7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Versatile Trainer, January 28, 2009
This review is from: New Balance Men's MX855 Training Shoe (Apparel)
A very versatile training shoe, it has remarkable stability for doing squats and other free weight lifts. The sole doesn't compress easily, so energy gets to the bar instead of being absorbed. There is also adequate cushioning for the forefoot and heel. It is light and also excellent for aerobic activities such as jumping rope. It holds its own as a walking shoe and has reflectors front and back. Sweat dries out of this shoe rapidly, so it makes a great all day shoe in the summer. Supportive enough for long periods of standing as well.
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13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Seemingly Inferior to Less Expensive 6XX Series, Problems with Leather Tearing, May 25, 2009
This review is from: New Balance Men's MX855 Training Shoe (Apparel)
Having been a loyal New Balance customer for nearly 20 years, I have owned over a dozen pairs of New Balance shoes, including many cross trainers. Historically, I have been drawn to New Balance shoes because of the extensive selection of wide width models. In the past seven years, I have purchased basically the same model of New Balance cross trainers on the Internet because I felt there was no need to try them on given my previous success. The 855 is the first model that has been a disappointment. In short, one of the shoes experienced multiple leather tears despite being seldom worn.
Currently, I own both New Balance 622 and 855 model cross trainers. The former is significantly less expensive (approximately $60 retail online). Generally, I have purchased the middle-of-the line models because they performed so well. So, when I needed a backup pair of shoes due to my workout schedule, I decided to purchase a more expensive model just to see that the difference was. Unfortunately, the shoe did not perform well.
The first thing that stood out with the 855 is the shoe lining. It is a textured material that just feels more durable than the felt/fleece-like liner on the 622. The heel has a clear plastic exterior support with a checkered pattern black-white material underneath. These were all good signs as the shoe seems better constructed than any other cross trainer I have used. Yet the right shoe experienced two tears, one on the outer right side, which propagated rapidly, and another near the big toe. I have never had such a problem before.
While I could have nicked something, I have no recollection of such an event. Moreover, the shoe wasn't worn that frequently as I primarily used the 622. What struck me as being a bit odd is how quickly the split propagated. What was a tiny ¼" cut became a 2" tear in what seems to be less than 10-15 hours of use. Now that the split is so large I can see that is has occurred along a line where a synthetic support material is sandwiched between the leather and shoe liner. Perhaps this is a design flaw that caused a high stress area. While one customer experience is not a scientific study, I do find the shoe falling apart so quickly to be unusual. My 855 purchase reinforced the idea that spending more does not always get the customer a better product.
Pros
*Aesthetics
*Nice shoe liner material
Cons
*Leather seems to tear easily
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
New Balance MX855 review, July 3, 2010
I was diagnosed with a torn posterior tibular ligament in my left ankle. The orthopedic foot specialist also told me I had flat feet and was over pronating. He sent me to an orthotist who recommended these shoes to me. I have to admit, for a big guy like me (6'2" and 240 lbs) these NB cross trainer shoes where extremely comfortable and sturdy. I immediately notice the additional support they gave me in both my arch and ankle. The heel counter is one of the best I have ever had in a sneaker. If you are a bigger person like me, have an over-pronating problem and/or flat feet and are looking for a good versatile sneaker you can not go wrong with choosing this sneaker. Looks great whether you are just wearing them with jeans to go to the movies or in athletic shorts out doing physical activities.
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