AF1 Downtown Hi Gum LW QS "AF1 Downtown Hi Gum LW QS"

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 Terry Beck

I like the shoes they fit comfortable

Reviewer Jack Prime

I bought these for my boyfriend on his birthday. He really likes Converse and thought it would be a good gift. He says that they fit fine and are comfortable to walk around in.

Reviewer mlefcourt

I used these for the beach -- to protect my feet from the hot sand and from whatever is lurking in it. They're quite comfortable, if a little bit loose, and work well for the purpose that I bought them.

Reviewer Eldrin

Comfy but SQUEAKY!

Reviewer W Beard

I don't feel the memory foam.

Reviewer surfo

great comfy sneakers

Reviewer Anthony B Gilpin

Bought these for my daughter and she won’t wear any other shoes now , lol. Thx . Great shoes

Reviewer Oncology NP Man

These take a little bit of time to break in, they start off pretty tight compared to other pairs of Romas I've owned. That said, for the price, these are pretty sweet.

Reviewer Peter E San Miguel

fit good would buy again