Reviewer Stephen Hand
BOOM! I feel in love with these shoes about 2 years ago. I used to buy vans and Chucks but these have replaced them. To me these are more comfortable than Chucks and Vans. I remove the insoles and insert better quality inserts for long term walking most Chucks and Vans you cannot. The width at the front is wide making it comfortable on the foot. Biggest issue is there is a lot of shoe lace ties so it takes a little bit of time to adjust the tightness with the laces. My third pair Ive purchased.
Reviewer Elizabeth Licon
I need a large toe box and friends suggested Altra brand. I'm not a runner nor a hiker, but I do go to the gym and do some walking, thus I want a good shoe. I usually wear 9-5 to 10 and I have narrow feet. I tried the Olympic style in 9.5 but toe touched the end and they didn't have any in size 10. Thank goodness for Free Returns!! I found this style and bought it in size 10, and it was a bit cheaper than the Olympics style. The day I got it I wore it to the gym then wore around the house the remainder of the day. The shoe is light and comfortable! I forgot I had it on except when walking on the laminate floor it kinda sounds like cleats. The description doesn't say it's a trail shoe but still has the grippy type things around the outer edge of the bottom of the shoe -- not a big deal to me. I've only wore the shoes twice but so far I'm very pleased!
Reviewer trevstonlongworth
I normally only wear 574's from New Balance, but I purchased these because they share the same shoe last and they're similar. I can't say that I like them as well, but they're alright.
I believe the mid-soles are different, and while I think I like the 574 mid-sole better, the 565 doesn't seem bad. One thing I definitely don't like as well is the lack of mesh in the all-suede upper. They probably don't breath as well, but that's not a huge factor for me in a suede shoe. I just like the looks of the mesh/suede combo better then the all-suede shoe.
I saved my final criticism for last, because it applies to both the 565 and 574 models of "Lifestyle and Retro" shoes. These are the ones with model numbers that start with "ml". I don't like them because they appear to be the hipster version of New Balance shoes, with laces that usually match the suede. Like any good hipster shoe, they seem to be more narrow, which is antithetical to the very thing that made the 574, and probably 565, popular shoes in the first place (i.e. spacious.) Even though these are supposedly made on the same shoe last as other models in the line, they definitely don't have the advertised toe depth of the SL-2 shoe last. I've also noticed that many New Balance shoes made on the SL-2 last don't seem to be as wide as they used to be, so that issue probably isn't for the lifestyle and retro shoes alone.
Seems strange that New Balance would ruin a popular line of shoes by changing the very things that made them popular, but that's what they seem to be doing. For customers that want a more narrow 574, it seems like New Balance would just suggest the 363 or one of their models made on narrow shoe lasts. Regardless, I wish they'd leave the SL-2 shoes alone, so that customer who appreciate them can continue to do so. I've worn them for 20 years and the only thing that will stop that is if New Balance changes the shoes so much that they're not the same.
Reviewer Kimberly Jo
These are not as light as running shoes, but much lighter than any cross trainer I have ever used so able to jog?walk in them too. These are a great bargain, they look great, they are comfortable, and seem to be well built. I usually buy Asics, or Nike, these are my first Pumas and not my last, matter of fact ordering the black ones just to wear around
Reviewer John M Thorpe
I had to get a size smaller. I am usually in a womens 10 but got these in a 9 and they fit perfect.
Reviewer Craig Williamson
Fits exactly as expected. Good deal.
Reviewer David Wickre
Never had vans before, thought I would give them a try. They are very well made and sturdy. The only reason I gave them 4 stars was the first day I wore them I got a blister on the back of my heel from them. Hopefully I can break them in with no more blisters! I really like the shoes so I hope they work out!
Reviewer C Bree Johnston
Perfect for travel, light weight good arch support. I used these for my everyday walking through out Europe,
very comfortable. Quality product.
Reviewer Al Teal
I did NOT expect these shoes to be what they said they were. Isn't that terrible? Lol. I was SURE I was going to receive some duct taped paper cups, with a poorly printed logo on it, and y'all.... I got actual shoes. I can really run in them, they're comfortable, and they look exactly how they do on the site. I'm certainly getting more of these, pretty soon.
Reviewer Betty J Hanson
As of this review I don't know how much these shoes cost so I have to rate based on construction and comfort alone. I like to incorporate cost when I can but can't this time. These shoes are extremely light weight and seem to be very well constructed. I don't know how they will hold up when worn while running, but for basic comfort they feel good. They have a bit of a lower ridge in the inside where the toes go and I'm not sure if I like that yet or not. It does give my toes something to sort of grip. The laces allow me to tighten them up since I have a narrow foot. I like the colors and they have a nice, sleek look about them. They don't feel good when worn without socks because of some scratchiness so if you like go sockless you might not like these shoes. But when worn with socks they are very comfortable. I received a size 9 for review and they seem true to size. These seem to be true to size.
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