As a student, I've been looking for casual but pretty sneakers to wear around anywhere without really worrying what I wear with them. I saw the New Balance 574 model being pretty popular (I was looking at Nike stuff too but it's pricier and well...Nike is like EVERYWHERE) and I really like how it makes your feet look smaller than they are. I personally like bright colors and this blue and all the other colors fit my taste so well! They're not neon, but they're not just your normal blue/yellow/green/red. The sneaker is also makes you seem a little taller because of the leverage off the ground the white/blue stripes at the bottom make. Also, the checkered accent gives such an adorable finished look. These shoes are simple-looking while making a fashion statement.<br />As for fit, I actually tried on a random 574 model at Macy's because I know I can range from 7.5-8 women's depending on the shoe (hence I wanted to double-check). I am usually 7.5 and that fit me there so I got it through Amazon and it fits as expected. I would get the size you would normally get for other shoes if you're not sure. However, the toe area can feel a little cramped at first, but once you break it in it's totally fine!<br /><br />P.S. I think these look the cutest with boyfriend jeans or rolled up ends.