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.
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?
5 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 v4
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.
With a roomy area for your mid-foot, it still has a good heel cupping to help prevent your foot from sliding out. This is a maximal road shoe, meaning it has a higher stack height from toe to heel. If you’ve never run in a shoe like that, trust me within a few minutes you don’t notice anything different (except the great cushion here!).
That taller stack height provides a slightly wider base and more stability without in anyway being a stability shoe.
- Neutral running shoe
- 3 mm heel drop
- Available in regular and wide, but not extra wide
- Max cushion, maximal shoe
- 10.4 oz men’s, 8.4 oz for women’s
- $149
- Available on the New Balance website, Zappos
#2 Best for Cushion and Support: New Balance 880
While some runners are flocking to carbon plated shoes, we simply don’t need that (or the expense) for our daily walking shoes. We want something that is solid and dependable like this neutral shoe that also has a great wide toebox, allowing you to get full power out of those feet.
The New Balance 880 is a popular walking shoe that strikes a balance between cushioning and stability. Designed as a neutral running shoe, it offers a supportive and comfortable ride for runners who desire a touch of stability without compromising on cushioning.
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, but it’s still a solid shoe.
The upper part of the shoe is made of engineered mesh that ensures proper breathability and comfort, though some would say it’s warmer than the knit of the 1080. This shoe is suitable for runners who require a combo of little support and cushioning for their runs.
- 30mm stack height
- 10mm drop
- 8.4 oz women’s, 10.6 oz men’s
- $140
- Available on the New Balance website, Zappos
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 Casual Walking Shoe: New Balance Women’s DynaSoft Nergize V3
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 Nergize is a winner. And because it’s not also listed for running, the shoe is significantly cheaper! Largely this is due to having a little less technology in it.
Designed with the active individual in mind, these shoes feature New Balance’s innovative DynaSoft cushioning technology, which provides a plush and responsive feel, absorbing impact and reducing fatigue. The sleek and modern design of the DynaSoft Nergize makes it suitable for both casual walks and everyday wear, allowing you to effortlessly transition from fitness to fashion.
It has a bootie like fit, which I’ve come to really love in shoes. And the Nergize style is available in a Sport model too if you want something less casual or in a mule if you want even more casual.
With its lightweight construction, supportive fit, and eye-catching aesthetics, the DynaSoft Nergize is a top choice for those seeking a comfortable and stylish walking shoe.
- 6mm drop
- 6 oz women’s
- $69
#4 Best Trail Walking Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V7
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.
- Also available in more of a boot style
- 8mm drop
- 8.3 oz women’s,
- $160
#5 Best for Workplace Safety: MX857v3 Slip Resistant
The New Balance MX857 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?!
- men’s only, black
- 14.3 oz men’s
- $140
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.
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.
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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