New Balance Men's 608 V5 Cross Trainer (Open Box)

This is the "industrial division" version of the New Balance 608 walking shoe. Although marketed as a walking shoe, it is sturdy enough to be considered a cross-trainer. It's available in a variety of color combinations but retains a conservative look. Key features are a large wide toe box that will easily accomodate orthodics, mid-range arch support with a semi-curved last and a 10mm heel drop. The upper body is faux leather(for this style) that breaths better than real leather. The outsole cushion is a New Balance propreitary EVA bonded to carbon rubber in areas subject to wear. EVA cushion and carbon rubber outsole. I wore the USA made NB 928 walking shoes for several years before discovering this imported "clone" costing half as much as the 928. By "clone" I mean the 608 has similar features and is just as comfortable as the 928 at half the price. I am very particular about the shoes I use because I've had corrective surgery on both my feet with mixed results that necessitates a netrual shoe with an extra large toe box. New Balance refers to this shoe as its industrial version due to the non-slip outsole. The non-slip outsole is an understandment. For example, my job requires me to install a security device on packages to deter theft. For larger packages I hold the cable (about 1/16 " diameter), of the security device temporarily with my foot to falcilite installation, lifting my foot off the cable to finish the install. When I started wearing the 608's I ran into difficulty because when I lifted my foot to finish installing the cable, the cable stayed gripped to the bottom of my shoe. I had to reach down to remove the cable from the grip of my shoe. I average about 13K steps a day, seven days a week which is considered high milage use for shoes. I've been wearing the same pair of shoes for the past 14 months and finally decided its time for a new pair. The 928's I used to wear needed replacing every four months by comparison. You will not find a better constructed more durable walking shoe that retains its cushoining well beyond shoes with similar designs.