Reviewer M Ruffini
The first time I saw the "Backpack" line of shoes from New Balance, I knew that I'd one day be adding a pair to my collections of 574's. Nylon uppers just seems like a fantastic idea, since nylon is so easy to clean and keep clean. I liked the idea of being able to get them dirty, knowing that they'll clean up better then other 574's. Because of this, I might even wear them when I normally wouldn't want to get my shoes dirty.
I haven't had them long enough to make that decision, or know exactly how well they'll clean up, but there is something else different about them that immediately caught my attention. Ever since New Balance changed the manufacturing process for the 574's, I think they've been smaller and less comfortable then versions before that time. I just purchased another pair of 574's a couple of weeks back and noticed this immediately when putting them on, as I always do with a new pair of 574's nowadays.
This pair, however, feels more like the older 574's, because they're so comfortable. My first thought was that maybe they made them like the old ones, but after comparing them to numerous other pairs I have, both old and new, I don't think that's it. The soles still match the newer version (i.e. they're more narrow), but still, I'm pretty sure they have more toe room in the uppers, because they both look and feel as if they do.
I've been a little disappointed with every pair I've purchased, since they changed the manufacturing process, because they're just not as comfortable as they used to be. For whatever reason, these, however, seem closer to what I remember a new pair feeling like and that has me really happy. They are very comfortable shoes.
Reviewer K Shields
I only ordered these because I found a great deal on them. Normally I would have passed, but I love Simple brand shoes and figured it was worth the risk. I'm really glad that I did, because I like them much better then I expected. They look better in person then in the pictures and they're very comfortable.
I'd say that they fit true-to-size, although if you're in between sizes, I'd suggest that you go with the larger one. The width is pretty average too. I do wish these had more arch support, but they're not bad as is.
Overall, I'm as pleased as I always have been in the past with this brand.
Reviewer Angela M Abbott
A little clunker than the brown suede first pair! Still love em
Reviewer John R Gray
Highly recommend!!!!!
Reviewer R Pettijohn
My husband has to stand on his feet for twelve hours a work day and says they fit perfect and do not bother his feet at all.
Reviewer tobias funke
I don't know, as of this review, how much these shoes cost, but they are very nice leather shoes. Hubs and I went shoe shopping yesterday to get him a nice pair of dress shoes and we spent a good amount on them and they were on sale. But every man deserves at least 2 pairs of very nice dress shoes. This pair of ankle boot shoes are very well made, and the leather is gorgeous and deep brown. The soles are should last a long time and look very durable. Hubs thinks there should be one more set of eyelets, but I think the two are very attractive and stylish. I received a size 9M for review and usually he wears 9W but these shoes were a little loose on his feet. They are more like 9.5 but he can still wear them. Since they are new and stiff, he can't say they are particularly comfortable right now as they need to be broken in.
Reviewer Mike Gagnon
I'm very pleased with these shoes. They fit perfectly -- they are a true size 11 -- which is not a common situation these days. The medium width is also accurate.
The build quality is very good. It feels very well put together, with the edge and sole well attached, and good quality stitching throughout. The end of the tongue and the interior edge is lined with an man-made "leather" that looks and feels high quality. The canvas body is sturdy. Even the shoelaces are of good quality.
The overall look is nice. It's unusual, with a blue leaf-type pattern and a solid gray, but it works in terms of looks. It's not flashy, but it has more visual appeal than the usual monotone color scheme.
There's enough padding in the insole to make these comfortable for walking, but it could do with a bit more for extra comfort.
All in all, a mostly comfortable, nice looking, well-made pair of sneakers.
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 SlayerS_`BoxeR`
K-Swiss makes very comfortable and supportive shoes that are long lasting.
Reviewer hot buyer
Siiiick shoes