Reviewer Robert D Reed
Still getting used to the updates, but fair warning, these are the squeakiest scrunchiest damn shoes. The tongues rub and the shoes fart with every step. I went after them with my olive oil sprayer and all is well now. I'm a few months in and I still have to reapply from time to time.
Reviewer juanita morris
Just a great walking shoe for this old man. Easy on and off, a cushioned sole, and plenty wide. As reviewers stated, they tend to pick up rocks off our driveway.
Reviewer Linwe
Perfect for high arch and Fred flintstone feet. Super pleased with these two pairs. Would buy a black pair but I never find a 12EEEE
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 Jim Van Wicklin
Overall have bought this shoe both online and in store and the shoe is good. It's great for water activities especially if you prefer the feel and support of a sneaker rather than a water slipper/sock style shoe.
One thing to keep in mind is that it runs a bit big, and there are no half sizes. I would recommend sizing down. For example if you are usually a 10.5/11 then consider getting a 10.
Reviewer Roget Lockard
They were a good price and seem to be very comfortable, but they are hard to put on.
Reviewer K Matthias
Work Shoes! Has the comfort and the support needed to get my everyday job done.
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