New Balance 801

Customer Reviews

Not comfortable

I have been wearing New Balance sneakers for over ten years and this is not their finest product. I purchased these for just strolling around the park with the kids, no long distances, but they were quite annoying. The sole is recessed and there is an odd portion on the end of the shoe that rubs your heel as you step. Unfortunately, I tried to go up a size and had the same result.

They look really nice but they're not worth the discomfort. I suggest that you take a good walk around a footwear store with these on before you add to the unwanted shoes in your closet.

fantastic

My foot doctor recommend I buy the 801's because of heal spures. I hated wearing shoes and the minute I got home from work off the shoes came. Even with cold floors I wore slide on slippers instead of shoes. But I noticed this week I put on my shoes (801's) when I got up and they didn't come off until I went to bed. I do walk in them, just a little tough going up hill. LOVE my shoes

Best slip-ons I ever found

When I purchased my first pair of 801 slip-ons it was because they were cheap on clearance. After wearing for about a week, I went back and bought every pair in my size. They are, by far, the most comfortable, easy on-easy off shoe. When they get dirty, into the washing machine they go. I am (was) a confirmed Merrill wearer, but the Merrills are collecting dust in the back of the closet. $60 is a bit steep but If you find them on sale, grab them. You won't regret it.

awesome shoes

i have left sided weakness due to a traumatic brain injury (car accident) so its hard for me to tie shoes. I have three pairs of these 801s. I got a pink pair and baby blue- wore those nonstop for two years- and now that they have lost their spring for a long day of shopping or errands (whatever) my mom bought me a new pair... they don't have 801 written on the top...but they look and feel the same maybe better. THEY ARE AWESOME. no don't go run a marathon in them...use them for reasons like i do...or maybe you are just lazy :) thats ok too lol

Hoard them while you can

I write this review because I'm a bit taken aback that someone else would buy slip-on *recovery shoes* such as these expecting to walk 2 miles per day, then punish these shoes with an unmerited 3-star rating. It's probably best to assign a product rating to a product's corresponding purpose. The 801 recovery shoe is the best of its kind for its purpose: namely a shoe meant to be slipped on and off with ease. It is both comfortable and convenient, but is less than ideal for a 2 mile walk or a spirited round of tennis.

I first bought this shoe for my mother and after seeing what a convenience it was to her, just had to get a pair for myself. I am a guy so I found the equivalent length for women's sizes (in gray) and bought it. Despite being easy to slip in and out of, the 801 is snug enough to keep its fit under most circumstances. I drive a stick shift and have to work the clutch with my left foot. No other slip-on sandal can be worn while shifting gears, but the 801 is snug enough that I can wear them and drive with confidence. Unfortunately this model seems to have come to the end of its manufacturing run. I hope that New Balance will replace it with an updated model, but until then I'll have to hoard these women's shoes in my size.

If you expect to walk 2 miles a day in a pair of shoes, be smart and buy a proper lace-up like the New Balance 992s. The 801s are great for running errands and picking up the mail. If there is a better slip-on out there I would like to know about it, until then my 801 appraisal is "best in its class."