Customer Reviews New Balance Classics MT580

I’ve admired the MT580 since the JP arm of NB started releasing these years ago via very, very strong collaborations (Stussy, realmadhectic, Undftd...). I bought these purple ones as soon as they came out (Aug08). The black is leather, the silver/grey is a more robust mesh (feels more like ballistic nylon than breathable mesh), and the purple is a very regal shade of. Laces are grey, a thinner oval running style than I'd like, and to me they are about one inch too short. They are just about as comfortable as the JP versions, though I did go up half-a-size (8.5 to 9.0) because inside the toe box, there was a seam that rubbed. I can wear the 9.0 with regular gym socks or cushioned running socks - just no "no-see-em" socks or dress socks. They have the wider NB platform/last similar to the 574 so you may feel like you're walking in boots, but they are thankfully not as heavy as they look. Unlike the 574 though, the 580's Roll Bar and chunky heel do add some height to the area. This is NOT a low-profile shoe. After 8 months of ownership and wearing about once-every-two-weeks, these have held up VERY well with minimal creasing while maintaining very comfortable flexibility. I have kept in the stock insoles (I sometimes swap with comfort soles or Nike SB insoles) and they are still cushy to the underfoot. I do not run in these, just casual walking. Am impressed by this first US release of this grail; am equally glad that it can be purchased without the usual JP-to-USA markup! Enjoy them! Cheers Dom.