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 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 A Boston
Most comfortable casual shoes I have every worn!
Reviewer John R Gray
Highly recommend!!!!!
Reviewer Tina Spencer
I got these light-up shoes for my husband to wear with a loud suit. They look fun!
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 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 BrainWeasel
At first my hubs felt weird, unsure of step but you just have to wear + get used to the height. The finish can be wiped off w/damp rag as dirt really shows. Soles are thick & well made. Inside is where the additional height comes from. These are comfortable, casual shoes that are going to add some height without looking like yr trying.
Reviewer S A Fraser
Purchased this style previously in another color for my teenage nephew and he loved them so I purchased this pair for him as well. He was wearing the other ones all the time so now he can rotate them based on what he is wearing. They are comfortable and stylish all at the same time.
Reviewer kathyj
Purchased the first size and they were big so exchanged for this size! Wonderful!
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