7 Best New Balance Sneakers For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
New Balance's catalog of numeric shoes has grown extensively as wild mushrooms. We won’t blame you if you’ll get dizzied choosing the best ones from the NB’s daddy-esque 99x to running-inspired 547 series, plus a kaleidoscope of other variants from this brand.
Whether you are rummaging for a modest and timeless classic type, bulbous-soled, ultramodern retros, or the cheapie but chic kicks, our lineup of New Balance top picks might take you to your perfect match.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest retroBest high topBest low topBest mid topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
- We buy every pair of New Balance sneakers using our own funds to remain unbiased.
- Our sneaker experts test the shoes for two weeks to fairly examine them first-hand.
- Our team also gathers all available user and expert reviews and summarizes them.
- With our automated scoring system, every sneaker gets a Corescore from 1 to 100.
All the sneakers that make it to this list are drawn from the feedback of NB users and careful analysis of our sneaker experts.
Best men's New Balance sneakers overall
CoreScore
97
Superb!
4.9 / 5
from
121 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 2% in sneakers
- Top 2% in New Balance sneakers
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Comfortable
- Timeless aesthetics
- Premium quality
- Stable strides
- Superior ventilation
- Fashionable dad sneaker
- Worth the price
- All-rounder
Cons
- So-so finish
- Hard to cop
Verdict
The New Balance 992 is well-worth the reissue simply for its impact on the world of technology and fashion. Like every shoe crafted by New Balance, the NB992 also prioritizes comfort, quality, and stability while offering a style that perfectly works as a fashion statement in itself.
Best New Balance retro sneakers for men
New Balance 2002R
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$115
Footshop
$132
Amazon
Free shipping
$140
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$140
CoreScore
93
Superb!
4.7 / 5
from
301 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 5% in sneakers
- Top 4% in New Balance sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Stylish classic look
- Reliable arch support
- Stable platform
- Feels lightweight
- Good breathability
- Helps to relieve foot pain
Cons
- Suede overlays lack durability
- Not for wide feet
Verdict
The New Balance 2002R is a winner when it comes to retro sneakers. It has a style reminiscent of the NB 990, which hits a nostalgic sweet spot perfect for today's dad sneaker trend. Underfoot, it is packed with innovative technologies for that right amount of all-day cushy feel.
Best New Balance high top sneakers for men
New Balance Numeric 440 High
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$51
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$85
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
92
Great!
4.6 / 5
from
176 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 13% in sneakers
- Top 9% in New Balance sneakers
Pros
- Excellent board feel
- Impressive traction
- Sharp, retro design
- Moderately priced
- Snug and secure fit
- Very minimal break-in
- Supportive collar that bends
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Long and frail laces
- Lacks impact protection
- Insoles slide and bunch up
- Upper could be more durable
Verdict
If you are a fan of skate shoes that don’t take forever to break in and have lots of board feel from the start, that’s the Numeric 440 High. It is easy on the feet and has enough support to keep you surefooted. For the moderate price tag, this sneaker has a lot to offer as long as you reserve it for the low-impact days.
Best New Balance low top sneakers for men
New Balance 9060
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$150
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$150
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
97
Superb!
4.8 / 5
from
87 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 2% in sneakers
- Top 3% in New Balance sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Next-level comfort
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Quite heavy-duty
- Dope aesthetics
- True to size
- Looks better in person
- Premium-grade materials
- Stable
Cons
- Limited color options
- Squeaks
- A tad warm
Verdict
Emerging from a successful collaborative effort, the 9060 from New Balance is such a captivating running-inspired kick on almost every front. Owning one translates to opening up a trove of possibilities style-wise, all while getting you hooked with its addictive comfort. And have we mentioned how ridiculously well-made this bad boy is yet? Experts seem to agree, with one saying that it's "too good to miss out on."
Best New Balance mid top sneakers for men
CoreScore
89
Great!
4.4 / 5
from
124 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Outstanding look
- Comfortable all day long
- Functional design
- Several colorways
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Heel might slip
- Difficult to put on
Verdict
A 247 model added with a mid-top collar to the shoe, the New Balance 247 Mid is offered at an affordable price point. It offers cozy comfort for the colder days and has an elegant style that offers endless options for mixing and matching, ideal for being out on the streets constantly. It offers value for the money when taking into account the looks and function that the sneaker brings.
Best value New Balance sneakers for men
New Balance 515 v3
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$36
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$45
Shoebacca
$45
Joes New Balance Outlet
$50
CoreScore
91
Great!
4.6 / 5
from
17,541 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 24% in sneakers
- Top 13% in New Balance sneakers
- Top 11% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fashionably cool
- Won't drag your feet down
- Suits a wide range of styles
- Summer-friendly airflow
- Day-one comfort
- Cushy fitting for long walks
- Above-average durability
- Wide-feet friendly
Cons
- A bit inflexible sole
- Colors on screen might seem brighter than in person
Verdict
Designed to win both fashion and comfort, the third version of the New Balance 515 is a sneaker to beat. Boasting its style that looks amazing on any attire, these kicks suit users who prioritize cushy rides and long-lasting make, fitting to be added in their daily footwear rotation.
Most popular New Balance sneakers for men
New Balance 550
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$80
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
85
Good!
4.3 / 5
from
1,014 users
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Attention-grabbing throwback look
- Well-cushioned insole
- Incredibly clean details
- Suitable for various outfits
- No visible wear after several uses
- Easy to clean
- Striking shades
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Insufficient lockdown feel
- Fits wider than expected
- Released in a limited quantity
Verdict
The New Balance 550 will surely tickle your fancy if retro sneakers float your boat. It boasts a clean and straightforward style that amplifies its adaptable vibe from the hardwood to the playground. Despite having no modern technology, this kick will not disappoint in providing you with lasting cozy strides while keeping you stylishly chic on the city streets.
