Customer Reviews New Balance W1540v2

I have worn the NB W1540's for several years. They have been perfect for a straight last/motion control shoe. I am a physician - on my feet 60+ hours a week. This new version is NOTHING like the original. It is cheaply made, the right shoe bigger than the left, etc. They look (and feel) like something one would purchase at a discount store for 19.95. So much for "American workmanship". Suppose I will need to go to another brand. New Balance, why would you put out such a cheaply made product - and have the audacity to charge over $100?

Was excited to read these were the successors to the 1123 but wound up terribly disappointed in these shoes. The 1123s are the best shoes I've ever had and I wish New Balance would stop "fixing what ain't broke." These ran narrower in the shoe box than any other NB shoe I've had and felt about a half size smaller in length. Felt what I shouldn't feel in my lower back within minutes of trying a test walk on carpet in these shoes. The right shoe was comfortable but a bit snug, while the inside of the left shoe hit the bottom of my foot in a strange way. On the plus side, they're an attractive pair of shoes. I'm way past the point of sacrificing comfort, and wearing a pair of shoes because they're attractive though. I'm in the process of returning these. Ordered three other pairs to try as a replacement. Hopefully will be successful with one!

I used the previous version of this shoe and liked it very much. I wore through two pairs. This version is not as good. The base is the same but the upper is two flexible such that the foot can move around on top of the sole within the shoe. That means that there is not nearly the same support as the previous version. I returned these and got the Brooks Ariel 14 which was the other brand and model recommended by my doctor for a really sturdy shoe that would make me distribute the weight and force of each step properly across the foot.

The 1540 is no better than the 1123, both a terrible shoe. New Balance needs go back to the original 1122 that everyone loved, there must certainly be a way to make this shoe again.

This version, 1540v2, is not as well made as prior versions. The material is cheaper. There is much less room in the toe box. Actually, this version is narrower overall. I bought 2 pair because I have historically been very pleased with the comfort and support but had to return them both. Not satisfied at all. I liked buying American made but will have to look for a different brand to provide the comfort, support and durability I am looking for.

This shoe replaces the W1540 Heritage shoe. I ordered the 8 4E and it fits like a 7 2E or smaller. NB shoes just keep getting smaller. I have heel spurs and I work 12 hour shifts in a hospital; and the previous W1540 (a poor update of the W1123) was an just an OK shoe. But due to an injury I don't have a lot of choices and I was happy to pay this price for a pair of good shoes but this new W1540 V2 is just a waste of money. If you do order it, realize that it runs very narrow. And buy at least a 1/2 up from your regular size if not a whole size larger.