2002R Purple 'Protection Pack - Purple'

Reviewer Xavier Zizzik

Like very much comfortable and holding up to daily wear

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 Hand

I bought these specifically for cycling with old fashioned toe clips, because I'm weird and I like to know about history and experience things. They were advertised as 10.5US, they are 44eu instead of 45 eu - meaning they "run small", and it's a small 44. I still fit in them, even if they are a tad tight and have been using them with an old peugeot PH11 with the original triangular pedals from the mid 1980's - that style inspired the Look system of "clipless" pedals famously introduced by Greg Lamond in the famous tour pursuit of the badger. Mostly, I just want to pursue coffee and sunshine.

I think these might be the best shoes you can currently buy for use with cycling toe-clips, without spending a fortune or getting shoes that are 20 years old and falling apart. If you're more accustomed to swing out clipless systems such as Look, CrankBros, or Spd, you will recognize immediately that toe clips are far inferior - it took me a few miles to stop yanking my foot out of the back as I tried to sweep through the bottom of my pedal stroke, and it's hard to remember to loosen the strap when coming to a stop. These Puma shoes are very similar to the old sidi shoes that used to be common in cycling, except there's really no stiffness at the end of the toes, and I could tell that I would get a blister on my big toe as a result, so I must meditate on rule 5 of the Velominati prior to using them. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Puma took this shoe design from an old cycling shoe, the laces are shifted to the outside of the shoe and are easy to keep away from the cranks, while the foot bottom is as stiff as any modern cycling shoe. I think it would be hell to walk around in and I really can't comment on their utility as driving shoes.

The ferrari symbol is a regrettable attribute, as my place in society (AKA not a billionaire) would dictate that anyone wearing such driving shoes while tooling around in their ferrari not only has more money than sense, but likely has additional baggage that (fingers crossed) allows me to feel morally superior; which would make up for being hugely outclassed, financially. It's a kind of 99%'ers sour grapes, you know? If you are this person, please feel free to leave me validating comments about the woes in your otherwise blessed life. Mo-money mo problems?

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 Byron Cole

These are my daughters favorite shoes. I highly recommend

Reviewer C Blanc

Second pair. Very nice shoes

Reviewer Geoffrey Openshaw

Awesome shoes. Great fit.

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 C Carlile

Seems to be overpriced.
Fits Perfectly
Decent Material
Comfortable

Reviewer Betty J Hanson

As of this review I don't know how much these shoes cost so I have to rate based on construction and comfort alone. I like to incorporate cost when I can but can't this time. These shoes are extremely light weight and seem to be very well constructed. I don't know how they will hold up when worn while running, but for basic comfort they feel good. They have a bit of a lower ridge in the inside where the toes go and I'm not sure if I like that yet or not. It does give my toes something to sort of grip. The laces allow me to tighten them up since I have a narrow foot. I like the colors and they have a nice, sleek look about them. They don't feel good when worn without socks because of some scratchiness so if you like go sockless you might not like these shoes. But when worn with socks they are very comfortable. I received a size 9 for review and they seem true to size. These seem to be true to size.