Yeah I understand why some of the people on here are hating on the 999 elites, but you do have to remember that these were super mass produced in china. It's just the unfortunate fact that when something is made in such large numbers that quality control will suffer a bit for it. These aren't the made in US or England NBs that pass thru much more rigorous inspections. Even so you will still find some flaws with the shoes that come out of the better factories, i have had some made in US pairs that looked like they were straight up dropped in to the dirt and stepped on. I am still personally very happy with both of my pairs, they both came practically flawless and haven't cracked. I think that everyone is just giving these the stink eye because of the fact that they are made in china. But the fact remains that some pairs will have factory flaws, even out of the "much better" factories. It's just the luck of the draw, sometimes you win and some times you don't. In a perfect world NB would never allow a pair with even the slightest flaw to leave the factory floor. But unfortunately they are still a big business and if it means a couple million extra in the bank, of course they will let the minor flaws fly. I have to admit for a made in china shoe the quality is pretty good, just compare it to some nikes material and construction wise and it will win hands down.
If you want a pair I still highly recommend them, make great every day shoes. Just go in to it knowing that there may be some flaws.
- http://niketalk.com/t/158096/official-new-balance-thread/9300#post_17335930
