I bought mine at the new balance store locally. I've had some great new balance products, until this shoe.  They didn't have my size in stock, so I let them have it shipped to my house. It came with a hole under the insole and not all the eyelets cut out. I returned them, they sent me another. They arrived fine, but 3 months later the leather on the side was tearing at the stitching. They replaced them.  Again 3 months later the leather was tearing at the side. They decided they had me in the wrong size,replaced with different size, no problems for 6 more months. I was very understanding and really appreciative of all the replacements, heck I've bought at least 6 other pairs there prior, no issues. After 6 months the glue that holds the shoe to the upper quit.  On the side of the left shoe, the toe of the right, big holes.<br /><br />Anyway, that was the only time I tried the 857. I had really wanted a black leather laceup and that was the best option at the time. Now that I needed to replace the 857, they have another choice. I got the 1540, so far the quality seems much better. This is the only chance they get. I should have pushed them to replace the 857 again, they look brand new still, except where the glue let go.