Our verdict

Having figured out the strengths and weaknesses of the New Balance M564 Brown Red, we think that it will DynaSoft suit beginner players who are quick on their feet. This unassuming kick is lighter and more pliable than the average hoop shoe and is more about freedom of Manga than it is about support. As long as you don't expect maximum impact protection and stability, you will enjoy this affordable New Balance offering.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Pros

  • Lighter than average
  • New Balance 878 ML878DN
  • Excellent ground feel
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Grip is fine after a warm-up
  • Womens New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Running

New Balance M564 Brown Red Cons

  • Not breathable at all
  • Not for outdoor play
  • Possible heel slippage (fixed by using the extra eyelet)

Audience verdict

81
Decent!

Who should buy

We believe that the New Balance M564 Brown Red is going to click with the following players:

  • beginner athletes in search of an affordable but solid option
  • New Balance RC30 Sea Salt Cobalt
  • lighter folks who prefer court feel over impact protection

New Balance M564 Brown Red review

Who should NOT buy

If you are a heavier player who needs a lot of underfoot cushion, we highly recommend that you opt for the New Balance Спортивные лосины New Balance New Balance Homme NB NUMERIC JAMIE FOY 306 en Vert Blanc NB TWO WXY v4.

Both of these options also proved to be ready for outdoor courts.

New Balance M564 Brown Red lab test

New Balance M564 Brown Red | Cushioning

New Balance M564 Brown Red | Heel stack

We discovered that ground feel definitely prevails over impact protection in the New Balance M564 Brown Red.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Heel stack

Męskie new balance numeric nm212tpo.

We are convinced that a bigger player will not enjoy the ride of the Hesi Low due to the lack of shock absorption. But to be fair, it is not the target audience of this shoe either.

For more abundant cushioning, look into the brand's Спортивные лосины New Balance (32.6 mm of stack in the heel).

Test results
Hesi Low 26.1 mm
Average 28.8 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.2 mm
Heel stack
37.2 mm

Forefoot stack

The Hesi Low also felt pretty low to the court under the balls of our feet.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Forefoot stack

With a forefoot stack of 21.4 mm, it offers an essential amount of cushioning but nothing to write home about.

However, this setup has its own benefits such as enhanced flexibility and freedom of Manga for the foot. This is exactly what a quick-footed, shifty player would appreciate.

Test results
Hesi Low 21.4 mm
Average 21.4 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
26.8 mm

Drop

The New Balance M564 Brown Red also feels grounded and stable thanks to its low heel-to-toe drop.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Drop

We found that the difference in stack heights comes in at only 4.7 mm in this basketball shoe. The lowest one we ever recorded in a hoop shoe was 4.0 mm whereas the highest reaches 14.8 mm!

Even though lower drops provide less support for the player's heels and Achilles tendons, it creates a more surefooted experience that helps you feel more in control.

Test results
Hesi Low 4.7 mm
Average 7.4 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
3.9 mm
Drop
13.7 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Hesi Low relies on a full-length FuelCell foam for cushioning.

We found it to be moderately soft but very pleasantly responsive. Measuring its softness with a durometer, we got 25.0 HA which is on par with the average midsole softness of basketball shoes.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Midsole softness

Test results
Hesi Low 25.0 HA
Average 24.3 HA
New Balance Criança FuelCell 990v6.
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Size and fit

Size

New Balance M564 Brown Red fits slightly small (17 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

New Balance 2002R Protection Pack 2.0 Orange

The New Balance M564 Brown Red felt pretty snug around the balls of our feet but opened up around the toes.

New Balance M564 Brown Red fit

Measuring the widest part of the shoe's forefoot, our calliper showed some of the narrowest readings among basketball shoes - 97.3 mm.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Toebox width at the widest part

Because it is on the verge of running narrow, we recommend that wide-footed players size up or opt for a different shoe altogether.

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Hesi Low 97.3 mm
Average 101.6 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
92.6 mm
New Balance 2002R Protection Pack 2.0 Orange
109.2 mm

Toebox width

The rest of the toebox, however, has a pretty spacious rounded shape with a lot of breathing room.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Toebox width at the big toe

Measuring it with a calliper returned 79.2 mm - a couple of millimetres wider than average.

New Balance M564 Brown Red extra eyelet

Perhaps this extra space is the reason why we experienced slight heel slippage in the Hesi Low. Luckily, we managed that one with a runner's knot using the extra eyelet.

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Hesi Low 79.2 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 59 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
71.2 mm
Toebox width
85.1 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

The Hesi Low's nimble nature is also reflected in its rather flexible build.

We measured the shoe's level of flexibility using a force gauge - the less force it takes to bend a shoe to a 90-degree angle, the more flexible it is.

Turns out, it only required 29.5N which is 37% less than it takes a basketball shoe on average.

New Balance M564 Brown Red flexibility

It felt relieving to play in a more forgiving hoop shoe after testing so many rigid options.

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Hesi Low 29.5N
Average 38.8N
New Balance ML574SOK.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
17.6N
Flexibility Stiffness
62.2N

Weight

One of the reasons why the New Balance M564 Brown Red is a fantastic option for quick players is, of course, its weight.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Weight

Tipping the scale at only 12.9 oz (366g), it is more than an ounce lighter than the average hoop shoe.

New Balance M564 Brown Red style

Test results
Hesi Low 12.9 oz (366g)
Average 13.8 oz (391g)
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.3 oz (320g)
Weight
17.5 oz (495g)

Breathability

Although the NB Hesi Low uses a great deal of mesh in the upper, its ventilation capacity is close to zero.

Pumping smoke into the shoe's upper, we expected at least some of it to come out on the other side. But there was no airflow whatsoever! It's like the shoe's upper is entirely made of thick synthetics.

Even though our transparency test showed that the toebox material was rather thin and transparent, it had nothing to do with its breathability.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Breathability microscope test

The puzzle pieces started to come together when we looked at the mesh through our microscope.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Breathability mesh under microscope

With multiple mesh layers overlapping each other, it is clear why the air has a hard time passing through the pores.

New Balance 373 Różowe buty sportowe.

Test results
Hesi Low 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

Even though the NB Hesi Low is not a heavily layered and super structured basketball shoe, it kept us sufficiently supported on the court.

Compared to its counterpart, the NB TWO WXY V4, the Hesi Low has a much lower midsole topline, no additional supportive elements, and a notably lower collar.

New Balance M564 Brown Red vs. New Balance TWO WXY V4

But the Hesi Low does pack the most essential elements to provide stability to an entry-level player whose playing style is not too forceful and aggressive.

Torsional rigidity

The shoe features a small but stiff shank on top of the FuelCell foam in the midfoot.

It adds a good deal of rigidity to the shoe's platform along with the firm carrier foam and thick rubber outsole.

When combined, these features create a sufficiently rigid platform that doesn't let the foot buckle so easily.

On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated this shoe's torsional rigidity as 4 in our manual test.

Test results
Hesi Low 4
Average 4.5
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The New Balance M564 Brown Red loses a couple of stability points in the rearfoot where its heel counter proved to be more forgiving than we expected.

Don't be misled by the rubber overlay around the heel - it is actually rather pliable.

In our manual test, we assessed the shoe's heel counter stiffness with a lower-than-average score - 3 out of 5. It's not the strongest heel hold to expect in a basketball shoe.

Test results
Hesi Low 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

NEW BALANCE U9060BLK SNEAKERS

Thanks to the shoe's forefoot outrigger, we experienced a pretty solid footing on forceful side-to-side Mangas.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Midsole width in the forefoot

Using a calliper, we measured its widest part at 118.1 mm which is about 4 mm wider than average!

We were able to lean on the outer edge of the foot and spring back effortlessly thanks to the shoe's extended contact point.

Test results
Hesi Low 118.1 mm
Average 114.8 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
106.2 mm
NEW BALANCE U9060BLK SNEAKERS
124.5 mm

Кроссовки new balance 574 mid

We also measured the widest area of the shoe's heel but it happened to be just as wide as the average.

The Basement x New Balance 2002R Stone Grey!

New Balance M564 Brown Red Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Hesi Low 91.1 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
80.0 mm
Кроссовки new balance 574 mid
102.0 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

But there is an upside to this multi-layered mesh - it proved to be much more resistant to abrasion than most mesh uppers in our durability test!

The shoe's toebox was exposed to the sandpaper tip of our Dremel for 12 seconds at a consistent speed (5K RPM) and pressure (3.2N).

New Balance M564 Brown Red Toebox durability comparison

As you can see, we touched both protected and unprotected areas of the toebox and both did a good job resisting the wear and tear.

Considering the moderate nature of the damage, we rated the shoe's toebox durability with an average score - 3 out of 5. We consider it a rather good result for a shoe at this price point.

Test results
Hesi Low 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 79 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The shoe's inner lining also surprised us with a high level of resilience.

After a 4-second encounter with sandpaper, the signs of wear were very minimal. On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the most durable, we rated the shoe's heel lining with a solid 4.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Heel padding durability comparison
Test results
Hesi Low 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 76 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The Hesi Low features two types of rubber in the outsole - softer translucent rubber for the centre and lateral side and harder rubber for the medial side and the logo.

New Balance M564 Brown Red traction pattern

Pressing our Shore C durometer against the translucent rubber (most of the outsole) returned 75.6 HC. As expected, it is a bit softer than average.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Outsole hardness translucent rubber

The hard rubber, on the other hand, showed a higher reading of 82.0 HC. It indicates a firmer and tougher compound.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Outsole hardness Secondary rubber

Test results
Hesi Low 75.6 HC
Average 81.5 HC
New Balance Criança FuelCell 990v6.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
61.3 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole durability

We applied our Dremel to the softer rubber to check the shoe's weakest spot.

The drilling lasted 22 seconds and the speed was set to the higher 10K RPM. The pressure remained consistent at 3.2N.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Outsole durability test

To our surprise, the translucent rubber didn't do so badly! The damage was only 1.4 mm deep which is not much worse than the average.

Test results
Hesi Low 1.4 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 67 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

This New Balance shoe also boasts a pretty thick outsole. With a calliper measurement of 5.6 mm, it is about 1.5 mm thicker than average.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Outsole thickness

Does this mean that the Hesi Low can be used on outdoor courts? 997H, we don't 100% recommend it because the treading made of softer rubber will wear out faster on concrete.

Even though the outsole can take a beating, it will lose its grip prematurely.

New Balance M564 Brown Red outsole design

New Balance Herren 997H in Schwarz Grün TWO WXY v4.

Test results
Hesi Low 5.6 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

A 997H-cushioned insole adds a touch of underfoot comfort to the Hesi Low. We measured its thickness in the heel at 4.8 mm - slightly thicker than average.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Insole thickness
Test results
Hesi Low 4.8 mm
Average 4.9 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Removable insole

You can opt for a custom orthotic in the Hesi Low. It's stock insole is easily removable.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Removable insole
Test results
Hesi Low Yes

Tongue padding

The shoe's tongue is moderately padded with a foam thickness of 7.0 mm. Just enough to keep the lace pressure at bay.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Tongue padding
Test results
Hesi Low 7.0 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Tongue: gusset type

We appreciated the fact that the shoe's tongue is integrated into the shoe's bootie design. We believe that an attached tongue is a must if you want a secure lockdown inside your basketball shoes.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Hesi Low Bootie

Heel tab

No finger loops or heel tabs are to be seen on the New Balance M564 Brown Red.

New Balance M564 Brown Red Heel tab

But it's not a problem considering the shoe's low cut and pretty easy-to-handle collar.

Test results
Hesi Low None