I waited until I'd run about 150 miles in these before writing a review. Based on my previous experience with similar shoes, they're about halfway through their life.
But first, some background. I normally wear a size 7.5 or 8 4E in dress or casual shoes, but an 8.5 4E with Asics and New Balance running shoes. I run about 25 miles a week on either blacktop or a dirt field, typically 6-8 miles or more at a go. I am a supinator with a neutral gait and high arches. I suspect that I'm a fairly heavy-footed runner, with impact midfoot. I probably have the widest toe spread, for the length of my foot, of anyone you've ever seen outside of a duck pond. I track approximate mileage on my shoelaces, so I have a pretty good idea when things start to wear out before it happens, because if I don't I end up hurting my knees.
I have run in Asics Gel Cumulus and Nimbus of various iterations, and New Balance MR 882 and 883; in most cases going through several of each model before it became unavailable. With each of them, I've had to switch out the stock insole for a SofSole Athlete, usually within the first 60 miles of running.
On my foot, the 840 fits more like Asics. The 883 was always a bit too long, so it gave me that clown shoe feeling, slap slapping when I ran. The 883s weren't so long that I could downsize to a size 8, though, so I just put up with the feel. The 840s are trimmer, and feel better on my feet, more wrapped around.
That said, toe box volume in the 840 (remember? toe spread like waterfowl, only high as well?) is less than with the 882 or 883, or, for that matter, the Asics. To get some volume back, I changed the way I lace them to the lacing matrix I use on my hiking boots, and that has worked great. For what it's worth, I've tried the New Balance 1080, a PL-1 lasted shoe, and on that shoe there's just no way for me to add enough toe and midfoot volume through lacing tricks.
I think the soles on the 840 are softer than the 883 it feels plusher during my run, anyway. At the 150-plus-mile point, they still feel good. I already ordered another pair so I'm ready when these break down.
Remember, if you're looking for a stability shoe, this is the opposite of what you need. This is a cushioning shoe for neutral runners. But if that's what you're looking for, and you have feet like mine shaped like a fat wedge of gouda (and feet and cheese are just so appealing when combined in imagery) then these shoes might just work for you as well as they do for me.
UPDATE 8/12: I just started running my second pair of MR840s, and the toe box feels wider and higher, more like the SL-2 last I was used to. Compared to the MR883, I still think the midfoot may be slightly tighter and it doesn't have the 883's slightly over-long feel. So here I have two pairs of MR840s, one purchased several months after the other (and from two different sources), and I have to lace them differently. They're both great, but I prefer the feel of the second pair to the first. I'm looking to buy a third pair.
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As a long time customer of New Balance, I always enjoyed the quality and consistency of their shoes. Apparently something big has changed at New Balance. The 840 is nothing like the 882, 883. Totally new redesign of the toe box makes it a poor fit for my wide foot. They are also incorporating new and cheaper materials. A super disappointment. I will now have to go searching for a replacement shoe from another manufacturer since all of the wide shoes now have this new, slimmed down look which makes New Balance no different than their competitors. What a shame. Definitely, a 1 star rating for a Big Step Backwards.
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I had read a few other reviews about the problems some guys had with the bigger sizes of these NB shoes. I guess sometimes the shoes are narrower than advertised or at least narrower than the previous pair they had bought. Not these. Maybe NB is improving their quality control or maybe I just got lucky. They're light as air and give good support for my 6 foot 6 inch, 210 lb. frame.
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MR840 Running Shoe
The New Balance MR840 is a great shoe, period. I've read all of the reviews about how this model is not as good as previous versions but for me, these shoes simply work. Are they the best looking shoes ever made? No. I'm not entering a fashion show when I run and I tend to look at where I'm running and not at my feet when I run so who cares. I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs so shoes that support me and keep me pain free are a must. I've stuggled with achillies and knee pain for years while running on Asics Gel Nimbus shoes. I reached out to New Balance for their recommendation and they advised me that I should look at the 840. The people at New Balance know their stuff and I would recommend that if you are looking for advise on what shoe to buy, write to them or call them directly. They don't care where you buy the shoes and will offer VERY GOOD ADVISE FOR FREE!
The most important features in a shoe for me are..
Comfort
Reliability
Support
The 840 provides all of this and more.
These shoes are VERY comfortable. I have a higher instep and wider feet and these fit like a glove. The cushioning is incredible and for someone who is 200 lbs., this is very important.
They are also very reliable. I've been running on mine for 2 months now and they are holding up well, inside and out.
As far as support goes, they are solid. I mentioned earlier that I have had both achillies and knee problems. The 840s have all but eliminated the pain I was experiencing. These shoes outperform all other motion control and cushioning shoes I have ever worn...period.
I'm sold on these shoes and I am VERY THANKFUL TO THE FOLKS AT NEW BALANCE who recommended these shoes. Give them a try and you won't be disappointed!
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For a wide flat foot this is perfect. The sole is a little soft, almost spongy. This is great for impact resistance but not so sure it would be great for someone doing lateral movements. The shoe is light and airy. I got soaked in a rain storm, took the shoe off and it was completely dry in a few hours. Most shoes take days to dry out.
