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 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 Leila Hardy
That's different from other folks with "regular" feet. The bones below my toes are exceptionally wide and yet I have a very narrow heel so many shoes just don't fit me well at all. If I get the toe box area wide enough to accommodate my foot, then the heel area is too wide. I usually use those sticky pads in the heel area to make it snug on my heel. Otherwise I walk out of the shoe. This pair, because they go above my ankle, bypasses the too wide of a heel section. I put on a pair of medium socks (not too thin or too thick), loosened the laces and did have a tiny bit of trouble getting my entire foot in the shoe, but once I did, I laced the shoes up medium-tight and walked around. Usually with shoes I have an initial bit of discomfort - the tops or the soles are stiff or my big toe hits an odd spot inside the shoe or whatever. Not so with these shoes! Aside from listening to a bit of interesting creaking/squeaking from the tops of the shoes when I took a step, the toe box area seemed wider than average shoes and my foot felt very comfortable in the area with no squeezing or discomfort in any way. My heels did not seem to slip around inside the shoes at all, maybe because these shoes hold the ankle fairly still. The leather seems to be of high quality - it has that good smell of quality leather and while leather itself doesn't breathe, the ventilation holes on the top of the toe box and around the ankle area seem to be able to keep the foot cool. I wanted this pair because my left ankle often tries to give way on me due to an old injury. I had a tendon tear so badly several years ago that when it tore, it make a loud crack sound that made me believe I'd broken something. It took over 12 weeks just to be able to put weight on that foot again. Tendons never completely heal so when the weather changes or I do too much walking in flip-flops, that tendon starts giving way and is very painful. These shoes that go over the ankle should help keep the tendon from giving way and/or causing me discomfort. Nice pair of shoes that I will get a great deal of use out of!
Reviewer Rawan S
I was looking for a pair for barefoot-no sock wear. I wear a 10.5 with socks. For barefoot use, I prefer the 10 that typically fits out of the box. That didn’t happen here. The shoes in barefoot are cramped and stiff.
These are short in the toe and flops a blister on the heel. The sole is quite rigid. No doubt, the heel/sole could be solved with a double-sock break-in. With just one pair of socks, the toe is really too tight and the heel is still hot.
Otherwise, the shoes look great.
Reviewer Austin Taylor
Very cool, because if people don’t know I’m classy, I point to the picture of the polo trademark on my shoe, and I day “see that? You know what that is? That’s class!”
Reviewer Lorne Sherman
Bought these for my best friends daughters first birthday. I got a size 5 (a little too big) so she would have some room to grow into them. They're ADORABLE.
Reviewer shrikanth Kanekal
Good quality. Slightly larger fit.
Reviewer B Ahrens
I like them because they are light and were reasonably priced
Reviewer balletgirl1980
Not as good, or high, as my Ex-O-Fits but they'll do.
Reviewer Candy Lee Caballero
Got these to workout at the gym in. Fit the bill fantastically. Same quality as Skechers in my opinion.
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