text: This is a wonderful shoe.  Fits well (I have very narrow feet), super comfortable and light.  I'm happy to pay the extra for a product that is made in the USA.  So why 2 stars?<br /><br />I have worn this model for several years.  The first ones started to smell like cat urine (the outside of the soles near the heel) after a few months wear.  New Balance replaced the first pair TWICE at no charge, saying a problem with some adhesive caused the shoes to develop an odor similar to cat urine.  This year, they decided they would not replace them since they were way outside warranty.  That is perfectly understandable.  So I bought a new pair in January, 2015.  Seven months later, one shoe started to have that cat urine-like smell again.  It was only on the outside.  So I contacted New Balance again.  Here is their response:<br /><br />&#34;I am sorry you are experiencing an odor issue with your 990 shoes. I understand in the past we mentioned the odor issue is caused by an adhesive in the shoes. I would like to correct what we have told you in the past. After research and testing we have found the adhesive was not the issue in the odor issue. What we have found the odor is from moisture getting trapped in the shoe and the shoe not being able to completely dry out. The odor does take time to develop within the shoe if not completely dried out before the next wearing.<br /><br />The 990 shoe does have a less breathable upper which makes it harder for the shoe to completely dry out before the next wearing vs. shoes that have a mesh upper are able to dry out at a faster rate than the 990 shoes. We have also found the best way to dry out the shoes is to remove the insoles, loosen the laces, and pull the tongue forward. This is the best way to dry out the shoes to help prevent the odor issue.&#34;<br /><br />Thanks, New Balance, for the explanation.  But please ponder this.  One shoe of my current pair (7 months old) has that odd smell on the OUTSIDE of the sole, not the inside.  If it is a moisture issue, why doesn't the inside smell like the outside?  So far that question has not been explained to me by New Balance. And I don't believe I have exceptionally sweaty feet.  Plus, this has not been an issue in any other shoe I own.<br /><br />Again, these shoes are not cheap.  And I will gladly pay for US-made shoes.  And the fit and comfort are exceptional.  But please consider the odor issue when purchasing.