Reviewer C N Butterfield
They are not amazing quality as you might expect for this price. IF you buy the right size, they are great shoes. They get dirty very quickly but that's with any white shoe made of canvas type material. If you buy half a size too small as I did, the tightness may damage the shoes a bit faster. They are holding up so far after about 3 months, but are not that clean anymore. I have started seeing some sole damage. The sole grip isn't great either.
Reviewer Hand
I bought these specifically for cycling with old fashioned toe clips, because I'm weird and I like to know about history and experience things. They were advertised as 10.5US, they are 44eu instead of 45 eu - meaning they "run small", and it's a small 44. I still fit in them, even if they are a tad tight and have been using them with an old peugeot PH11 with the original triangular pedals from the mid 1980's - that style inspired the Look system of "clipless" pedals famously introduced by Greg Lamond in the famous tour pursuit of the badger. Mostly, I just want to pursue coffee and sunshine.
I think these might be the best shoes you can currently buy for use with cycling toe-clips, without spending a fortune or getting shoes that are 20 years old and falling apart. If you're more accustomed to swing out clipless systems such as Look, CrankBros, or Spd, you will recognize immediately that toe clips are far inferior - it took me a few miles to stop yanking my foot out of the back as I tried to sweep through the bottom of my pedal stroke, and it's hard to remember to loosen the strap when coming to a stop. These Puma shoes are very similar to the old sidi shoes that used to be common in cycling, except there's really no stiffness at the end of the toes, and I could tell that I would get a blister on my big toe as a result, so I must meditate on rule 5 of the Velominati prior to using them. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Puma took this shoe design from an old cycling shoe, the laces are shifted to the outside of the shoe and are easy to keep away from the cranks, while the foot bottom is as stiff as any modern cycling shoe. I think it would be hell to walk around in and I really can't comment on their utility as driving shoes.
The ferrari symbol is a regrettable attribute, as my place in society (AKA not a billionaire) would dictate that anyone wearing such driving shoes while tooling around in their ferrari not only has more money than sense, but likely has additional baggage that (fingers crossed) allows me to feel morally superior; which would make up for being hugely outclassed, financially. It's a kind of 99%'ers sour grapes, you know? If you are this person, please feel free to leave me validating comments about the woes in your otherwise blessed life. Mo-money mo problems?
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 Leonard Cain
Comfortable and durable. I recommend these shoes.
Reviewer Rhonda Eubanks
Tried these New Balance shoes for an extended travel overseas and they were just perfect. They were lightweight for all day wear and very comfortable. Mine was half a size larger than what I would normally wear. The only issue was that the laces were very long (probably would have better if I had laced it through the last two holes) and would sometimes come loose.
Reviewer Geoffrey Openshaw
Awesome shoes. Great fit.
Reviewer Linda S Grubb
Great shoes for the value. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy 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 jelleangel
In my experience, Vivobarefoot has created one of their best shoes yet with the Primus Lux. I have been enjoying the Indigo version for a couple of weeks. Out of over a dozen pairs, it is the most comfortable and best feeling Vivobarefoot shoe I own, requiring zero break-in. The glove soft, finely perforated, unlined leather top allows my foot to breath and feels wonderful against my bare feet. In truly hot weather, nothing beats a sandal or bare feet for coolness, but I think I'll be able to wear this shoe all summer without a sock liner.
I also have the Stealth 2 Lux with this same outsole, which is my favorite of the various types by Vivobarefoot. Somehow, It feels even better in the Primus Lux, perhaps due to the thin leather footbed. This is a very flexible shoe which seems to have a tad less internal volume than most other models, but it fits fine since I don't have a "thick" foot. The tongue is not too long and does not rub the tendon on top of my foot where it bends up to my leg.
The upper wraps snugly around my ankles and heel, yet doesn't feel tight. This has the unexpected benefit of making it hard for those little pebbles that are seemingly everywhere to bounce into the shoe, irritating my bare feet. With most other low-top shoes, this minor annoyance sometimes makes me have to stop frequently and take off my shoes to empty the pebbles. For this reason, though I love my Xero Z-Trail sandals, I avoid wearing them in many kinds of terrain because I constantly have to stop and dislodge pebbles and other debris stuck between my feet and the top of the footbed.
For me, the Primus Lux is an attractive shoe that I can wear almost anywhere. I like how the subtle "V" logos are embossed in the same color, rather than made of contrasting dots as with the related Primus Trio model. The glued (not sewn) outsole has tasteful, wavy undulations where it meets the side of the shoe. Up front, this gives the appearance of a slightly flat front toe cap, but it is actually rounded.
As for the white sole color, I realize that white soles are very popular now for athletic and casual shoes. I like it, but would prefer a dark blue or black color for the simple reason that those colors don't show dirt and grime like white does. Perhaps Vivobarefoot will be good enough to offer this fine shoe in all black? A medium-toned red top with the white sole would probably be popular, too.
I am glad Vivobarefoot continues to innovate and offer barefoot, minimalist shoe enthusiasts so many attractive and functional shoe choices.
Thanks for reading.
(Btw, I purchased these from Vivobarefoot at regular price.)
Reviewer Andy Maree
Good pair of work shoes. This is my second pair. The last pair lasted 8 months. They are comfortable. They give good support and are lite weight.
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