Customer Reviews New Balance MW978

I do like the style of this shoe, but the shoe length is about 1/2 too small. This is unusual as my shoe size hasn't changed in the past 50 years.

I bought these boots to be dedicated hiking boots. After three trips of 4 to 5 miles each I would rate them as serviceable. If you have a wide foot and know your sizing on the old 993, probably will have to go up a full size. I remain grateful to New Balance for making wide shoes.

I have worn these for work for 6+ months. They provide good stability and support for my 300lb frame. They are comfortable and keep your feet dry in all types of weather. They are a little heavy at first but worth the break-in period.

I like these shoes except for the fact that the hook and loop closures at the top like to come undone as you are tying them. They also feel a little snug against my ankle bones even if I tie them a little looser. Other than that they are nice shoes and I think they should last for a bit since I will probably only wear them for partial days.

Nice shoes, but they seem a bit smaller than marked and the 4E width seems narrow to me. If they don't stretch out I'll will them to the kid and try again. The other NB shoes bought at the same time fit true to the size I ordered.

I completely agree with other reviewers about sizing. 1) These shoes run quite small. I have the exact same shoe I bought 5 years ago, in a 12 wide. And every other shoe I own (from New Balance or other manufacturers) is a size 12 wide. 2) These new shoes run quite a bit bigger: With a 12 wide, my toes bumped the front of the shoe, even with thin socks. The 13 wide is a little large, but okay. (I had to use a sole insert for the first couple of weeks, but was then able to remove it.) 3) Please, New Balance, keep your sizing consistent! That would be the best solution. Or at least offer a 12-1/2 wide. 4) I only give 4 stars because of the sizing hassles. Otherwise, I would give 5 stars. These are really great shoes - even better than the old ones.

I purchased these boots in 10.5 4E to replace my Merrell Moab Mids in Wide. Unfortunately as some of the reviews here state, the forefoot of this boot narrows sharply towards the toe. In addition, the material of the boot may allow a 4E foot but the outsole or base of the shoe does not adequately account for such a wide foot. The result is a bulging of the material throughout the mid and forefoot that is not supported by the outsole at the edges. Otherwise the quality of the boot appears to be good and comfortable, but sizing wise I'd definitely say that length is true to their tennis shoe sizes, but width is at least one size narrower than they advertise. I'm returning them and keeping my Moab Mids which have less bulging and are far more comfortable.

Shoe runs small. So far I'm not sure how small, but at least one full size vs my old 973s and vs a new pair of NB 968s. Width seems okay, but not the length. Definitely recommend ordering a longer shoe than you might otherwise if you're ordering this boot.

Had the shoe before, 10 1/2 EE, and really liked the fit. However, the 10 1/2 EE is now short. Went to the 11. Is slightly long.

The toe box, unfortunately, has narrowed in this shoe from the previous 977 model. I executed my return option with Zappos, and they delivered exactly as advertised. I could not have asked for a smoother return. I will shop with them again as the need arises.

My husband would be on his 4th pair of these shoes. Same size and same width, however, this shoe has changed. The 4E (according to New Balance) is being produced at a narrower width, and the length is slightly shorter. Overall quality of New Balance shoe has definitely gone downhill. Will not buy another New Balance product.