Everything about this model is acceptable except that the collar lining of the anklet is taped too low on a boot. It's not a fatal defect, but I have narrow feet and need all the touch points in the right place. I have to cut the liner, fill the pad with meat, move it to the right place and glue it. in place and then sew the lining back to the outside of the heel. I can, but the lesson from my first New Balance purchase is that they don't take quality seriously.