Customer Reviews New Balance MW812 Hook-and-Loop

I have used Zappos for many years and continue to be thoroughly satisfied with their selection, pricing, accuracy and speed. I have also purchased quite a few New Balance shoes for well over a decade. I wear an ankle brace and so have ordered sizes larger than my regular shoe size. I ordered this last pair of 812 sneakers an additional half size larger since the Velcro sdidn't extend the end of the strap, making the shoes difficult for me to put on. But my new larger sized sneakers are almost impossible for me to close the strap. Even the sides of the shoe won't come close enough to the middle tongue for complete closure. Very disappointing and frustrating because I've never had a pair of New Balance shoes so far from their stated sizing (even when it's one half size larger then the ones they were replacing. I was overconfident and had already thrown away the boxes since my apartment has little storage space.

It looks good but has a couple of problems. First, the Velcro isn't grabby enough. Sometimes I have to press hard to get the straps to stay put. Second, the straps are not long enough. The comfort is OK. I won't buy this shoe again!

The shoe fit well, but the Velcro straps were too short to fasten with a high arch. My husband has a very wide foot with a high arch and these otherwise would have worked.

I ordered two pair of these shoes which are supposed tobe a replacement for the previous versions. I ordered the size I have specified before but when these shoes arrived I could not close the Velcro because the flaps were not long enough for the hook and loops to engage. I then returned both pair and ordered two pair of one size largerf and one width larger. Now, the hook & loops barely reach but often come unhooked. I am very unhappy about this. Both pair have been used so I suppose I cannot return them. Why on earth do you not make the closing flaps longer?

Second pair, made a mistake! Have just ordered the MW928. Had 928s before and I made the mistake of changing models. BIG DIFFERENCE in quality of construction. Pop for the extra dollars af the MW928!Wore out the first pair of 928s and can't wait for the replacements.

I am very disappointed in these shoes I got for my husband who has diabetes and Parkinson's. He has had several other pairs of NB that are fine and this sounded perfect for a little help with balance, unfortunately unless you have ankles like a ballerina the Velcro strips are defective or something since they don't reach to the part they need to stick to. sorry they have to be returned. Maybe I will contact NB and ask about this. Don't work.

Surprisingly bad design -- the velcro is far too short -- it only barely reaches the sticky part -- and my feet are normal width. Very disappointing.

Bought the same shoe a year ago and was very happy. This year the shoe has been redesigned. The hook & loop is less substantial and must be tightened excessively to get it to connect. The problem is a nuisance and requires me to keep my shoe tighter than I wish. Unfortunately there are no other hook & loop. NB, walking shoes that have a narrow (B) width!

A bad replacement for the 811. The shortchanged the Velcro. I have a high instep and the Velcro on the strap is too short.

My son has worn the predecessor (811) to this model for several years (this is at least his 7th pair) and they have been great. The shoe box was large enough to accommodate a very modest orthotic as well as his foot in comfort. The 812 has been restyled--the toebox is not as high (think Nike) and the shoe is much tighter all around. The sole-long roll bar has been replaced with a small plastic piece in the heel. Hard to imagine it provides the same foot control. The new model does look a bit sleeker, but I seriously doubt "sleek" is a highly sought shoe attribute for men who would choose this style--most want comfort and toe room. On a positive note, white is still white--that's the best I can say. If 811's are an old favorite, you may want to reconsider purchasing this model. Very disappointing!

Had to return. Wanted to replace an old pair of New Balance walking shoes. But the new version does not have enough Velcro; could not attach the strap! Old shoes had more than twice as much Velcro.

Had to return. Wanted to replace an old pair of New Balance walking shoes. But the current version does not have enough Velcro; could not attach strap! And I have a normal shape foot. Old pair has a lot more Velcro. Very disappointed!

These shoes were much smaller than my foot even though they were marked 13EE and I have been wearing 13EE for decades. I could not even get the velcro straps to close!

I bought these shoes for my father because I thought they would be easy to put on and fit securely so he won't trip when he walks. We bought the extra wide size, and the width is fine. The problem is the Velcro straps. They are too short to cover the width of the shoe. The short straps make the shoe fit insecurely. We are exchanging this pair for the lace-up option.

This used to be a great shoe and we've had many pairs of them, but this pair, as was mentioned in other reviews has an VERY short velcro strap compared to our other pairs and comes undone quite easily. Very discouraging, so not sure we would buy these again.

I was forced to give this shoe a poor overall rating because the Hook-and-Loop straps are defective from the manufacturer. I read complaints from others and while I didn't doubt their truthfulness, I wrongly assumed New Balance would be responsive and make the minor tweak to correct the problem. I'm writing this on June 5, 2013 and as of this date the shoes I received contain the same defect. The strap problem I'm talking about is this: Half of the strap should be a loop and the other half a hook. This gives the widest possible range of adjustment for whether you want to "lace up" tight or loose. But here, instead of a 50/50 mix of material, it's more like 80/20. As a result I and many other reviewers found there is hardly enough strap to reach around and hook on. So much for adjusting anything. I had to tug hard to get the strap to catch on and close, contacting only about a quarter inch of the mating surface. I also ordered New Balance MW928. And get this: the straps on that model are exactly as they should be. I liked the fit, support and looks of the MW812 but the straps are defective. No sale. I went with the 928.

The velcro straps do not have enough "hooks", mostly "loops" not allowing one to secure the strap even for a normal size foot. Very poor design. I was really interested in New Balance since they are made in USA but very disappointed.