Reviewer M Ruffini
The first time I saw the "Backpack" line of shoes from New Balance, I knew that I'd one day be adding a pair to my collections of 574's. Nylon uppers just seems like a fantastic idea, since nylon is so easy to clean and keep clean. I liked the idea of being able to get them dirty, knowing that they'll clean up better then other 574's. Because of this, I might even wear them when I normally wouldn't want to get my shoes dirty.
I haven't had them long enough to make that decision, or know exactly how well they'll clean up, but there is something else different about them that immediately caught my attention. Ever since New Balance changed the manufacturing process for the 574's, I think they've been smaller and less comfortable then versions before that time. I just purchased another pair of 574's a couple of weeks back and noticed this immediately when putting them on, as I always do with a new pair of 574's nowadays.
This pair, however, feels more like the older 574's, because they're so comfortable. My first thought was that maybe they made them like the old ones, but after comparing them to numerous other pairs I have, both old and new, I don't think that's it. The soles still match the newer version (i.e. they're more narrow), but still, I'm pretty sure they have more toe room in the uppers, because they both look and feel as if they do.
I've been a little disappointed with every pair I've purchased, since they changed the manufacturing process, because they're just not as comfortable as they used to be. For whatever reason, these, however, seem closer to what I remember a new pair feeling like and that has me really happy. They are very comfortable shoes.
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 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 Basma A Aljenaie
I walk on concrete all day and these have held up well for me. I use lock laces with these and they fit perfect.
RECOMMENDED
Reviewer Tina Spencer
I got these light-up shoes for my husband to wear with a loud suit. They look fun!
Reviewer SJT
Wasn’t sure about this brand of shoe. I ordered it for my daughter as she started her own business painting designs on shoes. Didn’t think it wouldn’t be comfortable but was wrong. It served its purpose and actually worked better than expected.
Reviewer Mary A Bosken
These shoes help my back pain and relieve and relieved the stiffness.
Reviewer Rita Novella
These are perfect classic tennys to wear all day. Neither too masculine or feminine, light to medium grays in the color. Sole is stable & comfortable without being clunky on. Inside some padding, outer is a strong netting on top of shoe and a layer of material underneath that. I'm 67 and feet have flattened out with time but, these are comfortable support for me all day
Reviewer Juan C Gutierrez
-) But this is entirely a personal observation. I didn't lower my rating for it.
Reviewer FANINA SCIBERRAS
With memory foam, clean design, and air-cooled feature, this is a great choice for casual wear or as a walking shoe. If this is the first laceless shoe, the snuggy feeling will seem a bit different initially, almost as if they got bunched up; but over time that has relaxed and the fit is OK. The shoe is on the narrower side and you may want to try at least .5 size up to make sure.
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