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 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 Kyle E Kneisl
Size was fine, but width was to narrow.
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 Juan C Gutierrez
-) But this is entirely a personal observation. I didn't lower my rating for it.
Reviewer Wanda J Certo
Bought these for my son who is always on his feet 8 hrs a day. He said they are comfortable, fits perfect and he like the style go with most outfits he wear.
Reviewer Janice Molloy
I really like these cool sneakers by Element Strack! I ordered them with my son in mind. He likes them. He says they are very fashionable and modern. They are reminiscent of skateboarding shoes, thick flat soles with rubber heels. They are a pretty brown with orange accents and include optional laces (orange and brown). They have some other nice design elements (cool treads) that will appeal to men of all ages. They fit a little small, so you might want to order up a half size. And finally, these shoes are reasonably priced (about $56 on Amazon).
Reviewer bknyfinest1
Will buy it and will recommend to buy it. Material, size, color, all is better than expected.
Reviewer Steve Saffel
Great casual walking shoe! Very satisfied!
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