Reach New Balance Corporate Office 

DOWNGRADE from 5 stars to 3. Poor move. Drop independent retailer, to online PLUS they dropped my favorite shoe of all time! In the photo, one can see my absolute favorite athletic shoe of all time. It lasted 2 years of regular tennis and pickleball. BUT! When I returned to the Racquets sport specialty store that had introduced this model of shoe to me; and helped me to make that purchase decision, I learned that New Balance no longer works with independent retailers. WHAT?!!! I would’ve never selected these shoes – yeah, the color grew on me, too – WITHOUT the professional guidance of a well-trusted, specialty retailer. And, I’m not kidding. These are my FAVORITE athletic shoes of all time – and, at over 50 years of age, that’s a lot of different shoes and brands, [Adidas, Brooks, ASICS, Diadora, etc]. And, my prior pair of NB sneakers were NOT good. … AND, sadly, the replacement pair is not as good.

That’s the other point. Why drop a great shoe?! First, the one downside of the shoe in the picture is that the model information disappeared, wore off, or was never on there. I ended up with a tennis shoe that looked similar and had similar materials and design features. It is some weird fusion of Rally driving and Tennis. Whatever. It does not fit as well. I probably won’t buy it again, when it wears out.

More importantly, shifting distribution strategies to a heavy-direct approach makes the shoes less accessible. I’m highly averse to buying a new model, online. I want to try it on; and talk with a trusted sales professional. Not sure why they changed, but from the far outside perspective, it feels penny-wise and pound-foolish.

New Balance, Trying to find a New Balance Cross Trainer 12.5 6e. Called New Balance customer service; I was told I had to go on line to buy! Went to over 7 different sites had shoe I sought but, when it came to size12.5 6e was hard to find, when I did they were out!! Twice tried to order from Sneaker Store..no response!!

I purchased a several pair recently of the 574, I have always been a fan of New Balance. I was excited to wear the 574 brown pair to work, While I was walking I heard a pop sound coming from my shoe, I continued to wear the shoe thinking breaking them in would eventually make the sound go away, but this did not happen. I took the shoes back to the store where I bought them and was told they do not take back worn shoes with proof of sale and a popping sound they would not take return, I tried to explain I wore them thinking breaking them in the sound would go away, I love these shoes they are great for work after a long day on my feet. If anything these shoes need a recall, Bad tire.

I have worn your New Balance walking shoes for almost 10 years. As a rule, when I pay this much for a pair of shoes, it is considered my primary shoe and I wear it pretty much exclusively. In November of 2022 I again purchased the same type of shoe as I have been wearing and part of the sole started peeling off. In early February, I returned to the store and they reluctantly let me exchange it for another pair just like it. They made sure to tell me that these shoes are only good for approximately 6 months or 300 miles. I buy these shoes because I am a walker and I walk for my health. I am 75 years old and average 3 miles a day on pavement and/or a treadmill. I am wondering if you can recommend a different walking shoe made by your company that will last longer. As I said, I love how my feet feel when I am wearing your shoes, however, I cannot afford to keep buying them if they are only going to last me a few months.

Thank you for any assistance you can give me.

I read that your company was constructing shoes for use by each branch of the military. Are these shoes available to retired military personnel and veterans? If so, how would I obtain a pair of Navy New Balance shoes for myself and a pair of USMC shoes for my brother-in-law. We are both Vietnam Veterans and we served over 20 years on active duty and retired from our respective branch of service. I truly hope we will be able to get a good pair of shoes from your company Thank you.