Verdict from 1 expert and 100+ user reviews
10 reasons to buy
- In general, the owners of the New Balance 840 v2 claimed that it was extremely comfortable during fitness and leisure walks, and when used for work.
- The majority liked that it was available in wide options because their toes did not feel crammed.
- The trainer was said to be true to size by many of the users.
- Numerous wearers stated that the arch support on this model was sufficient.
- Plenty of consumers mentioned that the footwear alleviated foot and leg pain.
- The style of the shoe was adored by a lot of testers.
- A good number of people remarked that the footgear was priced reasonably because of its quality.
- The lightweight nature of the product pleased several reviewers.
- A handful of commenters appreciated that it accommodated custom orthotic inserts.
- The shoe was praised for its breathability by a couple of individuals.
7 reasons not to buy
- Multiple owners complained that the stitching on the side panels unraveled quickly.
- The New Balance 840 v2 reportedly ran small, according to several users.
- A number of people ranted that it lacked arch support.
- The aesthetics of the façade dismayed the minority because it looked bulky.
- A small group of reviewers noted that the sole unit was too soft and offered no support which caused arch pain.
- The fit was narrow, and the toe box irritated the little toes of a few individuals.
- A couple of buyers remarked that the outsole got worn out fast.
Bottom line
The New Balance 840 v2 was praised highly for its comfortability. Though users generally liked the trainer's wide toe box, arch support, fit and style, there were complaints about them as well. Another point of disappointment is its durability because the stitching on its side panels unthreaded, and the outsole wore out quickly. Despite the negative reviews, many users still thought it was a great walking shoe because their feet did not feel fatigued after using it.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
Good to know
- The New Balance 840 v2 is designed as a versatile walking shoe that delivers comfort and style for fitness and everyday travels. Like its predecessor, it features the ABZORB foam midsole which protects the foot by absorbing the force of impact. Underneath, it uses two types of rubber; the Ndurance rubber is used in the high-wear areas, while the blown rubber is found on the rest of the outsole.
- The new version uses more leather in the upper to enhance structure, support, and longevity. The mesh fabric is kept to a minimum and is found on the collar and tongue to ensure that the foot chamber is ventilated while in use.
The New Balance 840 v2 caters to both men and women. It is generally true to size and comes in different width options. For men, it available in D - Medium, 2E - Wide, and 4E - Extra Wide widths. Women may obtain the shoe in B - Medium, D - Wide, and 2E - Extra Wide widths. To get accurate size and fit, New Balance offers its online Fit Finder tool. It helps consumers find the right size and fit by using the shopper’s footwear as a basis for comparison.
The bottom of the New Balance 840 v2 is lined with two types of rubber. The first is Ndurance, which is a proprietary compound designed to be more durable than typical rubber. It is placed in the high-friction areas such as the ball and heel sections. This material is also non-marking, so it does not leave streaks on polished floors. The second type is the blown rubber which is located underneath the toes and the midfoot. Though durable, it is not as high-wearing as Ndurance.
The outsole has flex grooves in the forefoot area. They serve to add flexibility to the sole unit for better forefoot flexion. The tread pattern on the rubber enhances the traction on different surfaces.
The New Balance 840 v2 employs the ABZORB midsole. This full-length foam protects the foot and the joints in the lower extremities by absorbing the force of impact. The platform is also soft enough to provide all-day comfort but maintains its form to keep the foot steady. This cushioning component is found in some of the most durable walking shoes from the brand, like the New Balance 877.
Leather makes up most of the upper of the New Balance 840 v2. This material is designed to deliver a secure but comfortable wrap. It has perforations on the vamp to keep the inside of the trainer fresh.
To help keep the foot chamber ventilated, mesh fabric is used to cover the collar and tongue. It allows the hot air from the inside to dissipate and the cool air to come in. The plush collar also keeps the foot locked down, so that it doesn’t accidentally slip out while the user is in motion.
A traditional lacing system holds the foot securely in place. The flat laces allow users to customize the fit of the upper.