New Balance Women's Vazee Pace Running Shoes - Lightweight & Breathable for Jogging, Gym Workouts & Daily Walking

I did not realize when I ordered these that the Black/Hi Lite color is New Balance's hi viz version of the Pace. I already have a regular pair in yellow, and was looking to pick up a second pair at a discount. The hi viz is a very different shoe. Here's my comparison. (For the record before we begin, I am an 8.5 in street shoes, usually a 9 in running shoes. Both pairs of Pace compared here are 8.5s)Normal Pace: Weight of right shoe is 7.3 oz. Thin, breathable upper. While I typically wear a 9 in running shoes, I got the 8.5 to help decrease the width as I have very narrow feet through the arches, and the length is still good, though just barely. Based on this, I would say the normal Pace runs a bit large. Good arch support. Shoe laces are ridiculously long.Hi viz Pace: Weight of right shoe is 7.97 oz. The upper here is much thicker, because the inside layer is composed of reflective material. Inflexible, might create hot spots, and I suspect it would not breathe very well. Despite being almost 0.7 oz heaver that the regular Pace, they also fit smaller. The 8.5 is too small. I expect a 9 would fit properly. Size wise, fit as expected for running shoes. Shoelaces not too long, but out of a weird material with reflective pieces woven in - thick and hard to tighten properly.Overall I would definitely recommend the normal Pace over the hi viz Pace. If you are worried about visibility, get the highligher yellow color and add reflective ankle bands for extra visibility - or better yet, pick yourself up some flashing tail lights and a headlamp. Dubiously effective extra shoe visibility is not worth discomfort and unnecessary extra weightI should add that New Balance calls its high viz line "Beacon" and that the Black/Hi Lite, Teal, and Persian Purple colors are all part of it. Wish Amazon clarified this distinction better for buyers.As long distance runner, I have struggled with finding the right shoe for my wide feet and high arches. A friend suggested I try out her pair of Vazee Pace. Though hers were a bit broken in, I was immediately pleased with the close fit, yet roomy toe box. I have severe plantar fasciitis so comfort is key... I haven't ran more than 10 miles at a time in these since my purchase, but so far, they do not exacerbate the tightness in my arches, and the "burning" sensation that occurs as the result of long mileage is minimal. On the first wear, I had no rubbing discomfort, nor did my toes crunch to the ends of the shoe while sprinting. I am a toe runner, so this is often a problem I experience. I can't speak for those of you who are heel-to-toe runners, but if you run on the balls of your feet- these are the shoes for you! I will say that the arch support is moderate.. I use superfeet inserts to accommodate for my crazy high arches. Size wise, I'm a solid 7.5... These are true to size! Also, I tried out the "wides"... Unless you have flippers for feet, the medium/regular width should suffice.Love this shoe because it is cool looking, roomy, and has good arch support–even for my high instep. The two-colored edge is fashionable and allows me to wear it with more colors. I appreciate that it does not have a white edge on the sole. (I hate trying to keep the white edges clean!) The arch support on the insole is so good, I've removed it to use in other shoes many times. I made one modification because of my very high instep. The tongue is stitched to the shoe on the inside so I snipped those stitches and it was the perfect fix for my hard-to-fit feet. My modification is indetectable so the shoe looks the same. It has held up under moderate use for 3 years and counting. I wish it came in more colors, but still, I'd definitely purchase it again.I've been buying Avia's but my last pair wore out in less than a year and seemed to lose its support. Maybe I walked and ran more than I thought. Anyway, I decided to try a different brand and I bought my usual size, 7.5 regular width. It's very narrow in the center of the shoe. It felt ok but a little snug. I used the sizing tool on here to find out what size I should wear (I know, after the fact I did this). It said an 8, so I exchanged although I hardly ever wear an 8 unless it's a pair of winter boots. Now they seem a little slippery in the heel. I'll give them a try walking and running and write another review after that. Update: other than some slight slipping in the left heel due to going 1 size up (which can be corrected), felt great during my walk/run today! Good support.I like the style, and the very light feel, how the structure was made, it seems to me that the rubber sole wont last its design or figure for a long time if you use this often, I just tried it on and walk around the house to feel the comfort, and noticed the rubber have already creased, and I wonder if it came that way or not? I'm not sure, so I'm returning this for that fact cause I don't want to pay this much and have to feel awful after a couple of uses and the rubber sole would have already flatten, also the glue at the bottom of the sole is visible, just worried if and when it rains, since it always unpredictable here in Oregon, if the sole would remain in tacked.I am using these for running 2 to 3 miles 2 to 3 times a week, so not a whole lot of use, but after one week and 7.5 miles I am quite happy. They have excellent arch support and adequate padding, though you can definitely still feel the ground and your feet well. They seem responsive and they are incredibly comfortable as far as fit. There are no hot spots or areas that rub, just a super comfy secure fit. I am not usually excited about bright pink, but these shoes are so sleek and good looking. I only use them for running, but they are cute enough to wear out and about as well. I do notice my legs are somewhat more tired running on these, but I think that is because they have a lower drop than my last pair of shoes. I anticipate getting used to that and enjoying it in a feww eekLove them!So comfy and supportive.the go to shoeIch bin ein Fan von Ner Balance Vazee. Habe mehrere Laufschuhe aus der Serie und bin mit allen sehr zufriedenGreat valueShoes itself are OK, good quality but whoever wants to run regularly should definitely get a size bigger. I would get them again but bigger.