So, you're a big walker. I get it. I'm a big walker. If you live in a walkable city, you likely are, too, and even if you live in a drivable city—or the suburbs, or the country, or wherever—maybe you just enjoy taking long strolls, for leisure or for fitness. Whatever scenario best describes you, one thing is for certain: You need a good walking shoe, and New Balance has a handful of damn great ones.
There's nothing worse than achy feet, so a shoe that offers the support, cushioning, and stability you need is essential. In fact, consider it a commute cost. You wouldn't fill your gas tank with diesel, so why would you put anything less than the very best sneaker on your foot?
best cushiony new balance walking shoe
FuelCell Walker Elite
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best non-slip new balance walking shoes
Fresh Foam X 840F Slip Resistant
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best motion control new balance walking shoe
Hook and Loop Leather 928v3
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Esquire editors love New Balance for its high-quality sneakers and athletic gear, ranging from running shoes to lifestyle kicks. As it turns out, the retailer knows its stuff for slower-paced jaunts, too. For long walks and short ones, these are the very best New Balance shoes designed specifically for walking. Each model is different, but they all share a couple things: comfort and function. Before you step out for your next walk, snag a pair of these, and feel the difference in every step.
best cushiony new balance walking shoe
FuelCell Walker Elite
best cushiony new balance walking shoe
FuelCell Walker Elite
Pros
- Supportive, cushioned outsole
- Stability Plane improves performance
Cons
- Buyers report the heel can dig into your foot
Whether you're going for a quick walk or a long stroll, this shoe is there with you, every step of the way. It's designed to be cushiony but not heavy, and has a supportive outsole to ensure your feet are as comfortable as can be. Plus, New Balance's Walking Strike Path tech guides your gait.
| Colors | Navy, Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Synthetic, Engineered Mesh, Textile Upper |
best stable new balance walking shoe
928v3
best stable new balance walking shoe
928v3
Pros
- Available in Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide, and XX-Wide
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
Cons
- Buyers report the width sizing is narrower than expected
For something sleek, simple, and infallible, this is your go-to. The lace-up style comes in five different widths to ensure you can get the perfect fit for your foot, and if that wasn't enough, this shoe features motion control technology for improved stability and performance.
| Colors | Black, White |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Leather |
best non-slip new balance walking shoes
Fresh Foam X 840F Slip Resistant
best non-slip new balance walking shoes
Fresh Foam X 840F Slip Resistant
Pros
- Available in Standard, Wide, and X-Wide fits
- Fresh Foam X midsole is incredibly cushiony
Cons
- Only one color option
- Buyers report they wear out quickly
It's all about attention to detail with these shoes. Designed to provide extra cushioning and slip resistance, these are your BFFs if you like to walk fast. The slip-resistant outsole with high traction ensures you won't be taking a tumble any time soon.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Leather |
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best non-lace new balance walking shoes
MW577Hv1
best non-lace new balance walking shoes
MW577Hv1
Pros
- Easy to fasten
- Ideal for long or short walks
Cons
- Runs a half size large
No more stopping on the middle of the sidewalk to re-tie your laces. Sometimes, Velcro is just the way to go. These hook and loop sneakers are designed specifically for walking, and have great arch support, a sleek look, and a lightweight feel.
| Colors | Black, White, Bone |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Leather |
best stylish new balance walking shoe
877v1
best stylish new balance walking shoe
877v1
Pros
- 11mm heel drop
- Available in Standard, Wide, and X-Wide fits
Cons
- Less cushioning than other styles
For a walking shoe that doubles as a stylish lifestyle shoe, the 877v1 is your guy. The vintage-inspired suede-and-mesh upper ensures you can walk around in style, while the 11 millimeter heel drop offers support that your other lifestyle shoes can only dream of.
| Colors | Gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Suede, Mesh |
best long-distance new balance walking shoe
1540v3
best long-distance new balance walking shoe
1540v3
Pros
- ENCAP and Rollbar midsole tech for rear foot control
- Sleek design
Cons
- Priciest pick on the list
This is a shoe all about making sure your feet don't even come close to aching, no matter how far you walk. It's imbued with tech to enhance stability and combat over-pronation, with double-layered performance foam for cushioning and a Rollbar midsole that supports the back of the foot, especially for walks and runs over five kilometers.
| Colors | Black, Gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Mesh |
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best motion control new balance walking shoe
Hook and Loop Leather 928v3
best motion control new balance walking shoe
Hook and Loop Leather 928v3
Pros
- Available in Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide, and XX-Wide
- Don't have to worry about laces coming untied
Cons
- Buyers report the material feels stiff
Just like the 928v3 shoe from earlier, but instead of lacing, it has an easily-fastenable hook and loop closure. Don't worry, though—it's still decked out with Rollbar stability, motion control tech, and plenty of cushioning.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Leather |
Tips For Choosing
When it comes to choosing the perfect New Balance walking shoe for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Your preference for comfort is one: some like it super cushiony, some don't. Also, take into consideration whether you want more arch support or less—these heel drops vary, and you don't want to reach for the wrong one. Some of these options are also better-suited for longer walks, so if that's your vibe, those will serve you well.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to the most comfortable New Balance walking shoes, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally researched, tested, tried, and loved. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these shoes are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
