 13s. I slip my custom orthotics under the cushioned footbed.

These are the best hiking boots I have ever owned. There was no break-in time, they worked right from the start. They keep my feet dry and safe and make hiking the joy it should be. Good job, New Balance!

These are great hiking boots! I need shoes that are a wide and I did not have many choices in hiking boots. But these boots are awesome! They fit, they are comfortable, they are sturdy and supportive. I wore these shoes for about an hour to break them in. The next time I wore them, I was hiking and they were great. I am so happy with these boots! This was a great purchase.

Wonderful boot but too narrow in the toe box. I have problem toes that require a lot of room. Thought the double E width and longer length would compensate.

These are very comfortable. I got a half size larger than normal to allow me to wear whatever thickness of socks I choose. The only thing I don't like is the attached tongue. I know it is more convenient and helps keep crap out of the boots, but I prefer a separate tongue regardless.

Followed other reviewers' advice and ordered up half a size. They fit perfect, no break in time and I did a lot of walking in Alaska last week. Waterproof and comfortable, also lightweight. Love 'em.

These boots are most comfortable. I wore them around the house and in town for 2 or 3 days before hiking in them. I had no problems with them. They feel like athletic shoes with ankle support. I had to cross some shallow water while hiking and they repelled it without getting my feet wet. Best boots yet.

These boots are comfortable and have room for over-the-counter arch supports. (I have very high arches. I tried some very light weight boots without orthotics and suffered intense ball of foot pain. I returned the very light weight boots.) These boots with the orthotics solved my problem. They are not too heavy and the low ankle height gives your ankle some support without being too warm. I am planning on wearing them on an eight day walking tour (not backpacking) that will cover 100 miles so needed something sturdy and mud resistant. I think they are fairly good looking but a solid black sole would be easier to pair with street clothes when necessary for travel.

Reviews are right. Need to order 1/2 size larger. My usual size is 10-1/2 med. But the 11 D feels better for my toes. I put my orthodic in along with the shoe insert. More cushion.

My poor old Lowa hiking boots fell apart this year so searched for replacement. Lowas are now narrower so didn't work for me. Found this NB boots and they are wonderful. From other customer reviews ordered half size larger but since I was able to get 2E width the 9 1/2 was too long. I exchanged with my usual size of 9 with 2E width to accommodate my bunion. They are perfect. Toe box deep enough to allow for orthotic insert plus a gel insert! I'm "gellin'" in my NB WW978!

Love this shoe! I have a narrow heel and high arch/instep and this fits perfectly. The toe box is roomy without feeling too big (it is higher than most so my toes don't hit the top of the shoe). I had foot surgery a year ago and finding a good low-mid hiker has been difficult. They aren't too heavy either. The "rock stop" feature is nice to have on the trails around here, and there is great shock absorption in the heel without being too squishy or hard. All in all, a fantastic boot. My only suggestion is to order a half size up.

I bought the New Balance WW978 and WW968 hoping to keep both. The WW968's tongue was way too stiff and rubbed against my ankle (I have a high instep) and they're rather clunky, so they have to go back. I expected to have to return the WW978's too as they are higher in the front. I tried them on and was very pleased. The tongue is much softer and doesn't rub against my ankle. I have VERY narrow feet (4AAAA) and always order the most narrow width available. The 2AAs are a bit wide sometimes, but the WW978s are great. Yes, they run narrow, but for me that's a blessing!!! They hug my midfoot section with no extra room for my foot to slide around.

I went to a New Balance shoe store to find hiking/walking boots and found these. However, they did not carry anything larger than a D width so to compensate for the extra width I needed, they sold me an 8½ (I wear an 8). I decided to check out Zappos because I have had good luck finding the extra wide width. Sure enough, I got the 2E I needed in a size 8! I love the boots. I do a lot of walking in the parks with my dog and these are perfect. I also have worn them in the snow and my feet stayed warm.

Loved this hiking boot. Wore it on a 4 mile hike the first day without a problem, and have since used them in snow and slush and had toasty, dry feet. I was disappointed in the color, as the brown in the photo was very different than the actual color. Ordering a second pair had the same result.

This is my second pair of these boots. Having chronic foot problems, the wide width especially in the toe box gives my feet alot of room. They are great to work in if you have a job that requires standing in one spot for a long time, but also great for hiking.

Because these boots run short, I was able to get the extra width I need by ordering a full size up. I am so happy to have hiking booths that are actually comfortable!

This is a great low cut boot for hiking that I ordered to replace a worn out New Balance pair that I bought 10 years ago. I have always been a 10 1/2 N but listening to other reviewers who said this ran small and narrow, ordered an 11 Med. I am returning them as they in fact run true to size in my opinion. I will reorder in my normal size.

Bought these for a hard working physical therapist who loves them! Hope they last as well as the last pair!

The most comfortable walking/hiking shoe on the planet. Normal to narrow heel, with a spacious toe box. These were comfortable from day one; never had to break them in and not a blister in sight. This is an extra pair, in case my other one wears out.