Facts

  • Use

    Workout

    Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes

    CrossFit

    Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes

    Weightlifting

    Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes

    Walking

    Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes

  • Arch support

    Neutral

    For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes

    Stability

    For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes

    Motion control

    Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes

    Good to know

    Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.

  • Price
    $100
  • Width
    Men: Standard
    Women: Standard
  • Release date
    Jul 2018
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Rankings

Bottom 16% overall
Best training shoes
Bottom 16% New Balance
Best New Balance training shoes
Top 35% most popular
Most popular walking training shoes

Expert Reviews

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Updates to New Balance 1201

  • The New Balance 1201 is created to provide comfort for extended periods of walking in a variety of outdoor environments. Its sturdy leather and suede upper is meant to give a steady foothold on trails.
  • The proprietary ABZORB unit is used for cushioning. It is a foam-based material that protects feet, legs, and lower back by dispersing the shock upon impact.
  • A layer of hard-wearing rubber lines the bottom of the platform. Its lug pattern is designed to grip the surface in multiple directions. A vertical rubber layer of contrasting color splits the outsole to accommodate a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

New Balance 1201 size and fit

Both male and female versions of the New Balance 1201 are available for purchase. Men can choose from US sizes 7 to 18, while the women’s version is offered in US sizes 5 to 12. The shoe comes in a variety of width options to suit both average and wide foot dimensions. Women’s width profiles include B - Medium, D - Wide, and 2E - Extra Wide, while the men’s are D - Medium, 2E - Wide, and 4E - Extra Wide. The fit is regulated with the help of round laces which easily slide through metal eyelets.

Outsole

The New Balance 1201 employs a durable rubber material for the outsole. The unit extends up at the front and the back of the platform to protect the toes and the heel from bumps. These extensions have a razor-blade-like shape and act as brake lugs to prevent slippage on descends and wet surfaces.

The triangular lugs of various sizes are placed throughout the outsole. They are facing different directions to afford traction on unpredictable terrain. Multiple flex grooves between the lugs contribute to the flexibility of the unit.

The outsole is split by a rubber insert of contrasting color. It mimics the way a foot undergoes when it transitions from the heel to the toes during walking. It is meant to render a smooth walking gait cycle.

Midsole

The brand’s foam-based ABZORB compound is the primary cushioning of the New Balance 1201. It is a full-length layer that guides the foot throughout the walking session. It ensures a safe and supportive ride, protecting the lower extremities and back from the impact.

Upper

The midfoot and the forefoot portions of the New Balance 1201 are covered in suede. It offers a snug fit and features perforations to keep the interiors of the shoe ventilated.

Genuine leather wraps the heel and the ankle for maximized support and stability in these areas. The toe box is also overlaid with leather for extra durability in this high-wear part of the shoe.

The tongue and the collar are generously padded to keep the shoe securely around the ankle. The edges of the collar utilize mesh to maintain breathability in the rearfoot.   

A traditional lace-up closure is used for regulating the tightness. Round laces easily slide through metal eyelets helping the wearer make quick adjustments. A pair of external metal loops is placed above the top eyelets. The laces can be run through them and cinched for a lockdown fit.

Those looking for a similar waking trainer with a waterproof upper, can consider the New Balance 1300.

Comparison