Balenciag* Track Sneaker 'Beige'

Reviewer Dr Helson P Giraud

Comfortable. Easy to slip-on. The no laces is quick and easy to work with.

Reviewer H Mary Cork

I normally wouldn't consider a synthetic leather shoe, because I'd never seen any that weren't awful in nearly every way possible. The only reason I considered these is because I needed shoes that fit very particular criteria and one of them was that they're synthetic. So I ordered a pair to evaluate them and the verdict is very positive.

It's not real leather, but it's close. It actually reminds me of cheap leather shoes, but without all the creasing (like comfortable Reeboks, which used loose leather for comfort). The rubber sole seems comfortable and the synthetic lining looks like it'll be easy to keep clean. It has average arch support and the insole is stuck in place, but it does offer good cushioning.

I ordered my normal sneaker size and it fits great, so I'd say the sizing is perfect (I wear a a half size larger in New Balance and sometimes with Nike). The laces are a little long, but just a little and they're nice laces.

Overall, they're nice shoes. No, they're not real leather and I didn't judge them as if they were. But there are some advantages with synthetic leather shoes and these will work great for those who understand they're not leather.

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 Joseph J Kenny

I wear them all day at work. They work pretty good for me.

Reviewer David Wickre

Never had vans before, thought I would give them a try. They are very well made and sturdy. The only reason I gave them 4 stars was the first day I wore them I got a blister on the back of my heel from them. Hopefully I can break them in with no more blisters! I really like the shoes so I hope they work out!

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 Michigan Mommy

Love these sturdy, wonderful shoes! Will keep buying these.

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 Vivienne Silver

Months later I still love my two pairs of these shoes. (I have one pair that are smaller that I use for general around town wear, and a 1/2 size larger I use for longer walks) I often put them on when I get home from a long hike/walk and they are very comfortable to spend the rest of the day in because of the way they spread your toes out. They are great for walking on rocks because the 'blocks' on the bottom stick like glue. But wet they are very slippery. And it takes a while for them to dry out. The sole is about worn out on one of my pairs but there are no holes anywhere in the shoe, not even between the toes where the material seems very thin. My longest walk in them has been 10 miles on a paved bike trail.

I'm bumping my review up to 5 stars for having performed so well over the long run.

Reviewer Thomas F Urrutia

Great shoe, very comfortable, great support for my husband's arthritic ankle.