I bought these in prep for a trip to Europe to replace a model that New Balance no longer made.  Two years later, they are still my go-to shoes for walks that don't rate my Vasque hiking boots.  They are solid shoes that are a bit heavier than others I tried.  They are GoreTex, so they do well in wet conditions.  They also keep my feet quite warm in the winter and a bit warmer than I'd like in the summer.  I find them quite comfortable in fit and they can pass for casual shoes in a pinch.