Just got my shock drop pair of BBs (right) and compared them to the 2017 restocks (left). The BBs are 11W and the 2017s are 9.5M. Thoughts:
1. The BBs are physically longer than the 2017s but I would not size down. The heel of the BBs are higher, which makes the shoe feel tighter even though it is longer.
2. The biggest difference to me is the tongue tag. The tongue tag is way cleaner and more distinct for the 2017s.
3. The second biggest difference to me is toe shape. The BBs are rounder than the 2017s. I would not say one is better than the other. Dress shoe lasts have similar discrepancies of round toe v. chiseled or pointed.
4. I much prefer the BB laces over 2017s. I’ve always disliked the off white color and shiny synthetic appearance of the 2017 laces. I wish the BB laces were wider, but I think overall they are better.
5. The mudguard is thinner for BBs than the 2017s, but that is because the heel is higher and the mudguard is therefore slanted at an angle. I would not say one is better than the other.
6. From the lateral perspective, the toe box looks pretty darn close.
7. The BB eyelet is still dark! Not as dark as the 2017 restock but not like the AM day 2017s.
Really happy to have both pairs. For what it’s worth, my wife thinks both pairs look exactly the same