7 Best New Balance Walking Shoes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

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7 Best New Balance Walking Shoes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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This guide focuses on the athletic walking shoes from New Balance. They are different from classic NB sneakers, like the 574, which are typically associated with the brand.

New Balance walking shoes are made for walking, hiking, and traveling. The primary focus of these shoes is set on comfort and support.

We have reviewed more than 20 walking shoes from NB to help you find your next favorite pair. Our tests covered various categories as some people may appreciate shoes with arch support, some are looking for a light shoe, and some want to add style to their casual outfits.

Our top picks below will help you fulfill each of these needs.

How we test walking shoes

Our teammates at RunRepeat keep an eye on all the walking shoe offerings from 12+ top brands, including New Balance. We consider both popular and little-known NB models to keep the competition fair.

  • We have researched all the nitty-gritty details of over 25 (and counting) NB walking shoes to understand the benefits they offer.
  • 46,000 reviews from experts and regular buyers have been summarized to compare and shortlist the top-performing shoes.

Our final verdict is presented in the form of CoreScore, a number from 1 to 100 found next to each model name.

Best New Balance walking shoes overall

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13

Corescore

81
Good!
5.0 / 5 from 5 users
N/A

Pros

  • Very breathable
  • Comfy, well-padded upper
  • Non-slip lockdown
  • Multiple widths available
  • Impact absorbing
  • Consistently smooth ride
  • Outsole can withstand a bomb
  • Grippy on wet roads and light trails
  • Best for tackling daily miles

Cons

  • Generally snug throughout
  • Very heavy

What makes it the best overall?

The 880 is the mid-tier daily trainer New Balance fans have steadfastly depended on for over a decade. One may ask: “There’s nothing exciting about these shoes, so why?” But where it shines is not with bells and whistles, but with its unfailing reliability—and the v13 is no exception. Its proven comfort and durability allow its wearers to get through their everyday miles smoothly, confidently, and with ease.
Read our full review of New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 here

Best New Balance walking shoes for flat feet

New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12
New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12

Corescore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 5,544 users
85 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Excellent stability shoe
  • Good lacing
  • Looks the part
  • Comfortable
  • Consistent ride in any condition
  • Good grip
  • Perfect daily runner

Cons

  • Runs half a size small
  • Heel counter is not for everyone
  • Quite heavy

What makes it the best for flat feet?

New Balance’s stability running shoe provides amazing support for overpronators. Ever improving, the v12 has brought some new technology into this shoe while bringing back some of the features of the old upper.
Read our full review of New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 here
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Best New Balance work shoes

New Balance Leather 928 v3
New Balance Leather 928 v3

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 13,549 users
N/A

Pros

  • Lasting comfort
  • Excellent ankle support
  • Stable platform
  • Available in varying widths
  • Relieves pain
  • Allows orthotic inserts
  • Quality materials

Cons

  • Stiff sole unit
  • Insufficient forward roll
  • High price tag
  • Lacks ankle support to some

What makes it the best work shoe?

The stability and ankle support of the New Balance Leather 928 v3 exceeded the expectations of many walking shoe aficionados. They also appreciate the availability of different width dimensions. However, consumers were not pleased with its short tongue, hard cushioning unit, and durability. In the end, it was considered a reliable shoe for walking and long periods of standing because it is extremely comfortable.
Read our full review of New Balance Leather 928 v3 here

Best New Balance sneaker

New Balance 992
New Balance 992

Corescore

97
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 121 users
N/A

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 sneaker?

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.
Read our full review of New Balance 992 here

Best New Balance walking shoe for hiking

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7

Corescore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,638 users
93 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • Grippier than ever before
  • Ready for a rough beating
  • Very light
  • Seamless heel-to-toe
  • Stable during sharp turns
  • Mutes out impact
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Also for hiking

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Forefoot lacks cushion

What makes it the best for hiking?

The Hierro v7 from New Balance is dubbed as the trail version of the NB 1080. Although New Balance has touted it as a road-to-trail option, with its multi-terrain grip, runners agree it's now more trail-specific. And if you want your New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro stripped-down, the version 7 is a lightweight trail running shoe that makes you want to rack up more miles.
Read our full review of New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 here

Best value New Balance walking shoes

New Balance 623 v3
New Balance 623 v3

Corescore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 83,860 users
N/A

Pros

  • Supportive midsole
  • Stylish
  • Good color selection
  • Relieves foot issues
  • Reasonably priced
  • Fits perfectly

Cons

  • Upper and sole durability issues

What makes it the best value?

Wearers acknowledged the New Balance 623 v3 as a comfortable and supportive everyday walking and gym workout shoe. It is also regarded as a good companion for people with foot issues. On the other hand, a significant number of reviewers were dismayed about its durability. Still, the shoe is quite recommendable for its other benefits.
Read our full review of New Balance 623 v3 here

What makes walking shoes from New Balance stand out

Big focus on arch support. Originally started as an arch support manufacturer, the brand has always taken flat feet and overpronation seriously.

Multiple width options. New Balance is one of the very few major athletic brands that make shoes in several width options, from Extra Narrow to Extra Wide.

Diabetes approved. Nearly every pair of New Balance walking shoes is recognized as appropriate for people with diabetes. These shoes are given the A5500code and are subject to Medicare reimbursement.

3 questions to ask before buying an NB walker

1. Use: city or trail?

If you need a walking shoe for commuting, working on concrete or tile floors, going shopping, or simply getting through your day, consider New Balance shoes for urban use.

If what you have on your mind are forest trails, countryside roads, and not very rocky mountain tracks, go for the brand’s trail walking shoes. These models are also waterproof.

2. Style: athletic or classic?

Athletic

Athletic.png

Classic

Classic.png

lightweight

breathable

flexible

cheaper

sturdy

supportive

durable

most come with arch support

most are approved for diabetes

some have Velcro straps

more expensive

3. Arch support: needed or not?

If in doubt, see the illustration below to guide you. You can also learn more about pronation and arch support in our meta-analysis of 150+ studies on the topic.

Arch-types-and-recommended-shoes.png

Other New Balance shoes to consider

Apart from the dedicated walking shoes, your daily walking needs may also be satisfied by New Balance sneakers and running shoes.

However, the choice will depend on your personal preferences in footwear. Here is how these three categories differ:

New Balance sneakers

New Balance walking shoes

New Balance running shoes

All-day support

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All-day support

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All-day support

5 star.png

Motion control

2 star.png

Motion control

5 star.png

Motion control

3 star.png

Lightness

3 star.png

Lightness

3 star.png

Lightness

5 star.png

Style

5 star.png

Style

3 star.png

Style

4 star.png

New Balance walking shoes are best for those who want to feel supported all throughout the day and look for a more conservative shoe style.

Author
Laci
Laci

Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the RunRepeat content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.