Verdict from +100 user reviews

7 reasons to buy

  • A majority of users said that the New Balance Hook and Loop 577 was very comfortable.
  • Many people liked that the shoe came in various width options as it catered to different foot types.
  • The strap closure was appreciated by a lot of owners as the absence of laces made it easy to wear and remove the trainer.
  • A good number of buyers were satisfied with the shoe’s durability.
  • Several reviewers thought that it delivered good arch and lateral support.
  • The trainer was deemed to be stylish by some wearers.
  • A few purchasers welcomed the wide toe box as it gave room for splaying toes.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The straps of the Hook and Loop 577 were too short to secure the feet of several testers properly.
  • The footwear was reported to be uncomfortable by some consumers because of the excess fabric inside, where the tongue attaches to the upper.
  • The tongue was too short which caused the top strap to irritate the anterior ankle, according to a few individuals.

Bottom line

The straps on the New Balance Hook and Loop 577 delighted many users as it allowed them to wear or remove the shoe quickly. Consumers also lauded the trainer for its durability, availability of different widths, and support. However, several construction issues irked owners such as the short straps and the improperly attached tongue. Despite some negative reviews, it was still the walking shoe of choice for many people because it was extremely comfortable for everyday use.

Tip: see the best walking shoes.

Good to know

  • The New Balance Hook and Loop 577 is a walking shoe designed for people who are always on their feet. It is identical to the original New Balance 577 model, except that it employs two Velcro straps to secure the fit. 
  • The midsole is made from polyurethane (PU), a type of foam that is dense and reduces the shock felt by the foot. It has the ABZORB foam technology in the heel area for enhanced shock absorption as most people strike the ground with their heels first.
  • The outsole is made from a solid rubber. It protects the midsole from the harsh elements on the ground and also provides traction on most surfaces.

The Hook and Loop 577 comes in both men’s and women’s sizes and runs true to size. It comes in D - Medium, 2E - Wide and 4E - Extra Wide width options for the men’s version. The women’s model is obtainable in 2A - Narrow, B - Medium, D - Wide and 2E - Extra Wide width variants. The different widths, the leather upper and the interior plush materials should all be taken into consideration when acquiring the right size. Consumers are advised to try the shoe in person to obtain a secure and comfortable fit.

The New Balance Hook and Loop 577 employs a full-length solid rubber outsole. This material is designed to be durable, flexible and slip-resistant on most surfaces. It has flex grooves at the forefoot area to promote foot movement. The tread pattern on this model enhances the traction offered by the rubber.

At the center of the outsole is the Walking Strike Path. This feature guides the foot and promotes proper gait. It ensures the foot transitions smoothly from the heel to the forefoot and prevents wobbling with each step.

A full-length PU foam makes up the midsole of the Hook and Loop 577. This compound is dense and at the same time resilient which prevents it from compressing with use. Compared to other foam cushioning, it also lasts longers.

At the heel section is the ABZORB technology. This proprietary foam shares similar characteristics to ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, but it is designed to be more durable and has a bouncy attribute. This component attenuates shock without flattening over time.

This model also features a removable sockliner. It allows users to put in their orthotic inserts which is crucial for people who need more support. It has perforations in the forefoot area to promote air circulation.

The New Balance Hook and Loop 577 utilizes a leather upper. This material is supportive, but not too rigid that it restricts movement. Leather can cause the interior of the shoe to get hot. To compensate for this, perforations are found on the vamp, the quarters and the back of the shoe to ventilate the foot chamber.

At the rear is a reflective detail which helps wearers to be visible in poorly lit environments. The material bounces the light back, making it noticeable to motorists.

The trainer features two straps with the hook and loop mechanism that keeps the foot securely in place. Using the straps, the fit in the instep area and the forefoot can be adjusted to a user’s preference. The lightly padded tongue evenly distributes the pressure made by the straps when they are tightened to keep the instep comfortable.

The collar is lightly padded to prevent irritation in the ankle area. It also prevents accidental shoe removal by locking the foot down.