I purchased the grey, which actually has a suede upper rather than leather. I've worn the 621 and 622 and liked them both. While still a decent shoe, the 623 is not as good. Here's what I don't like compared to the other models: the suede upper does not give as much lateral support in fact, I have to keep tightening the shoe strings throughout my workout; the shoe runs a little larger than the other models; but most of all, the forefront cushioning is not very good at all. Now, I use my shoes for working out and cross-training, so if you just want a walking/work shoe, this should be fine; just doesn't do that well with heavy pounding. If you get the 623 for exercise, opt for the one with a leather upper probably better. However, one plus for the suede is that it is cooler and more breathable than the leather, so if you wear all day, something to consider.
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I have purchased dozens of New Balance cross trainers over the years, begining with the 601 or 602. In my view, each new model was an improvement in comfort and stability. When I began using the 623 I recently bought to replace my worn out 622's, I could not believe it. Compared to the 622, this shoe is lighter by at least 2 ounces, less sturdy, has less heelshock absorption, and has less support for the front of the foot. I took several painful 3 mile walks before I decided to toss these 623's. These shoes were a waste of $60. 622's seem to be in very short supply on Amazon and elsewhere. I hope this does not portend discontinuation. If so, I'm going to start stockpiling 622's.
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Made in China, this model did not fit as well as previous NB purchases and is devoid of ventilation. Cheaply made and it shows. Will not purchase this model again.
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MX623 Cross-Training Shoe
I have worn the New Balance series for probably 10 years, or however long they have been around. I wear 13 EEE, and have very low arches (flat fee), and this series (622 and previous) has been the most comfortable and offered the best support of any other shoe I have ever worn. The older ones (622 and previous versions) all had very firm and solid soles, and the body of the shoe itself was very thick and sturdy leather. Perfect for everyday wear and for workouts. I wore them so much that I bought a new pair every six months.
When I bought the new 623's, I didn't think much about them. The sole is thinner and bends much, much, much easier than the 622 and previous versions, and the body was also much thinner and provided not as much support. But they are NB, so I just put them on and wore them. But I began to notice that my feet hurt more than normal, and I found myself having to re-tie them often as they always seemed to get loose.
I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THERE IS A CORRELATION, but about three or four months after buying them and using the new 623's exclusively and repeatedly, my right foot and especially heel began to hurt a lot. As the pain increased, I ended up at my podiatrist, with a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, which is a result of my being flatfooted, and also because I am overweight. I never had the condition in the past, and it came up on me very quickly, in a matter of a few weeks. I have had to wear a foot device at night to try to stretch that tendon.
About a week ago, I wanted to work outside and decided to wear my "old" pair of 622's. I noticed IMMEDIATELY the difference...it was like putting on a different shoe. Much more support and less stress on my feet.
I have now put the 623's in the closet and wear the 622's all the time. My plantar fasciitis is almost gone, and my feet feel much better.
I have read about NB now using China to make the shoes, and other stuff. I can say with complete certainty that they are definitely using lower quality materials, LESS material from the body to the sole, and THE PRODUCT IS MUCH INFERIOR WHEN COMPARED TO THE OLD VERSIONS.
I am now looking for another shoe that will offer support the way the 622's and previous ones did, because in my opinion, the 623's are junk, and would get a "zero star" rating if Amazon would allow me to give that.
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I never dreamed that I would be writing a "one star" review on NB shoes. In short, they have changed the 608's and 623's shoes to a cheaper version. The quality is gone. I was very satisfied with NB cross trainer shoes for about 15 years. I would gladly pay more if NB would just bring back the quality shoes (classics) that made them famous. MANY of my friends have noticed the lack of quality that I speak about. SADLY the NB 623 shoes hurt my feet. The end of an "Era". I will now shop other brands for quality shoes.
