I did the math to figure out that I'd lived with my last New Balance Trail Runners for at least 3.5yrs. I don't think I realize that time & weight simply wear down the foam's ability to absorb shock/weight. I'm normally a size 10.5 W, so for basic trail ups & downs I chose an 11, just to have enough room to NOT have my toe hit the front on the way down hills, as I also wear wool socks that are a little thicker & better cushioning that most cotton, or cotton/poly/spandex blend socks. It just works for me, and I'm NOT actually Trail "RUNNING" ... but walking up hills, gasping for breath on the steeper rises, and then trying not to trip on a root on the way down, or have my feet slide out from underneath me on the descent & yanking my back to save myself, and regain balance. Just "Full Disclosure" kind of stuff. And with no Bears, Mountain Lions, Wolves, Great White Sharks ... or other apex predators in the woods, the chance you'll get me running on a trail is pretty slim.Simply put, the whole foot bed is extremely comfortable & makes a massive difference in each stride. They are not inexpensive, and with comfort also comes some compromise in side-to-side stability, so I'll have to be more careful in foot placement, and make sure the laces are as tight as comfortable.As usual, it's nice to know most New Balance come in wider widths, and many of the components are still MADE/Assebled in the USA. That's important to me, in an era where were we complain about paying someone $15/hr.