New Balance Women's 680 V7 Running Shoe 5 Wide

I have been looking for a shoe for years that is comfortable enough and lightweight enough for teaching tai chi and qigong -- this shoe is it! I have been wearing thick socks for teaching before I found the Fresh Foam 680 V7. It is not only the fresh foam cushioning technology, it is also how lightweight they are, the general comfort of the shoe, the room in the toe box and feeling almost like a moccasin I would say -- just sooooo comfortable in every respect, yet beautifully supportive. (How'd they do that???) The laces length is just right. It's a good idea to loosen the laces a bit from the way they arrive before trying on. The mesh material all around the front and sides is great for this shoe's ultra and breathable comfort too!It is necessary to buy a whole size up -- I tried my size, 8 W, then 8 1/2 W, but 9 W was the right size in this style -- these variations of sizing between styles seems to be typical for New Balance sizing, but Amazon's "Prime Try Before You Buy" was very helpful to happily get the right size. If you get the wrong size, for one thing, the area around the laces will be widened and the laces will seem too short. If you get the right size, you'll love them!C'mon . . . Amazon has packageless returns or exchanges now -- it's easy! Please don't settle for a shoe that doesn't fit correctly. It makes me sad reading people think the shoe will stretch or the size they ordered will just make do. That's not comfort. As a foot reflexologist, the first thing I learned is that you won't break your shoe in, the shoe will break your foot in -- not good.Orthotics fit nicely underneath the shoe inserts.They wash well in cold water, gentle, air dry.They slip on easier using a small shoe horn, which can be purchased for $5 at any shoe repair store. The way they fit like a glove around the heel is worth this small trouble!I purchased 6 pairs in different colors -- 2 of them dedicated to just my tai chi/qigong personal practice and for teaching my classes. The colors are beautiful and snazzy!Thank you Amazon and New Balance! Please keep producing these Fresh Foam 680 V7's New Balance!