Slightly smaller and narrower than the NB 812, they differ significantly from their predecessors - the straps are attached to the shoe with an elastic band and a metal ring, which gives the feeling that the shoes are due of elastic stretching - this makes the shoes looser and can force you to tighten them - which I'm sure will cause the elastic to break prematurely. The tongue of the shoe also seems to be narrower than before, but that may be due to the smaller size of the shoe and it's starting to rub on the tops of my feet. I'm tempted to say order at least half a size bigger and wider - it's a shame shoe stores don't stock shoes with velcro because that way you don't have to order an extra pair and send it back - NB has stepped in with that 812 down and they've taken it a step further - I probably won't bother with 814 when it comes out. I've worn NB most of my life but may change in the future.