Puma Basket Classic ECD8709

Reviewer K Foote

Having worn 574s for about 15 years I was interested to try the 373. The main difference is in the overall bulk of the shoe. The 373 is much more form fitting with a slightly lower ankle and slightly thinner sole. Comfort is comparable in both shoes, but from a fashion point of view they compliment clothes differently. The 373 I wear with slimmer jeans that have smaller cuffs, which I still prefer the 574 when wearing a boot cut jean or shorts.

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 4161

SOFT, COMFORTABLE EVERYTHING I COULD ASK FOR AND GOT IT FOR A GOOD DEAL THE HAS BROKEN IN VERY WELL AND HAS HELD UP GREAT FOR WORK, HAVE A GREAT EVERYONE

Reviewer Patricia J Walker

These are a great and inexpensive slip on shoes and you can feel good because it is made out of recycled products. I wear a size 13 and I have big fat flat feet and they fit just fine. I was scared reading the reviews people made the shoes seem really narrow and tight but these fit perfectly.

Just a note that I wear these without socks and they would probably fit tight if I wore socks but you typically don't wear socks with these types of shoes at least I don't. If you normally wear vans slip on shoe these are comparable but the fabric is uhh not the same.

Reviewer Anca Andrea Varga

Very comfortable ... Fit according to size. Only wish that sole of the shoes were a light brown and not bright white. ( hard to keep clean)

Reviewer P van Roijen

The sizing runs large, so I'd recommend buying a half size smaller for a snug fit. Also, the stitching at the ankle can be irritating if your socks aren't high enough. Finally, the laces are more for looks rather than function, as this is truly a slip-on.

Reviewer seaglass

These are hands down my new favorite shoes. These things are so comfortable even on the first day wearing them, which is rare. Idk why everyone says the ankle has no support. Feels just like my timberland boots. And they're somewhat water proof which I wasn't expecting. They look literally like timberland boots but as shoes. 100% would recommend to people who want timbs.

Reviewer sallyz

great shoe for the money! You can't beat ASICS running shoes.

Reviewer Rufus Hickok

Shoe is nice...comfortable and such....

Reviewer Aldo J Magistrelli

I have hesitated to buy any shoes other than racing flats ever since getting used to wearing thin and light shoes. I can't stand my old Eco dress shoes anymore. These turn out to be awesome! Super comfortable with lots of "room" in them for my feet. They are definitely a hippy-look, not a dress-look; but that's sort of how I roll most the time. I may order another Vivobarefoot shoe in some black-leather for that once-a-year dress-up day.