7 Best New Balance Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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When style, comfort, and quality are your priorities in sneakers, the best brand you must consider is the New Balance. With so many models to choose from, we brewed this foolproof guide to help you find the right NB shoes for you.
With that in mind, we reviewed and compared more than a hundred New Balance sneakers. We put together a list of the best NB kicks under various categories to make it easier to find the best model that suits your needs.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest classicBest chunkyBest retroBest new releaseBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
To help you save time and effort, we narrowed down our top picks under various categories.
- We buy all New Balance sneakers with our own money to avoid bias.
- To gather accurate results, we subject these shoes to countless trials and comparisons.
- We also give high value to the reviewers' input and have collated thousands of them for our reviews.
Through these reviews and test results, we graded each New Balance sneaker from 1 to 100. This scoring system called CoreScore will give you an overview of how the model went for most reviewers.
Best New Balance sneakers overall
Corescore
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
What makes it the best overall?
The New Balance 992 is well-worth the reissue simply for the impact it makes on sneakerheads from all walks of life. The NB992 from New Balance has comfort, quality, and stability that translate to a fashion statement that many people deeply appreciate. It also lives up to its dad-shoe categorization for its multi-faceted performance.
Best classic New Balance sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Customizable fit
- Fashionable hiking-inspired elements
- Stylish retro vibes
- Good quality build
- All-day comfortable
- Reasonably-priced
- Roomy toebox
- Grippy sole
Cons
- Laces don’t stay tied
- Not for harsher conditions
What makes it the best classic?
The 610 v1 from New Balance takes the essence of trail-inspired sneakers and puts a casual spin on them. Its retro vibe achieves both freshness and familiarity by integrating rugged and natural elements, completing a low-key looker. Its utilitarian aesthetic isn’t just for show, as its design choices enable all-day comfort in the urban jungle.
Best chunky New Balance sneakers
New Balance 990 v5
Amazon
Free shipping
$170
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$185
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$185
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$185
Corescore
Pros
- Supportive
- Flexible
- Comfy
- All-around
- Glove-like
- Moderately springy midsole
Cons
- Yielding footbed
- Weighty
- Bunching issues
- Flimsy upper (big toe area)
What makes it the best chunky?
The New Balance 990 series has retained its cult following status with the overall positive reception of the 990 v5. The shoe is praised for the comfort it provides, as well as its fit and display of versatility. Despite some criticisms, the New Balance 990 v5 is still a successful release as users recognize its improvements from the previous version and express their desire to repurchase the shoe in the future.
Best New Balance retro sneakers
New Balance Numeric 440 High
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$73
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$73
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$85
Stadium Goods
$85
Corescore
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
What makes it the best retro?
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 low-impact days.
Best new release New Balance sneakers
New Balance 574H
Joes New Balance Outlet
$60
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$80
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Remarkably comfortable
- Quite dashing
- Incredible support
- Excellent heel fit
- Lasting construction
- Cozy in the cold
- Doubles as a work boot
- Not at all heavy
Cons
- With break-in
- Very limited colorways
- Not-so sticky on ice
What makes it the best new release?
Among the remarks that go in favor of the super-plush 574H, "a lightweight shoe that is fun to wear" is arguably the most captivating. From its grounded-yet-stylish aesthetics to its performance versatility and durability, this hiking-inspired sneak from New Balance evokes confidence with every step. It's not as diverse as its low-top counterpart in terms of hues, though, so take heed.
Best value
New Balance 515 v3
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$42
Designer Shoe Warehouse
$45
Shoebacca
$45
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$50
Corescore
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
What makes it the best value?
Being second to none in both fashion and comfort, the third version of the New Balance 515 is a sneaker to beat. Boasting a style that looks amazing with any attire, these kicks suit users who prioritize cushy rides and long-lasting make. This makes it a fitting addition to their daily footwear rotation.
Most popular New Balance sneakers
New Balance 550
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$80
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$80
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Amazon
Free shipping
$141
Corescore
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
What makes it the most popular?
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.
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