This NB shoe model is not for me
I can expect the shoe (boot) features will perform as advertise. The safety toe and water resistance outer material I frequently put to the test, both I give passing grade. I have not, nor do I want, to know how effective the EH and PR features perform but I prefer having EH and PR for my choice of footwear just in case poop happens.What happened to NB's manufacturing of this shoe? My preferred shoe width is EE or EEEE. I purchased EE but this shoe is tight. I purchased several NB steel toe work shoes years ago from NewBalance.com years ago all with width EE or EEEE. Each purchase fit great wearing the shoe all day and for every occasion (work, exercising, formal outing, etc.) When I seen this shoe on Amazon and comes in wide, EE, I immediately purchased this shoe. After receiving the shoe, I notice the toe section being tight. The label on the shoe tongue stated 8.5 US and 2E, my shoe size and what I purchased. No improvement after wearing for several days, but really not expecting to break in since composite/steel toe guard is not expected to stretch out.I also have a Carhartt work boot 8.5 US and 2E. Fits great. A lesson for me - Amazon often displays multiple views of a product, this NB shoe and Carhartt shoe being two such products. I noticed the top view (looking down) of this NB shoe and of the Carhartt (e.g., Cmr6971) suggests the NB may be a tight fit. The toe section of this NB shoe looks narrow (narrower) when compared with Carhartt or several other work shoe/boot. I have the Greek toe shape. Though the shoe is expected to be EE, when wearing this NB shoe my big toe and small toe feel compressed laterally. Seem that each manufacturer has specifications for foot width not same with other manufacturers.New Balance products are great having purchased many NB athletic wear and work shoes from NewBalance.com but years ago. I am puzzled on this model shoe. Why is this model not found on NewBalance.com as of May 2024 (or did I just not find it)? This makes me think another manufacturer made this model so the reason why this EE is tight and prior NB EE purchases fit great.Having worn the shoe few times I won't bother attempting to return. I still want another work shoe with safety toe, water resistance outer material, EH and PR. I'll likely get another Carhartt. I worn Keen work shoes having size EE (with safety toe, water resistance outer material and EH). Keen fits great and is comfortable even walking up steep hills as an exercising routing. But for me Keen PR shoes look too rugged for formal outing. Yes, I get one shoe pair for all occasions and a second pair for backup.