Reviewer Jodydee
Too narrow in the toe box area and I don't have wide feet
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 Holly J Briscoe
Nice feel , lightweight. Loved them would order again
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 Still the Beaver
THese are very nice shoes, well made and a great price. Requested for Christmas by my 14 year old and he is very happy.
Reviewer Adam Floro
I live in boat shoes, both ashore (mostly) an on my boat. This is my second pair of Sea Kites. I also have a pair in another color. The Sea Kites hold up well with my day to day use and a bit of abuse. I've been through Timberland, Bass, and Clarks over the years. They have gone through up and down cycles of quality. Right now Sperry is on top and I find the others disappointing in terms of fit and quality.
Reviewer H Melander
I'm hard on my shoes. I bought two pair of these to rotate to keep from wearing any one pair out too much. I've had them a few months and the soles are starting to wear - the treads peeling off in places. Haven't lasted as long as some other brands but have lasted longer than I would have guessed. So good but not great.
Reviewer Miguel A Ferrer
Classics. They go with practically everything casual and are very comfortable. They're on the snug side of "fit as expected" without socks, so with socks you might want to go up a half size...at least in my experience with 10.5 M. I have other Vans classics, and these run just slightly smaller than the lace-ups in my experience.
Reviewer cat lady
Bought for a relative with major foot issues. He loves them - comfortable and flexible. Sturdy without feeling heavy.
Reviewer Mrs Daisy
Bought my son these shoes so that he could have something more formal than flip-flops but less casual loafers. As a result he wears them all the time. It is important to purchase ankle socks this way it looks like he's wearing his shoes without socks. As a bonus, he doesn't look like an old man and the young boys body with white crew socks covering his ankles and he gets to be a little bit of a skater/rebel.
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