Looking for the best New Balance Walking shoes to keep your legs feeling good on the move? Look no farther because today I’m going to help you find just the right pair and make sure this is the right brand for you.
As a gear testing expert who cherishes the rhythm of a good walk and empathizes with the needs of those who rely on their feet all day long, I understand the significance of finding the perfect pair of walking shoes.
Your feet, the unsung heroes of your daily ventures, deserve comfort, support, and a reliable companion that can withstand the demands of a bustling world.
I’m such a huge fan of their new Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, that it’s pretty easy for me to recommend a variety of their shoes to both runners and walkers! They’ve managed to change technology for the better without losing the overall fit that has made them work for so many over the years.
Join me as we explore the key factors to consider when choosing walking shoes, unveil New Balance’s impressive collection tailored for walkers, and reveal the top recommendations that have earned praise from fellow walkers.
With this information in hand, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and find the ideal pair of New Balance walking shoes that will carry you through the miles.
6 Best New Balance Walking Shoes
Now that we have explored the key factors to consider and gained an understanding of why New Balance makes an excellent choice for walking shoes, let’s delve into the top recommendations from their impressive collection.
These handpicked New Balance sneakers have garnered praise from walkers of all levels, offering a combination of comfort, support, and durability to elevate your walking experience.
What you won’t find here are “dad shoes” because they’ve got plenty of great options that are going to do a great job supporting the joints for working out or doing errands without needing to look old school.
#1 Best Workout Walking Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
New Balance’s Fresh Foam is every bit as lovely as it sounds. These shoes feel fabulous when you slip them on and yet maintain good responsiveness. In fact, I’ve been running A LOT of miles in the 1080 model and recommend it frequently as well for walking.
With a roomy area for your mid-foot, the More still has a good heel cupping to help prevent your foot from sliding out. This is a maximal shoe, meaning it has a higher stack height from toe to heel, which you can tell by looking at it…there’s a lot of cushion here.
That taller stack height provides a slightly wider base and more stability without in anyway being a stability shoe. It’s super comfortable for long days on your feet or long walks. I’ve left it sitting by the front door to use as my daily lunch walk shoe and my feet couldn’t be happier.
- Weight: 11 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 4 mm
- 6 colors available
- Available in regular, wide and extra wide
- Available on the New Balance website for $155
- Checkout our complete New Balance More V6 review >>
#2 Best for Durability and Cushion: New Balance 880
If you don’t want quite so much cushion and honestly no everyone enjoys it, then the 880 is a winner. This is a solid dependable neutral shoe that also has a great wide toebox, allowing you to get full power out of those feet.
That’s right, your big toe helps with that push off when walking. So if you’re trying to improve your walking speed, enjoy the bigger toe box.
The New Balance 880 is a popular walking shoe that strikes a balance between cushioning and stability. Because the foam feels slightly firmer, it gives more of a feeling of stability and adds to the overall longevity of the shoe.
It’s going to have enough cushion for long days on your feet without being overly plush and still providing just a hint of stability with the bigger platform. I can concur from my running in fresh foam that you absolutely notice the cushion without feeling like you’re sinking down in to it.
The upper part of the shoe is made of engineered mesh that ensures proper breathability and comfort, which is nice when you’ll be on your feet for a long day or even a long walk.
- Weight: 10.7 oz Men’s, 8.4 Women’s
- Stack Height (heel/forefoot): 40.5mm / 34.5mm
- Heel drop: 6mm
- 7 colors available
- Available in narrow, regular, wide and x-wide in certain colorways
- Available on Newbalance.com for $140
- Read our full review of the New Balance 880 v15 >>
Previously I mentioned the 1080 as one of my top shoes and it’s also an options for walking. However, I prefer recommending the 880 due to having just a bit more stability. You can see a full breakdown of the NB 1080 vs 880.
And if you specifically want something for high arches, I recommend the very similar New Balance 860.
#3 Best Budget Option: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi
If you want a shoe that feels a tad more casual, but is still going to give you all the cushion and support you need to be moving all day the Arishi is a winner. Because it doesn’t have a lot of the typical technology you’d see in running shoes, it’s significantly cheaper!
This shoe is an excellent choice for those who value a comfortable and cushioned ride. The Fresh Foam Arishi is a good option for training, casual walking, or even a short easy run.
Additionally, the shoe’s design is trendy and modern, making it perfect for fashion-conscious individuals who love wearing athletic shoes.
It may not have quite the longevity or quite the amount of cushion of the above shoes, but for walking you’ll absolutely find it’s enough!
- Weight: 9.5 oz Men’s, 6.8 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 6 mm
- 5 colors available
- Available in wide
- Available on Newbalance.com for $75
#4 Best for Stability: New Balance 860
If you know that your foot tends to roll inward a bit with each step, a stability shoe can help to prevent knee pain. While we are always going to tell you that strength is important along side this, the right shoe is important!
The New Balance 860 has always been a favorite for those who need a stability shoe that works just as well for long runs as it does for daily walks.
Bonus points for this one having a bit wider width as well.
The Fresh Foam X midsole absorbs impact without making you feel like you’re sinking in quicksand, it’s just the right mix of cushion and support.
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.7 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in core and seasonal colors
- Available in narrow, wide and extra wide (in limited colors)
- Available on Newbalance.com for $140
- Checkout our full review of the New Balance 860v14 >>
#5 Best Trail Walking Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro excels in trail walking with its specialized features that enhance performance in rugged terrains. Its multidirectional lugs on the outsole provide exceptional traction on uneven surfaces, ensuring a secure grip and reducing the risk of slips and falls.
The shoe’s Fresh Foam X midsole technology offers responsive cushioning, reducing fatigue and discomfort while navigating rocky or uneven trails. With a durable construction, including abrasion-resistant materials, the Hierro protects your feet from hazards encountered on the trail.
The shoe’s supportive design and secure fit contribute to stability on uneven terrain, minimizing the risk of injuries. Additionally, the breathable upper materials promote airflow, preventing moisture buildup and keeping your feet cool and dry throughout your trail walks.
- Weight: 10.3 oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 4 mm
- 3 colors available
- Available in regular, wide and x-wide for certain colorways
- Available from Newbalance.com for $155
- Checokout our full review of the New Balance Hierro v9 >>
#6 Best for Workplace Safety: 608v5 Slip Resistant
The New Balance 608 is an exceptional shoe designed specifically for the workplace and safety environments. Crafted with a sturdy leather upper, it offers durability and protection that can withstand the demands of various workplaces.
The shoe features a slip-resistant outsole, providing reliable traction on different surfaces, including wet and slippery floors, to ensure stability and prevent accidents. With its innovative technology, the MX857 offers superior support and stability, thanks to a supportive midsole and dual-density collar foam that helps reduce pressure points.
If you spend long hours on your feet and require a shoe that prioritizes safety, the New Balance MX857 is a reliable choice for the workplace. Now if a brand could just come up with a way to make these workplace shoes a bit more stylish?!
- Weight: 14.3 oz Men’s only
- 1 color
- Available in narrow, regular, wide, x-wide and xx-wide
- Available from Newbalance.com for $79
Are New Balance Shoes Good for Walking?
Yes! This brand understands the needs of athletes and people who need support for a lot of movement.
New Balance’s walking shoe collection offers an impressive range of models, each meticulously designed to provide maximum comfort, support, and durability. Whether you’re a casual walker seeking a reliable companion for leisurely strolls or a professional on the move, New Balance has got you covered.
Let’s look at a few of the reasons they are great for walkers.
Variety of Widths
One area where New Balance excels is in offering various width options for their shoes. This is particularly important because not all feet are created equal, and finding the right width can significantly impact overall comfort and fit.
That’s why they offer multiple width options, ranging from narrow to extra-wide widths, allowing individuals to find the perfect fit that suits their specific foot width.
Arch Support
New Balance understands the importance of proper support for walkers, particularly in areas like arches and stability. Their walking shoes feature various levels of arch support options, catering to individuals with different foot types. Additionally, the designs prioritize stability and balance, reducing the risk of discomfort and injuries during walks.
Comfort
You’re probably looking to this one first, but I also think…it’s a given right, if I’m recommending them?! In fact, the New Balance 1080 is one of the shoes I recommend most often to runners because I think it has just the right amount of cushion and feels really nice under foot!
You’ll see some options here with more cushion and slightly different fit, but the overall comfort level remains the same.
All right, enough of these let’s get to the real question, what are the best New Balance Walking shoes?
Why You Need a Good Walking Shoe
If you’ve had that aching feet feeling after a day of standing around or a long day of walking on vacation, it’s time to make sure you have the right walking shoes.
Choosing the right walking shoe is critical to keeping your feet, legs, and back healthy and comfortable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a walking shoe.
If you don’t have a good walking shoe, you can experience a number of discomforts and even injuries. Here are some potential issues that can arise:
- Foot Pain: Walking in shoes that don’t fit properly or lack adequate support can cause foot pain, especially in the arches or heels. This can make it difficult to continue walking and can even cause pain when you’re not walking.
- Blisters: Poorly fitting shoes can cause blisters to develop on your feet. Blisters are painful and can make it difficult to continue walking until they heal.
- Knee Pain: When you walk, your knees absorb a lot of shock. If your shoes don’t provide enough cushioning, your knees can become sore and painful. This can be particularly problematic if you walk long distances or on hard surfaces.
- Back Pain: Wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support can also lead to back pain. This is because your feet and back are connected, and if your feet aren’t properly supported, your back can compensate and become strained.
- Injuries: Over time, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or provide enough support can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or even stress fractures. These injuries can be painful and can take a long time to heal.
All right friends, I hope this gave you some ideas for finding the best New Balance shoes for your walking needs. A reminder that you definitely want to have a different walking than running shoe and even different than what you wear to your gym class.
You move differently and it’s helpful to have a variety of shoes.
Looking for more walking tips?
- Best Walking Shoes (from other brands)
- Best Knee Support for Walking
- Best On Cloud Walking Shoes
- Tips for walking a marathon
- How to walk a half marathon
- How many steps in a mile?
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New Balance More v6 Review | More of That Cushion We Love
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