Verdict from 1 expert and 100+ user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- The majority found the New Balance 577 to be comfortable for long periods of use.
- Many users were satisfied with the construction of the footwear as it was deemed durable.
- The fit was said to be perfect, according to several reviewers.
- Some buyers considered the shoe affordable because of the value it offered.
- A few owners claimed that it delivered a stable platform for walking.
2 reasons not to buy
- Several consumers commented that the product was made from cheap materials as the leather scuffed easily and the outsole lost traction with after only a few months of use.
- The tongue was too long and irritated the top of the foot of some testers.
Bottom line
The New Balance 577 was generally well-received by the reviewers because of its durability and satisfactory fit. However, a handful of purchasers were not happy with some aspects of the shoe's quality. Still, the majoority believed that it was an ideal walking shoe because it was comfortable for all-day wear.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
Good to know
The New Balance 577 is a walking shoe explicitly designed for people who are always on their feet. It employs a polyurethane (PU) midsole which is a dense foam that lasts for a long time. It is also made to be resilient which prevents it from compressing over time. The heel section features a soft and bouncy ABZORB technology.
Similarly to most walking shoes from New Balance, its upper is made from leather which gives the shoe its form and provides support to the foot. It has perforations in some areas to promote airflow to the foot chamber.
A full-length solid rubber lines the underside of the New Balance 577. This compound is hard-wearing, flexible and slip-resistant on most types of surfaces. The flex grooves in the forefoot area assist in foot flexion, while the tread pattern enhances the traction of the rubber.
The Walking Strike Path feature is found in the center of the outsole. It guides the foot during the walking gait cycle, ensuring that the weight smoothly shifts from the heel to the forefoot with every step.
The New Balance 577 employs a full-length PU midsole. PU is a type of dense foam that has a high resiliency which prevents it from getting flat or compressed with long-term use. It is heavier compared to other foam cushioning platforms, but it also has a longer lifespan.
Wedged between the midsole and the outsole is the ABZORB cushioning. This proprietary technology is similar to the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) but is bouncier and more durable. It enhances shock attenuation and does not compress over time.
The entire upper of the New Balance 577 is made of leather. It supports all parts of the foot for a locked-down feel. Because leather is not breathable, perforations are present in the vamp, the quarters and the back of the shoe to facilitate airflow to the interior of the shoe.
A reflective detail is found in the rear section. When hit with light, the material bounces the light back, making it visible in dark environments.
The trainer features a traditional lace-up closure that secures the foot inside. The round laces pass through a slot in the exterior of the tongue to prevent it from moving out of place. The lightly padded tongue evenly spreads the pressure of the laces to keep the instep comfortable.
The plush collar prevents irritation in the ankle area. It also locks the foot down, preventing accidental shoe removal.
This walking shoe from New Balance is marked with the A5500 code. It implies that this trainer has been approved for use by people with diabetes and can be covered by Medicare.