Puma MB.04 Phoenix CAE1752

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 Lorien Pratt

My husband's absolute favorite hiking/urban shoe -- he has 4 pairs and if they ever wear out, my guess is he'll buy more.

Reviewer John R Gray

Highly recommend!!!!!

Reviewer SJT

Wasn’t sure about this brand of shoe. I ordered it for my daughter as she started her own business painting designs on shoes. Didn’t think it wouldn’t be comfortable but was wrong. It served its purpose and actually worked better than expected.

Reviewer Armineh Bezdikian

I'm very pleased with these shoes. They are put together well, and the material, while not actual leather, is pretty close to a leather look and feel. The sizing is accurate, which is a nice change. I'm so tired of getting shoes that claim to be size 11 but are so small I can't get my foot in them! These size 11 shoes are actually size 11.

They are very comfortable to wear. Normally it takes me at least a few hours (if not days) to break in a pair of shoes. These were comfortable from the get go. There is ample padding inside and the square end allows for comfort rather than squished together toes.

The sole is very grippy even on slick wet surfaces. They don't squeak when walking across a glossy floor. The shoes initially creaked a bit, with the creaking coming from the sides rather than the sole. The creaking went away after a few hours of wearing.

Zero complaints. They fit well, are well made, are very comfortable, and provide excellent grip. Five stars!

Reviewer Quentin Kramer

These are styled like oxfords but more casual cool. Great soles are comfortable and not bulkily heavy. You can brush off the suede with damp cloth. Perfect spring/summer shoe..good look w/jeans or shorts

Reviewer kathyj

Purchased the first size and they were big so exchanged for this size! Wonderful!

Reviewer joenmattsmom

The only complaint is there WAS a very small black mark on the foremost back left side about the size and shape of two pin heads.It is not worth the bother to return them. The shoes fit very well and I am overall happy with the purchase...minus that mark

Reviewer Katelyn J Miller

Stiff-feeling - especially around the ankle. I've gone through three pairs of these shoes in black/oatmeal, and they were not stiff at all at any point in time. Not sure what is up with this particular pair. Hoping they will break-in fairly quickly once Spring comes and I wear them more often.

Reviewer Misterdee

Converse rocks!