With my last pair of MT909s on their last legs, I tried its successor, the MT910 a few months ago. No dice. I’ve since tried every other mid-range and high-end trail shoe that New Balance provides (everything 6xx and above) and have struck out completely. I was stumped until my local dealer pointed out that all of NB’s trail runners are built on the PL-1 last. Makes sense, as all of the shoes had similar issues- big, sloppy heels with a lot of slip and tight toe boxes.

I have to give my local NB retailer a lot of credit- after ordering and sending back the 910, 869, 813, 814, and 759 she had the integrity to tell me that she didn’t think New Balance had anything to tell me anymore, and suggested some particular brands and shoes I could try, as well the competing retailers where I might find them.

Neither of us were happy that her store had invested so much time and energy in helping me find the right shoe only to have me walk away without making a purchase.

Still, I guess it’s good that New Balance is doing a great job at becoming yet another Nike or Brooks.