The Best New Balance Shoes for Walking: Top Picks for Comfort and Support

Need the best New Balance shoes for walking? We’ve tested the top options for comfort, support, and durability. Discover which shoes are perfect for your needs, whether it’s extra arch support, cushioning, or budget friendliness.

Key Takeaways

• New Balance walking shoes are rigorously tested for comfort, support, and durability, ensuring optimal options for various walking needs.

• Key models include the Fresh Foam X 880 for overall performance, the Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 for arch support, and the Fresh Foam X More v5 for maximum cushioning.

• Factors such as fit, arch support, cushioning, breathability, and durability are essential when selecting New Balance walking shoes for optimal foot health.

The Best New Balance Shoes for Walking: Top Picks for Comfort and Support

Choosing the top New Balance shoes for walking can be challenging. We’ve meticulously tested both popular and lesser-known models to ensure a fair and comprehensive review. Each pair was personally purchased to maintain unbiased evaluations, boosting the credibility of our assessments. Our rigorous approach guarantees that our top picks truly represent the best options available for different needs.

We left no stone unturned, from lab tests measuring weight, midsole softness, and heel counter stiffness to real-world walking experiences. Our review highlights shoes catering to various walkers, whether you need extra arch support, maximum cushioning, or budget-friendly choices.

Discover which New Balance walking shoes made our list.

Introduction

The right walking shoe significantly impacts comfort, support, and overall foot health. A quality walking shoe enhances daily activities, from park strolls to long hikes. New Balance has been committed to craftsmanship since 1906, ensuring that their women’s walking shoes not only meet but exceed expectations in terms of quality and comfort.

New Balance stands out with a wide size range and multiple width options, enhancing comfort and fit. This means you can find a shoe that fits your foot perfectly, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort. The rise of normcore and dad fashion has also contributed to the popularity of New Balance shoes, which prioritise comfort without sacrificing style. The 'dad shoe' trend, emphasising comfort and durability, has surged due to lifestyle trends favoring practicality, with New Balance models being prime examples.

Knowing the brand’s long history and commitment to quality helps consumers appreciate the value of New Balance shoes. The iconic New Balance gray 990 shoe, for instance, is noted for its vintage appeal and comfort, making it a popular choice among walking enthusiasts. With this foundation, we can explore the best New Balance walking shoes catering to various needs and preferences.

How We Selected the Best New Balance Walking Shoes

Choosing the best New Balance walking shoes involved a meticulous process to ensure fairness and accuracy. We tested both popular and lesser-known models to ensure comprehensive and unbiased evaluations. Each pair was personally purchased to eliminate potential bias, enhancing our reviews’ credibility.

Lab tests were integral to our selection process. We measured various shoe attributes, including weight, midsole softness, and heel counter stiffness, to provide a detailed analysis. This rigorous testing helped us identify shoes excelling in comfort, support, and durability, ensuring our top picks truly represent the best of New Balance.

Best Overall New Balance Walking Shoe

The New Balance 880 v13 is the standout as the best overall walking shoe from the brand. As a versatile daily training running shoe, it caters to both walking and running shoes, making it ideal for those seeking a balance between comfort and durability. The shoe’s Fresh Foam X cushioning system enhances comfort by providing a soft landing with every step.

The 880 v13 is particularly impressive for its durability. This shoe can handle high mileage, making it a reliable option for regular walkers and runners alike. Whether on a long walk or a quick jog, the New Balance 880 v13 offers an ideal blend of comfort, support, and longevity.

Fresh Foam X 880

The Fresh Foam X 880 serves as a versatile daily training option for both walking and running. Designed for moderate softness and durability, it’s comfortable for various activities. Incorporating Fresh Foam X cushioning throughout, the shoe offers a pleasant experience during use.

The Fresh Foam X 880 stands out for balancing bouncy heel cushioning with a firmer forefoot. This ensures a comfortable yet responsive feel, ideal for all-day wear. The outsole is designed for longevity, showing minimal wear even after extensive use, indicating above-average durability.

Best New Balance Walking Shoe for Arch Support

For extra arch support, the Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is the top New Balance shoe. This model is known for its exceptional arch support and features FuelCell cushioning technology, enhancing both support and comfort. Supportive shoes like the Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 can relieve discomfort from plantar fasciitis, making them ideal for flat feet or overpronation.

Podiatrists often recommend New Balance for their excellent arch support and cushioning. The Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 excels in this regard, providing necessary support for maintaining good foot health during walks.

Fresh Foam X Vongo v6

The Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is renowned for its superior arch support. Its midsole cushioning (36.1 mm in the heel, 30.5 mm in the forefoot) offers optimal support and comfort. This shoe ensures pure comfort and effortless movement, making it a stable option for walking.

The Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 excels by combining comfort with support, making it a top choice for those needing great arch support. Its design caters to specific foot conditions, providing a reliable and comfortable walking experience.

Best Cushioned New Balance Walking Shoe

For the best-cushioned New Balance walking shoe, the Fresh Foam X More v5 is unmatched. Known for its ultra-soft cushioning, this model is ideal for walkers prioritising comfort. The Fresh Foam X More v5 offers a plush experience, perfect for long, leisurely walks.

Walking with the Fresh Foam X More v5 feels secure due to its wide platform and extensive sidewalls, providing stability and comfort. This combination of cushioning and stability makes it a top choice for those seeking maximum comfort.

Fresh Foam More v5

The Fresh Foam More v5 has a heel stack height of 42.1 mm, significantly taller than the average walking shoe, enhancing its plush comfort. The midsole foam is 59% softer than typical options, boosting overall comfort.

Utilising Fresh Foam X technology, the midsole provides an incredibly soft and plush experience. The Fresh Foam More v5’s stability profile, due to its thicker midsole and wider construction, ensures a secure and comfortable walking experience.

Best New Balance Shoe for Long Walks

For long walks, the Fresh Foam Roav V1 is an excellent choice. Weighing only 8.6 oz (242g), this shoe is lighter than average, making it easier to wear for extended periods. Its light weight and flexibility enhance comfort, allowing you to cover more miles with ease.

While the Fresh Foam midsole offers a plush ride, it excels in walking scenarios though it may be less suited for longer runs. The shoe’s flexible design and smooth transitions ensure comfort, support, and cushioning throughout long walks.

Fresh Foam Roav V1

The Fresh Foam Roav V1 is praised for its lightweight build and versatility, suitable for various activities. Its lightweight design enhances comfort and enables easy movement in different walking settings.

This model features a secure fit, enhancing stability during prolonged wear. The Ultra Heel design provides a snug fit, though some users might experience heel slipping, which can be mitigated with proper adjustments.

Best Budget-Friendly New Balance Walking Shoe

Finding a quality walking shoe on a budget can be challenging, but the Fresh Foam Arishi v4 stands out as the best budget-friendly option. It offers a blend of lightweight comfort and flexibility. This shoe ensures you don’t have to compromise on quality or comfort while staying within budget.

Affordable walking shoes should provide adequate comfort and support, and the Fresh Foam Arishi v4 excels in this regard. Its lightweight design and flexible construction make it ideal for budget-conscious walkers seeking a reliable and supportive walking shoes.

Fresh Foam Arishi v4

The Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is recognised for its excellent value, focusing on lightweight comfort and flexibility. Weighing only 8.6 oz (242g), it offers lightweight comfort, suitable for extended wear.

The Fresh Foam Arishi v4 provides an affordable option for quality walking shoes. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various walking activities, ensuring comfort and support throughout your walks.

Best New Balance Shoe for Wide Feet

For individuals with wide feet, the New Balance 990v6 is an excellent choice. This model features a spacious toe box, offering more room for comfort during walks. New Balance provides width options from Extra-Narrow (2A) to Extra-Wide (6E), accommodating various foot shapes for a customised fit.

The width difference between New Balance sizes typically ranges from 3-4 mm, allowing for a more tailored fit for wider feet. Finding the right fit is crucial for comfort and support, and the New Balance 990v6 excels in providing both for wider feet.

New Balance 990v6

The New Balance 990v6 features a spacious toe box, ideal for individuals needing extra width. While providing a snug fit, it offers good stability and comfort, suitable for wider feet.

This model also offers various width options, ensuring a perfect fit for your foot shape. Whether you need Extra-Narrow or Extra-Wide, the New Balance 990v6 accommodates your needs.

Best Retro-Style New Balance Walking Shoe

The New Balance 1906R perfectly blends retro design with modern cushioning technology. This shoe combines a stylish, vintage look with the comfort and support of contemporary shoe technology. The upper is made from real suede, adding to its retro appeal.

Despite its retro design, the New Balance 1906R doesn’t compromise on comfort. Neutral shoes provide adequate cushioning and support while maintaining a lightweight feel, making them suitable for various activities such as walking, running, and general fitness. It features modern cushioning technology that enhances comfort during walks, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a retro style with modern functionality.

New Balance 574

The New Balance 574 features a classic design that has remained popular since its launch in 1988. This model offers a balance of style and comfort, making it a favorite among walking enthusiasts.

The New Balance 574 provides great value for a stylish and comfortable walking shoe. Its midsole width and foam firmness contribute to its overall comfort, ensuring a pleasant walking experience.

New Balance Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation

Finding the right balance shoes for flat feet and overpronation can make a world of difference in your walking experience. New Balance offers a range of shoes specifically designed to provide the necessary support and stability for these conditions. When selecting a shoe for flat feet, it’s crucial to look for features such as substantial arch support, stability enhancements for overpronation, and a firm midfoot structure.

One standout model is the Fresh Foam X 1080v13. This shoe is renowned for its supportive midsole and comfortable fit, making it an excellent choice for those with flat feet. The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a soft yet responsive feel, ensuring that each step is cushioned and supported. Additionally, the shoe’s design helps to distribute weight evenly, reducing the strain on your arches.

Another great option is the New Balance 847v4. This model offers plenty of stability while still being responsive enough to propel you forward with each step. The 847v4 features a firm midfoot and a comfortable insole, providing the additional support needed for flat feet. Its design helps to control overpronation, making it a reliable choice for those who need extra stability.

By choosing the right New Balance shoes, you can enjoy a more comfortable and supportive walking experience, even if you have flat feet or overpronation.

New Balance Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Dealing with plantar fasciitis can be challenging, but the right walking shoes can help alleviate pain and discomfort. New Balance walking shoes are designed with features that cater to individuals with this condition, offering the support and cushioning needed for a more comfortable walk.

The Fresh Foam X 840v1 is a top choice for those with plantar fasciitis. This shoe features a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and dry, while the plush foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and support. The supportive midsole helps to reduce the strain on your plantar fascia, making each step more comfortable.

Another popular option is the New Balance 574. Known for its classic design and comfortable fit, the 574 offers a supportive ride that can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The shoe’s midsole provides ample cushioning, while the stable heel counter ensures that your foot remains secure and supported.

When choosing New Balance walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, look for models with a supportive midsole, a stable heel counter, and a comfortable toe box. These features will help to reduce pain and provide the support needed for a more enjoyable walking experience.

Best New Balance Sneakers for Hiking

For those who enjoy hiking, New Balance offers a range of sneakers that provide the necessary support and traction for the trails. The Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 is a standout model, featuring a wide platform and a hard outsole that delivers excellent traction and support on various terrains. This shoe is designed to handle the rigors of hiking, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and supported throughout your adventure.

The New Balance 574 is another great option for hiking enthusiasts. This model features a hybrid outsole that provides a good grip on different surfaces, while the well-designed midsole offers a comfortable fit and supportive ride. The 574’s classic design and durable construction make it a reliable choice for both casual hikes and more challenging trails.

When selecting hiking shoes, consider features such as a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, a breathable mesh upper for ventilation, and a supportive midsole for comfort. Additionally, think about the terrain and distance of your hikes, as well as your personal preferences for comfort and support.

By choosing the right New Balance sneakers, you can enjoy a comfortable and supportive hiking experience, no matter the trail.

Factors to Consider When Choosing New Balance Walking Shoes

When choosing New Balance walking shoes, several factors are crucial to consider. The fit is paramount; the shoe should allow your toes to move freely without feeling loose. New Balance offers a variety of width options to accommodate different foot sizes, ensuring optimal comfort.

Arch support is another essential factor. Adequate arch support prevents foot problems like plantar fasciitis and ensures even distribution of body weight. New Balance shoes are known for their excellent arch support, making them a great choice for those with flat feet or high arches. Women's walking shoes offer comfort and support specifically designed for women, highlighting features like cushioning and stability.

Cushioning is equally important. Effective cushioning minimises fatigue and soreness during extended use. The new balance fresh foam cushioning featured in New Balance shoes provides a bouncy and comfortable experience, suitable for all-day wear.

How to Ensure the Right Fit for Your New Balance Walking Shoes

Ensuring the right fit for your New Balance walking shoes is essential for comfort and overall health. Properly fitting shoes can significantly enhance your posture and gait, contributing to better overall health. To find the most accurate fit, it is advisable to measure your feet in the afternoon when they tend to be larger.

If your feet are between sizes, selecting the larger size and adjusting with socks or insoles is recommended. Many users suggest choosing a half size larger for added space, particularly for wide feet. A quality walking shoe should provide immediate comfort without needing a break-in period.

The Importance of Breathability in Walking Shoes

Breathability is a crucial aspect of walking shoes, especially for those who walk in warm climates. A well-ventilated shoe helps manage moisture and temperature, preventing blisters and overheating. Models like the Fresh Foam More v5 incorporate large ventilation holes in the toebox for improved breathability.

Breathable materials like mesh and knit in shoe uppers enhance airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during walks. The Fresh Foam Roav V1, for instance, features a breathable mesh upper, ensuring comfort during extended periods of wear.

Durability and Longevity of New Balance Walking Shoes

Durability is a key factor when selecting walking shoes. New Balance walking shoes typically undergo rigorous durability testing, including abrasion resistance evaluations, to ensure they can withstand regular use. This makes them a reliable choice for those who engage in frequent walking activities.

Despite their price, many New Balance shoes offer excellent durability, proving that cheaper models can also stand the test of time. New Balance shoes generally fit as expected right from the start without needing a break-in period, ensuring immediate comfort and longevity.

Are Lifestyle New Balance Sneakers Suitable for Walking?

While some lifestyle New Balance sneakers are comfortable enough for daily use, they may lack the advanced cushioning technologies found in dedicated walking shoes. It’s important to consider the type of activity you’ll be doing, as New Balance offers specific designs for various exercises.

Many lifestyle New Balance sneakers are essentially retro versions of older running models, providing basic comfort for casual wear. However, for more intensive walking activities, it’s advisable to choose models specifically designed for walking to ensure adequate support and comfort.

Summary

In summary, selecting the right New Balance walking shoe can significantly enhance your walking experience. From the versatile Fresh Foam X 880 to the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam More v5, New Balance offers a variety of shoes to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you require extra arch support, a budget-friendly option, or a shoe for long walks, there’s a New Balance model that fits the bill.

Ultimately, the right walking shoe is essential for comfort, support, and overall foot health. By considering factors such as fit, cushioning, and breathability, you can find the perfect New Balance walking shoe to accompany you on all your adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right New Balance walking shoe for my needs?

Choosing the right New Balance walking shoe involves assessing fit, arch support, cushioning, and your intended activities. With various models available, it's essential to select one that aligns with your specific needs.

Are New Balance walking shoes good for people with flat feet?

New Balance walking shoes, such as the Fresh Foam X Vongo v6, provide exceptional arch support and cushioning, making them a good choice for individuals with flat feet. You can expect enhanced comfort and stability while walking.

Can I use New Balance lifestyle sneakers for walking?

While some New Balance lifestyle sneakers can be comfortable for casual wear, they often lack the necessary support and cushioning for serious walking. It’s advisable to select models specifically designed for walking to ensure proper comfort and performance.

What makes New Balance shoes durable?

New Balance shoes are durable due to extensive durability testing, including abrasion resistance evaluations, and their commitment to quality craftsmanship. This ensures they can withstand regular use effectively.

How do I know if my New Balance shoes fit correctly?

To ensure your New Balance shoes fit correctly, measure your feet in the afternoon and consider going up a half size for added comfort. They should feel immediately comfortable without requiring a break-in period.