Had three pair of the original New Balance Beacon and they are among my favorite running shoes of all time. Their fit was spot on and felt both well cushioned and responsive. I skipped V2 but decided to give V3 a try. V3 are still cushioned/responsive but don't feel quite as much so as the original. They also are an ounce heavier and fit a tad big. I find myself wearing thicker socks than normal. In addition the heal feels slightly strange, like it is loose although it doesn't slip at all. Having said all that my first run in them was 12 miles with no blisters or other issues. Unlike V1 I probably won't end up with 3 pair of these as recently I'm digging the Brooks Hyperion Tempo better, but they should still be plenty good for knocking out some miles.