So in 2011 I bought 2 pairs of these shoes (one black and one blue) because I wanted shoes MADE IN THE USA. They were fine until this year when I noticed a distinct odor of cat pee coming from both pairs. Thought it might be my legs. nope socks. nope In a Google search, type New Balance and bingo smell issue. I'm not alone. Cheap glue breaks the sole and gives off the smell of cat urine. I have not abused these shoes and living in California they have not been exposed to heavy rain or moisture. I want to buy US-made goods as often as possible and spend extra money on them, but that's really inexcusable. Bring New Balance together! And for what it's worth, they fit great and unlike the 990s I've had before, they didn't pop into the webbing area next to my pinky finger. Which, in case you're wondering, is another issue New Balance needs to address with its USA-made shoes. Look here on Revain for people's feedback on this issue (mostly it hits the big toe).