New Balance Shoes We Also Tested

We tested 12 New Balance shoes, but only nine impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of this sneaker's features, it ultimately didn't meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as a top pick.

• New Balance's FuelCell Walker Elite Shoes are very stable—we even found they helped us stand straighter. But we wish they were more comfortable and had more cushioning and heel support.

What to Look for When Shopping for New Balance Shoes

• Purpose: New Balance shoes provide effective lateral and medial support. This makes them great for various activities, like running, boot camp workouts, HIIT circuits, lunges, jumping, and squats, says board-certified orthopedic surgeon Pamela Mehta, MD. They also come with various levels of breathability in their uppers and different types of outsoles depending on what terrain they'll be worn on. When choosing a shoe, consider your workout routine and when you'll be wearing them.
• Width: Most New Balance shoes offer multiple widths, ranging from narrow to extra-wide. If you have narrow or wide feet, ensure the sneaker you're looking at comes in the right width so it fits you properly.
• Foot Type: When buying running or walking shoes, it’s important to consider your foot type. If you have flat feet or you tend to overpronate, choose a sneaker with a support system that will align your feet and cut down on excess movement. If you have high arches, look for a shoe with more arch support to prevent foot pain. Not sure what you need? Try visiting a specialty running store for advice from the pros.
  

How We Tested the New Balance Shoes

To find the best New Balance shoes, we spent over 55 hours testing 12 options at home, wearing them while walking and running on treadmills, concrete sidewalks, asphalt streets, hiking paths, and more. When testing New Balance shoes, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

• Fit: To assess for fit, we try the sneakers on and ask ourselves if we have enough room to wiggle our toes in the toe box. Does our foot slide around, or is it locked securely in place? Do we feel any tingling or numbness? These observations help us determine whether the shoe runs narrow, wide, or true to size.
• Cushioning: We check how firm or pillow-like the shoe's cushioning feels. Does it absorb shock well? Do we notice any joint pain or fatigue? We prioritize shoes with plenty of cushioning to support our feet and joints.
• Comfort: To evaluate the comfort of each shoe, we look for flexible, breathable uppers that don't irritate or chafe. Do we notice any blisters, irritating seams, or hot spots? We also pay attention to how the arch support feels—does the shoe have enough, and is it in the right spot?
• Responsiveness: A responsive shoe has a springy midsole that pushes you forward with each step. We prioritize pairs that help us walk or run longer—bonus points if our legs feel less tired after each wear.
• Stability: To evaluate stability, we walk and run on multiple surfaces, like treadmills, concrete, and trails. Do we trip, wobble, or slip in the sneakers, or can we wear them confidently? Shoes that help us feel steady and balanced receive high scores.
• Value: To assess a shoe's value, we wait until after testing is complete to check how much it costs. Does the price reflect the shoe's performance during testing? We only recommend shoes that we think are worth the price and would recommend to our friends or family.
  

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts explained how the technology in New Balance shoes can benefit different foot types and conditions, as well as important information about the design and lifespan of walking shoes. We choose products independently, but input from experts influences our decisions.

• Pamela Mehta, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Resilience Orthopedics in San Jose, California
• Tyler Miranda, DPM, New York-based podiatrist
• Victor Ornelas, senior director of vendor management for Fleet Feet
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes?

Podiatrists recommend New Balance because it's a trusted brand that designs shoes with foot anatomy in mind. Miranda adds that it also offers shoes for everything from the casual walker to the high-level athlete.

How often should you replace your walking shoes?

When you replace your shoes is influenced by the frequency of use and environment, says Ornelas. A good rule is to replace your walking shoes every 300 to 400 miles or every four to six months. But if they're visibly worn out, you may need to replace them sooner.

What is the difference between walking sneakers and running sneakers?

Running shoes have more cushioning, a thinner, flared heel, and more flexibility. Walking shoes typically have a straighter shape and a wider midfoot to increase your balance and stability, says Ornelas.

What can you expect to pay for New Balance shoes?

High-quality New Balance shoes cost between $65 and $250. You may also have to pay a little more for specialized shoes, such as those with extra stability or those made for overpronators.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a running coach, certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and Verywell Fit writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To exercise in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for shoes and replacing them regularly. For this article, Christine looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.