New Balance Men's 813 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

I've been buying versions of this shoe from New Balance for over 20 years but no more. When I started buying these they were made in the USA and the quality was very high. An old pair finally gave up in October so I ordered another through Amazon. I was deeply disappointed to find this pair to be made overseas. I first noticed the very light weight, much lighter than in the past. It's now December and the souls of both shoes are coming loose from the uppers. Amazon won't take them back. New Balance wants me to pay to return the defective shoes then do without shoes for several weeks while they process the return and decide what to do. I'm 70 years old and not about to go barefoot because of them. What happened to the practice of sending a replacement for a defective product along with a prepaid label to return the bad shoes?? I guess I'll try to make do with them as long as I can then buy shoes from a maker who want's my business. Be aware that New Balance doesn't stand behind their product. My tenure with them is done.

As usual, the New Balance athletic shoe in 12 4E fits my husband perfectly. He has diabetes and his shoes cannot be the least bit tight. New Balance is extremely consistent in their sizing. They are a very supportive and sturdy shoe. My husband prefers Velcro straps for easy adjustment. His other preference is the bone color which wasn't an option this time. He settled for gray and seems to like them, too. We've purchased New Balance for many years and they have never left us down.

I have two older pairs of NB812s so I would think these are similar. They are not. Yes, with the older 812s the straps were too short to go over my high arches. Instead of going tnrough a slot in the "lace" area like the old style, these have a plastic buckle that is held to the shoe with a short, but weak, loop of elastic tape. While walking the elastic "gives" too easily, defeating the reason for the straps! I don't expect the elastic to last very long.But the worse part is the material the shoe is made from - non-porous plastic. By the end of a day wearing them, with socks, my feet reek something awful! I do NOT have a problem with foot odor, until wearing these shoes. The former 812s do not have this problem. Made in Indonesia.I'm very disappointed in these shoes. The quality looks and feels like something sold st a dollar store. I'd thought I'd settled on a brand until I tried these. No more NB for me.

My husband has neuropathy, no feeling from the shin down to his toes. He has to wear a brace on each foot with his shoes. When we went to the orthopedics to get his brace and shoes that will fit with the brace, these were the shoes he suggested. As insurance covers less and requires more from the orthopedist, there are few places we can go for the shoes. The shoe must be deep enough for the brace to fit inside and close with velcro. Not many shoes are this deep. But since they are New Balance, I got the style number and bought the shoes! this is the third pair of shoes I purchased for him, and they are perfect! Our Orthopedic doctor is thrilled for us to be able to get these shoes.

Somewhat smaller and narrower than the NB 812, these are markedly different from their predecessor - the straps are attached to the shoes with an elastic strip and a metal hoop, giving you the feeling that the shoes are always loose due to the elastic stretching - this makes the shoe feel looser and may make you want to fasten them tighter - which I am sure will cause the elastic to tear prematurely. The shoe tongue also seems to be narrower than before but that could be a function of the shoe's smaller sizing and it's starting to rub the top of my feet. I am tempted to say order at least a half size bigger and wider width - it's too bad shoe stores don't carry velcro shoes in stock because that way you wouldn't have to order and return the extra pair - NB took a step down with the 812 and they've taken another step down with these - I probably won't bother with the 814 if that comes out. I have worn NB most of my life but may make a change in the future.

I was a bit confused with the width markings. I ordered an "extra wide" believing it was a the New Balance, 4E width but, the shoe I received had a "wide" tag hanging off the laces (see picture) which I thought was the 2E width.In fact, 4E was printed on the tongue (and the box)of the shoes so I got the right shoe. In my case it seems the wrong width tag was added to the shoe. I think the width options for New Balance should just be the NB number and letter designations and not the added width description tag also. For me, the actual NB width designations are more precise and less guesswork when ordering.As an aside, my new white shoes came with an orange stain on the exterior heal (see picture) and that brought attention to a slight defect on the rubber surface. Not happy with that but, it won't be the first stain on the shoe, right? I will attempt to get it cleaned off.The shoe may not be first quality(a "second"?) doesn't appear to be a return.Update 8/17/20 : If you are fussy about color aesthetics of this white shoe, be aware that in my case, there were varying shades of white that are noticeable between the leather and some of the other white details of the shoe.

I purchased for my elderly father. He says they are the most comfortable shoes he has ever owned. His feet swell at times and the Velcro stays are easy to adjust. Extremely pleased.

Shoes are great fit well comfortable to wear

Great shoe - second time purchasing the same style. Will purchase again when the need arises.

Good for people with diabetes, they are comfortable and easy to put on

The closures are best for my father