Facts
Low Top
Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.
Mid Top
Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.
High Top
Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.
Good to know
Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.
Sports
Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.
Casual
Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.
Good to know
Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.
Good to know
Shoes sharing the same inspiration, history, materials, or technologies are routinely assembled under one compilation for the convenience of those who may wish to categorize or label their own collection as such. The classic collections like the Adidas Originals, Air Max 1, Air Force 1, new balance classic sneakers, and the Classic Leather head the pack of frequently asked about collections.
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Summary
We spent 7.4 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
11 reasons to buy
- The New Balance 580 shoe offers a wide variety of colorway options and this is appreciated by the majority of purchasers.
- The majority of reviewers agree that this classic is very comfortable when worn even after a long period.
- According to numerous users, this is one of the most stylish New Balance shoe models.
- The mesh material on the upper makes the shoe breathable, according to a number of
- One reviewer specifically mentioned that the mesh on the toe box somehow has an underlay material that makes the feet practically dry in wet weather.
- Many users were impressed with the overall quality of this classic New Balance shoe that they will not hesitate to buy another pair.
- This shoe is surprisingly lightweight, according to some reviewers.
- This shoe fits true to size, as commented by a large number of buyers.
- There were also a number of reviews emphasizing that the materials of this shoe are extremely nice.
- One reviewer was pleased that this shoe fits his orthotics.
- Several reviewers agree that the New Balance 580 is a great shoe for everyday use.
4 reasons not to buy
- One reviewer really liked the overall appeal of the New Balance 580, but was disappointed that the color fades severely when the shoe gets wet. Another said that the color of his pair changed as well after only a week of use.
- There were a few reviews noting that this particular NB classic fits somehow tight in the toes.
- A few users commented that this classic NB shoe has a very little heel or arch support.
- There is also a review saying that this shoe has no motion control, a solid rubber sole, and that this shoe is only for people that are not flat-footed.
Bottom line
The New Balance 580 is one of those sneakers that greatly appeals to consumers that love classics. Since its initial release 21 years ago, it continues being one of the favorites and go-to pairs of many, sneakerheads and ordinary consumers alike. It provides comfort, style, and breathability, and it delivers in terms of overall quality. Though some buyers were not pleased that the color fades or changes after some time and that it has a very little arch support, it still is generally a great pair of classic shoe from New Balance.
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Ratings
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Expert Reviews
Experts are sneaker fanatics, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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New Balance 580 History
The New Balance 580 has been one of the popular and highly-sought classic models from New Balance since it was launched in 1996. It was initially released as a Japan-exclusive sneaker and was based on another New Balance classic – the “Made in USA” M585.
It was designed to be more “muscular” than other NB models and features three innovative technologies from the brand: the “Rollbar” midsole, which gives additional traction even on uneven surfaces; the “C-Cap” technology that provides cushioning without sacrificing flexibility; and the “ENCAP”, for added stability and shock absorption. These technologies collectively make the New Balance 580 suitable for running smoothly on dirt trails and paved roads.
Although originally intended as a trail running shoe, the New Balance 580 made its way into the street fashion scene. And even before collaborations were a thing, New Balance partnered up with Japan footwear brands Mita Sneakers, Undefeated, and Stüssy to work on the 580 silhouette. It was a successful move, making the 580 one of the most popular and most highly-sought shoes from New Balance.
Fast forward to 2007, the New Balance Japan noticed that the US street culture has begun to appreciate the Japanese-exclusive New Balance model. Eventually, it was launched as the New Balance MT580 in the US sneaker market.
Throughout the years, several collaborations in the 580 continued, which resulted in various releases in different colorways and collections. In 2013, the classic model received an upgrade through the introduction of the REVLite midsole for added comfort. It was also that same year when this classic was finally made available for women, known as the MRT580.
On its 20th anniversary in 2016, the New Balance 580 got two new variations – the “Re-Engineered” and the “Deconstructed” models. The “Re-Engineered” model has a minimalist look while the “Deconstructed” model is a stripped down, modern, and more lightweight version.
New Balance 580 Style
The New Balance 580 is a classic low-top sneaker for both men and women. Given its silhouette originally based on a running shoe, it adds a sporty vibe to any casual outfit. It is a popular pair of kicks in the street style fashion scene, considering its classic style and many available colorways to choose from.
Fit & Sizing
The New Balance 580 is available for both men and women. Men’s sizes range from size 4 to 13 while women’s sizes range from size 5 to 12, both in standard width. It is also available in infant, toddler, and grade school sizes. It is generally true to size. It is surprisingly lightweight, but still provides support and stability.
Notable Features
The New Balance 580 is known for its chunky midsole that provides superior stability. It also features a combination of suede and mesh on the upper that allows ventilation on the feet. Recent releases feature innovative REVLite midsole for premium responsiveness and durability at a much lighter weight while the original version features the Rollbar midsole that gives unparalleled traction on rough or uneven surfaces.
Additional Info
- In 2016, the New Balance 580 celebrated its 20th year with releases of new colorways and the “Re-Engineered” and the “Deconstructed” models. Several collaborations were also made to celebrate the event.
- The New Balance 580 also features padded tongue and collar for added comfort, and an additional lace strap on the tongue for a more secure fit.
- There are New Balance brandings on the inner and outer side panels, on the outer side of the toe box, on the tongue, on the heel, and on the outsole.
