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 Ally Acker
These are very nice shoes. They're comfortable and they look nice. I have some other Simple shoes that are similar and I love them too.
The sizing seems true-to-size to me. I normally wear a 10.5-11, and like all of my Simple shoes, I ordered an 11 with these. They fit very well, as expected.
I know one of the criticisms is that they easily fall apart, but that doesn't surprise me. A tag on the shoe claims the outer soles will biodegrade within 20 years, while the outer soles on some other shoes will last 1,000 year. Considering how Simple shoes are made with recycled materials, I never expect them to be very durable shoes.
However, I don't wear the same pair of shoes every day and I don't wear my Simple shoes for outdoor activities. I have several pairs of various Simple models and they're all still holding up well. These may be an athletic style of shoes, but I wouldn't wear them for athletic purposes, not just because they probably wouldn't hold up long, but also because they're probably not the best shoes for that purpose. I guess my point is that while I'm sure they do tear up quickly with frequent wear, I don't wear mine as an everyday shoe, or an athletic shoe, and they seem to be holding up fine.
Overall, I'm very pleased with all of my shoes of this brand. They're all very comfortable and have a nice, somewhat original look about them. My only complaint is that the price tag is often too high, but they're not difficult to find on sale.
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 Bevan B Phillips
The last pair of PUMA's I owned was about 30 years ago. At the time, they seemed cheap and I didn't like them.
Fast forward to today and I like the way PUMA's look. I've been wanting these for a while and found them on sale recently. I'm glad I did.
I haven't the slightest idea how well these will wear, but I strongly disagree with those who say that they're uncomfortable. Believe me when I say that, because I'm all about comfort and I know how hard it can be to find comfortable shoes, that are still affordable, today. They're not a running shoe with a squishy sole, but they're still one of the more comfortable pairs of shoes that I own. The sole has far more cushion than a pair of Adidas Sambas I own, which I find extremely uncomfortable.
Of course they look nice too, but I'll wrap this up by describing the fit. They probably do run slightly narrow and short, but I think some of the reviews exaggerate how much. They're bigger than many shoes I own, including my Sambas. In fact, I'm between sizes and have no problem with the smaller size. The arch support doesn't seem like much, but it's more than adequate, because they're so comfortable. The cushioned soles do their part in the comfort of the shoe, too.
Overall, I'm very happy with this shoe and will probably be buying more pairs in the future.
Reviewer John R Gray
Highly recommend!!!!!
Reviewer Jonathan Baron
Just what I wanted but couldn't find in the stores
Reviewer Tina Spencer
I got these light-up shoes for my husband to wear with a loud suit. They look fun!
Reviewer Aumer
The fit of these slip on sneakers is true to size. I got a pair in size 11, and my size 11 foot fits just fine. The fit is better with socks on but even without socks the sneaker has a decent fit (there's some lifting of the heel when not wearing socks but it's not excessive or troublesome).
They are surprisingly comfortable. There's padding that provides reasonable support. They are all plastic in construction which makes them perfect as a garden shoe since I can just hose them off when they get muddy. They are also great for around the house and running errands. I like that they are slip ons, which makes it quick and easy to put on/take off. However, these would not be my first choice for taking long walks -- I prefer lace up shoes for that to provide better support.
The only area that was somewhat disappointing is the sole. The manufacturer claims they are non-slip and that's true when walking on a rough surface, such as a sidewalk. Even in the rain these felt sure footed outside. However, on smooth surfaces, such as a wet tile floor, I didn't get that sure footed feeling. I didn't fall (at least not yet) but I have to be more mindful when walking compared with other shoes that have a softer, more grippy sole. The sole on these shoes is rather hard and unyielding. That's good for making the shoe last a long time without wearing out, but not so good for grip.
The sole drops my score to 4.5 stars but I'll round up to 5 since everything else about these sneakers hits the mark. They fit well and are comfortable, practical shoes. The styling is nothing to shout about, but as long as my feet are happy, I don't care what they look like!
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 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.
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