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 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 A Boston
Most comfortable casual shoes I have every worn!
Reviewer Heather E Ames
great sneakers!
Reviewer John R Gray
Highly recommend!!!!!
Reviewer Miguel Amadis
These are some really nice dark brown leather shoes for men. The leather and soles are both very good quality. These are nicely shaped and the finish is just beautiful. My husband really likes these shoes a lot and they look so good on his feet. He wears a size 8 and these shoes fit well (size 8). As of this review I don't know how much they cost but they are some fine looking dress shoes.
Reviewer Janet Blok
These are some really nice leather shoes for men. The leather and soles are both very good quality. These are nicely shaped and the finish is just beautiful. My husband really likes these shoes a lot and they look so good on his feet. He wears a size 8 and these shoes fit well (size 8). As of this review I don't know how much they cost but they are some fine looking dress shoes.
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.
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