You’d be hard-pressed to have a conversation about walking shoes without hearing the words “New Balance” at least once. These kicks have earned a reputation for delivering podiatrist- and shoe expert-approved support — and nowadays, the brand offers dozens of pairs fit for everything from hot girl walks to everyday wear to treadmill workouts.
“New Balance offers many walking shoes styles that are designed for support and comfort while walking,” says Derek Roach, owner of Flow Feet Orthopedic Shoes, an orthopedic and comfort shoe company. “They include features like cushioned midsoles to help with shock absorption while walking and arch support to help prevent plantar fasciitis, which can occur in individuals that walk frequently from the repetitive impact on the feet.” Beyond their orthopedic prowess, New Balance shoes have also become a style staple for sneakerheads, so you can rock them 24/7 (whether you’re walking or not).
Because New Balance offers dozens of models, Team Shape put in a lot of work testing dozens of models on our daily strolls around the block, on vacation, during commutes, and beyond. Ahead, you’ll find our picks for the best New Balance walking shoes for men, women, seniors, and more — along with some intel from experts about what specifications make the best sneakers.
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 38 mm/32 mm| Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.2 oz
It’s not a surprise one of our Sneaker Awards winners clawed its way to the top of this list, thanks to its workhorse construction and cushioned Soft Fresh Foam X midsole. “The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 fits such a wide variety of runners from New Balance elite athletes to someone just taking up the sport,” Danny Orr, General Manager for Tech Running at New Balance, told Shape. Add a snug mesh upper and a rocker that encourages effortless, natural strides, and you have a shoe that fits just about any walker.
Like all New Balances, the 1080 V13 comes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide widths, so you can find your perfect fit. Plus, these shoes are suitable for both walking and running, so if you’re ready to pick up the pace, you’re in luck.
Editor’s note: We’re in the midst of testing the brand-new Fresh Foam x 1080 v14, so expect our thoughts soon!
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Luxurious cushioning
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Cooling mesh upper
Sizes: 7-15 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 34 mm/30 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz
Despite their great price, these sneakers don’t take shortcuts when it comes to walking-friendly features. A cushioned midsole and a structured rubber outsole team up to make your footsteps feel stable and comfortable, while the mesh upper will keep you cool even during the summer months. All these details have earned this shoe a beloved place in the hearts of many walkers. (It’s not uncommon to stumble on a reviewer who’s on their fifth or sixth pair.)
Translation: If you like this shoe, you may never have to research sneakers again.
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard, Wide | Stack Height: 25.2 mm | Drop: 13 mm | Weight: 11.5 oz
This classic shoe transcends style and It’s great for logging mileage, too. “The hybrid outsole of the 574 positions it well for walking, running, light hiking, going to the gym, or simply running errands. It also has a well-designed midsole that provides plenty of cushioning for any of the aforementioned activities,” said “Marathon” Matt Forsman, running coach and Director of “Runspiration” for San Francisco’s Run Club SF.
These New Balance walking shoes also come in a host of muted colorways that can easily pair with non-athleisure, so you have comfortable strides wherever you’re going.
Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 38 mm / 32 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.7 oz
If your foot tends to overpronate (or lean inward) on the go, you need a pair of solid stability shoes to keep your feet locked in proper position throughout your stride. That’s exactly what you get with the Vongo v6 — a favorite among the overpronating crowd. A stability plane also keeps you feeling supported step by step, and that mesh upper will make (very) sweaty feet a thing of the past. These shoes run narrow, so make sure to choose wide or extra wide for a roomier feel.
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Stabilizing technology keeps foot in place
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Leather upper is suitable for everyday wear
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Lace or hook-and-loop options available
Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide, XX-Wide | Stack Height: | Drop: N/A | Weight: 8.3 oz
According to Roach, arch support is key for those with plantar fasciitis. Team Shape found that the New Balance 928v3 Walking Shoes fit the bill thanks to their removable PU foam footbed that provides A+ support but can also be swapped out for a custom insole for more specific coverage.
To boot, you can buy these babies with laces or a hook-and-loop system that makes getting out the door take about five seconds flat, which we love.
Sizes: 7-18 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide, XX-Wide| Stack Height: 33.7 mm | Drop: 10 mm | Weight: 11 oz
If you’re looking for the best New Balance walking shoes for a senior in your life, consider the 626 V6s. They’re made with impeccable cushioning that doesn’t stack so high that it throws off balance, but provides enough comfort to prevent joint aches from flaring up. The stability, support, and slip-resistant soles make these a standout for people who want to prevent any mishaps like slips or trips.
Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 31 mm/23 mm | Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz
Supinators tend to roll on the outside edges of their feet — meaning that they generally need a cushioned running shoe with structure in the midfoot. Thanks to New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam technology, you’ll get reliable support and soft, cloud-like cushioning that’s also great for picking up the pace from time to time. We also love how breathable these shoes are. Particularly in the summer months when shoes can go from breezy to greenhouse over the course of a mile.
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Propulsive rocker
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Cushioned insole
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Minimal toe drop
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 44 mm/40 mm | Drop: 4 mm | Weight: 8.6 oz
Rocker technology is the closest thing you can get to cruise control when it comes to sneakers. Curved foam emphasizes a healthy stride, so you never have to think twice about form, which is especially important when looking for the best running shoes for bad knees. Finding shoes with a minimal heel-to-toe drop like this one (4 mm) is crucial, as well. Less drop encourages your feet to land properly below your body in a mid-foot strike which takes a good chunk of pressure off of your joints. Add a supportive insole and a generous amount of cushioned Fresh Foam, and you’re ready for whatever’s on your plate (especially if your schedule includes hours and hours of walking).
Sizes: 5-16.5 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: 32.8 mm | Drop: 9.2 mm | Weight: 12.9 oz
While there’s no shoe fit to cure bunions, the large toebox on the New Balance 990v4 will give your toes plenty of space to move in a chunky, supportive package. Lightweight foam makes each step feel effortless, which is why New Balance has been making some version of this shoe since 1982. (You just don’t mess with perfection.) The only downside is that these shoes only come in one width, so if you have narrow or wider feet, you may want to try them on in real life before purchasing.
What to Know About the Best New Balance Walking Shoes
Stack height: “Stack height is the measurement from where the shoe touches the ground to the foot,” explains Roach. “This measurement includes the midsole and outsole of the shoe.” Sneakers with a higher stack offer added cushioning while a lower stack emulates walking in bare feet, so keep that in mind as you decide what model of New Balance walking shoes are right for you. Our favorites included a range of shoes with a 25 to 44-mm stack height.
Toe Drop: The toe drop is a measure of the difference between the heel and the forefoot of your walking shoe. ”The heel-to-toe drop determines how the weight is distributed on the feet as we move,” says Roach. A higher drop will place your weight toward your heel as you walk or run, providing shock absorption for your high-impact activities. Zero-drop or low-drop shoes shift your weight toward your forefoot, promoting a gait that will feel more natural to most. Again, New Balance offers a wide range of toe drop options, and Team Shape loved everything from a 4 mm drop to a 13 mm drop.
Rocker: Rockers, a sole design with a curved bottom, are commonly found in walking shoes (and anything from New Balance) nowadays. “Rockers help with propulsion so that you can ‘push off’ with every step you take and offload heel-to-toe strike,” explains Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a Dr. Scholl’s partner and Board Certified Foot Surgeon with the ABFAS. “Rockers shouldn’t necessarily be exaggerated. Walkers should look for a middle-ground rocker.”
Stability: You might hear that stability is a feature only those who should pronate should look for, but that’s not necessarily true. “Stability is important for everyone. Your feet need to be in a neutral position and to have that, you need a mix of comfort and support,” says Dr. Schaeffer. While nearly all New Balance shoes fit this description, Roach recommends looking for a firm heel counter, a straight shoe design (as opposed to a curved design), and a wide shoe base as you shop.
Arch Support: Anyone who’s walked a mile in flat shoes knows that arch support — or lack thereof — can make or break your daily stroll. How much arch support you’ll need is largely determined by whether you have flat, neutral, or high arches, according to Roach.
- Flat: “For individuals with flat feet, medium to firm arch support is suggested to help lift and stabilize the arch,” says Roach. “This will help position the feet to be better aligned to distribute weight across the foot and prevent overpronation.”
- Neutral: Those with neutral arches can handle low or moderate arch support, but shouldn’t choose anything too firm. A rigid shoe will be uncomfortable.
- High: “For high arches, choosing orthotics with added cushioning at the heel and arch area are ideal. Also look for a high arch profile to provide the necessary support for the foot shape,” says Roach. Your shoes should feel structured without feeling too rigid.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are New Balance shoes good for lots of walking?
Short answer: Yes! Podiatrists and shoe experts always recommend these kicks, and when our time tested them with mileage, they didn’t disappoint. Why? Many New Balance models strike that necessary balance between being supportive and cushioned — which is the sweet spot for great walks. Plus, they offer something for everyone thanks to their wide range of sizing, stack height, and drop.
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What New Balance shoes do podiatrists recommend for walking?
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Why do podiatrists like New Balance shoes?
Podiatrists love New Balance for the brand’s inclusive size range and balance of support and cushioning. “I like New Balance a lot and I think they are tried and true. They come in lots of widths which can help those with foot problems and also accommodate insoles very well,” says Dr. Schaeffer.
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Is the New Balance 327 good for walking?
While we didn’t choose to include the 327s on this list, our team loves them for workwear — particularly if you’re in the medical profession. “The sole provides excellent traction for those times when the floor might be a bit slippery or when running down the hall,” Jennifer Groth, Coach at STRIDE Fitness in Las Vegas, previously told Shape.
Why Trust Shape
Kells McPhillips is a writer living in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York City, and she’s working on her first novel in the early mornings. For this article, she interviewed the following New Balance walking shoes experts:
Summer Cartwright, Shape’s senior commerce editor and resident running shoes expert, edited this article. She is a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the senior commerce editor at Shape. She has raced in the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Columbus Marathon, Houston Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, New York Mini 10k, and dozens of other events. She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear, and recovery equipment.
Read the full article here
