It comes to a point where you think about comfort and if they are going to last you aka quality. When you see the materials that new balances use compared to nikes/Js you see why new balance is popular. Also, so many models to choose from depending on your foot. You'll see the popular 998, 997...
if you are still looking for recommendations.
I have wide feet, but i find the 990,991,993,1700 models ideal, I own the 990s and 997 and i would prefer the 990 easily for long distances, the 997 sole seems a lot firmer than the 990.
Here's more info on the autobahn pack
http://www.thegoodwillout.com/new-balance-x-the-good-will-out-m577-gwo2-night-autobahn-schwarz-grau.html
It's from 2013, not really an "older" release