Which New Balance shoe is best for standing all day?

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A top choice for fitness walkers, New Balance shoes are known for their comfort, quality, support, cushioning, and stability, making these shoes ideal for long treks. They also offer a range of shoe types and styles so that you can address your particular needs, such as extra-wide feet or flat feet.

We researched dozens of New Balance shoes for walkers and evaluated them for comfort, breathability, stability, and price. Each of the New Balance sneakers chosen was determined to be the best of these factors.

Based on our research, here are the best New Balance shoes for walkers on the market.

Pros

• Sleek, stylish design

• Many colors to choose from

• Half sizes and multiple widths available

Cons

• May not have enough arch support for some

A solid pair of shoes no matter what your day-to-day looks like, we chose the Fresh Foam Arishi sneakers as our top pick because they're comfortable, stylish, and reliable.

A foam midsole provides just the right level of cushioning, while a breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool all day long. They're also durable, with a rubber sole that will hold up for years of wandering and hiking to come.

These shoes are lightweight, so they're a perfect choice for throwing in your gym bag on days when you don't have time to get ready at home. And with 23 different color combinations to choose from, you're sure to find a pair that will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.

Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

• Good ankle support

• Roomy toe box and heel

• Plenty of cushioning

• Expensive

Light and comfortable, we think New Balance’s M990 running shoes are a top choice from the brand, whether you're looking for a quality pair for fitness walking or need a reliable, all-day wear shoe. They’re well-cushioned and, unlike cheaper running shoes, New Balance uses a leather and fabric combination to create a sturdier, more durable shoe so you get the support you need.

They come in a variety of neutral colors, so there’s something for every taste and style. You can also get a pair in one of four different widths, which can accommodate inserts or custom orthotics, if necessary. Sizes range from a men's 7 through 16.

Materials: Mesh and suede upper, foam and polyurethane midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Wide toe box

• Lightweight

• Good traction

Cons

• Sizing may run small

The New Balance 1080 Fresh Foam running shoes have just the right amount of support and cushioning needed by those with high arches. Although it’s a lightweight and non-bulky shoe, it features a full-length midsole that packs in a lot of cushioning. The sock liner enhances the comfortable feel.

We love that these shoes also have a roomy toe box, which is helpful for those with high arches because it allows the toes to carry more weight and eases pain and weight from the heel. Whether you’re wearing them for walking or just standing for hours, your feet will feel supported and pain-free. Get them in a woman's size 5 through 13.

Materials: Synthetic and textile upper, rubber and synthetic midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Rubber, synthetic | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Good traction

• Reinforced toe offers protection

• Plenty of ankle support

Cons

• May not have enough cushioning for some

If you do a lot of trail walking, you’ll like the versatile performance and rugged features of the Arishi trail running shoe. With a reinforced toe tip and durable outsoles, we love that you get protection from rocks, sticks, and other debris. Plus, this pair is lightweight enough for even the longest hiking sessions.

Despite being tough on the outside, the foam midsole provides a comfy ride, while the no-sew construction of the upper gives it a sleek look and lightweight feel. Get it in women's sizes 5 through 11.

Materials: Synthetic and textile upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Good support

• Leather is easy to clean

• Extra cushioning in the heel

Cons

• Not as lightweight as other options

Choose from the Casual Comfort Cross Trainer's leather and suede styles, which come in a range of classic, neutral colors. The midsole is firm but still flexible, providing enough support while you walk. The internal shank also offers structure in the midfoot of the shoe, making this pair a great choice for walkers with wide feet.

While these shoes are heavier than others on our list, the extra weight stems from the support and cushioning you'll need to keep your feet comfortable during a long day of traveling, hiking, or running errands. These sneakers come in regular, half, wide, and extra-wide sizes, so you can find the right fit.

Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Great stability and cushioning

• Breathable mesh upper

• Designed for overpronators

Thanks to a combination of arch support and a sturdy design that ensures proper motion control, the New Balance 1540 running shoe is a solid choice for those with flat feet who tend to overpronate. With plenty of cushioning, including a foam midsole, these shoes will keep your feet comfortable when you’re going the distance. All of that padding does make for a heavier shoe, but with extra foam at the collar, the added support is a great trade-off.

We love that the New Balance 1540 running shoe also features breathable mesh that prevents your feet from overheating, keeping them dry and blister-free. Available in regular and wide sizes, these shoes can accommodate wide feet and custom-made orthotics. They come in women's sizes 5 through 13.

Materials: Mesh and synthetic upper, foam and polyurethane midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Stylish design

• Many color combinations to choose from

• Wide and extra wide sizes available

Cons

• May not have enough support for some

With over 30 modern color combinations to choose from, this sneaker truly does double duty. You can slip them on for a day at the office or run weekend errands in them—either way, the foam midsole will keep your feet stabilized and cushioned through it all. Breathable and lightweight, these sneakers are a great solution for anyone looking for a supportive and stylish sneaker.

An assortment of half, wide, and extra wide sizes means you'll be able to find a pair that fits your feet, no break-in period required.

Materials: Textile and suede upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Lace-up

Pros

• Half sizes available

• Durable rubber sole

• Collapsible heel

Cons

• Mesh upper is too light for winter weather

A collapsible heel and stretchy mesh upper make the Fresh Foam Roav Decon an ideal easy-on, easy-off shoe. We love that the rubber sole is durable enough for years of walking, and we like that the lightweight foam midsole cushions your feet with every step. Plus, the classic color selection means you won't have to spend too much time deciding which pair will be the next addition to your collection.

Find your perfect fit (they come in regular, half, and wide sizes) and slide these on right out of the box.

Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Slip-on

Pros

• Many colors and styles to choose from

• Lightweight

• Good traction

These easy-on, easy-off shoes are stylish enough to take you from the gym to the office. With plenty of colors to choose from, you're bound to find a pair that meets your needs. The Nergize Sport sneaker also comes in wide sizes for a close fit and features a foam midsole for extra cushioning.

Extra traction on the outsole makes these shoes ideal for walking on all kinds of terrain, while no break-in period means they're ready to go right out of the box. Flexible, lightweight, and casual, we think the Nergize Sport sneakers are a solid choice for a slip-on shoe.

Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: | Slip-on

Final Verdict

Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V3 Running Shoes are a great choice for any and all walkers. These New Balance sneakers are stylish and come in plenty of colors. Plus, the foam cushioning feels light and airy all day long. Another top pick of ours, the M990v5 Running Shoes are durable and supportive, complete with a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool.

How We Selected the Best New Balance Shoes for Walking

After reviewing dozens of sneakers from the most popular and trusted retailers, we selected the best New Balance pairs for walking based on a variety of factors. First, we considered price, width, and fit. We also looked at how much cushioning each pair had, what type of support they offered, and what materials they were made out of. Finally, we evaluated which activities each shoe was designed for.

What to Look for in New Balance Shoes for Walking

Purpose

Certain New Balance shoes are designed for specific activities, while others can be used more generally. Cross trainers allow you to walk, run, and play various sports, while specific walking or running shoes are best used for those particular purposes.

Width

One of the nice things about New Balance shoes is that they offer different widths to accommodate all sizes of feet. If you have wider feet, you’ll want to choose a model that offers wide sizes, as these will be more comfortable for you.

Foot Type

When buying shoes, it’s important to consider what type of feet you have. People with flat feet typically need more cushioning and arch support. If you tend to overpronate when you walk, which means your feet roll inward, you’ll be better off with a shoe that’s more rigid and will hold your feet in the correct alignment to prevent strain on your joints. If you aren't sure what you need, visit a specialty running store for advice (the pros there can help with walking shoes too).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do podiatrists recommend New Balance?

  Podiatrists recommend New Balance because there's space for an insole. Many New Balance shoes also have stretchy material or mesh that accommodates foot swelling.

• How do you wash New Balance sneakers?

  Use a dye-free laundry detergent or dish soap, damp cloth, and an old toothbrush to clean your New Balance walking shoes. Wipe the shoes clean with the cloth, and allow to air dry. Use a deodorizing shoe spray for odors.

• How often should you replace your walking shoes?

  Replace your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you walk an hour a day every day, you'll need to replace your walking shoes about every three months. But if your shoes are visibly worn out before that, or if you're experiencing any foot or joint pain, you should replace them sooner.

• What is the difference between walking sneakers and running sneakers?

  Running shoes can be used for walking, but walking shoes shouldn't be used for running. This is because running shoes have more cushioning, a thinner, flared heel, and are more flexible than walking shoes.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier.

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