Do your feet ache after a long walk? Many people enjoy walking for exercise, but uncomfortable shoes can ruin the fun. Choosing the right walking shoes is super important for happy feet and healthy steps. New Balance makes many great walking shoes for men. However, with so many styles and features, picking the best pair can feel like a maze.
You want shoes that offer good support without feeling too heavy. Finding the perfect fit means looking at cushioning, stability, and comfort for your specific walking needs. Getting it wrong leads to sore feet and maybe even injuries. That is no good!
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the top New Balance walking shoe models. You will learn exactly what features matter most. By the end, you will confidently choose the perfect New Balance shoes for your next walk.
Top New Balance Mens Walking Shoes Recommendations
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Suede upper
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Internal midsole shank adds midfoot structure and support
- Dual density collar foam offers support and comfort for ankles
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Synthetic upper
- Soft BIO Foam midsole for comfort underfoot
- Durable overlays and meshes for lasting wear
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Walking Strike Path outsole technology helps guide your foot throughout the entire walking gait cycle
- Stability Plane provides performance and stability without compromising cushioning and the comfort of the underfoot platform
- Synthetic, engineered mesh and textile upper
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Synthetic material
- Breathable engineered mesh
- 121 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 10 mm drop are approximate
- Lace closure
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption
- Leather upper
- Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500, may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement
- Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint, enhancing these road running shoes.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out
- No-sew overlays
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying New Balance Men’s Walking Shoes
Choosing the right walking shoe makes a huge difference in how your feet feel after a long day or a brisk walk. New Balance offers many great options for men. This guide helps you pick the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
Good walking shoes need specific features to keep your feet happy and supported. Look closely at these elements when shopping:
1. Cushioning and Midsole Support
- Shock Absorption: The midsole is the thick layer between your foot and the ground. It must absorb the shock from every step. Look for technologies like Fresh Foam or ABZORB, which New Balance uses for soft landings.
- Stability: Some walkers need extra support to keep their foot straight. Shoes labeled as “stability” shoes help prevent your ankle from rolling inward too much.
2. Outsole Traction
The outsole is the rubber part that touches the ground. You need good grip. Look for durable rubber that offers excellent traction on sidewalks, light trails, and smooth floors. Deep treads usually mean better grip.
3. Fit and Width Options
New Balance is famous for offering different widths. This is crucial! A shoe that is too narrow causes blisters and pain. Ensure you select the correct width (e.g., standard D, wide 2E, or extra-wide 4E).
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in the shoe affect its weight, breathability, and how long it lasts.
Upper Materials
- Mesh: Most modern walking shoes use engineered mesh. This material is light and lets air flow through easily. This keeps your feet cool.
- Leather/Synthetic Overlays: Some shoes add leather or synthetic patches over the mesh. These overlays add durability and support around the midfoot and heel.
Midsole Materials
The foam used in the midsole is very important. EVA foam is common, but New Balance’s proprietary foams (like Fresh Foam) often provide a better energy return, making your steps feel springier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all walking shoes are built the same. A few details separate a long-lasting shoe from one that breaks down quickly.
Quality Boosters:
- Stitching Quality: Check the stitching around the overlays. Neat, tight stitching suggests the shoe will hold together longer.
- Heel Counter Firmness: The heel counter is the stiff cup around your heel. A firm counter locks your heel in place, which greatly improves walking stability.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Outsoles: If the rubber on the bottom looks thin, it will wear down fast, especially if you walk many miles daily.
- Overly Soft Midsoles: While cushioning feels great initially, if the foam packs down completely after only a few weeks, the shoe loses its support. Read reviews to see how the cushioning holds up over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you plan to wear your shoes most often.
For Daily Errands and Casual Wear:
If you mostly walk around the house, run errands, or stand a lot at work, prioritize comfort and lightweight design. Models with excellent step-in comfort (like plush padding around the collar) are best here.
For Fitness Walking and Longer Distances:
If you walk several miles several times a week, you need durability and reliable support. Choose shoes with more robust stability features and higher-quality, resilient cushioning that resists flattening out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About New Balance Men’s Walking Shoes
Q: Are New Balance walking shoes good for people who overpronate?
A: Yes, many New Balance walking shoes offer stability features. Look for models specifically designed to control overpronation, which means your foot rolls too far inward when you walk.
Q: How do I know if I need a wide or extra-wide shoe?
A: If your foot feels pinched at the sides, or if you see your foot bulging over the sole, you likely need a wider size. New Balance offers 2E (Wide) and 4E (Extra Wide).
Q: Should my walking shoes feel tight when I first try them on?
A: No. Walking shoes should feel comfortable right away. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. They should not require a “break-in” period.
Q: What is the difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe?
A: Walking shoes are generally firmer in the heel and midfoot because walkers push off using their toes more evenly. Running shoes have more cushioning, especially in the heel, to handle the impact of landing on the heel first.
Q: Are New Balance walking shoes good for standing all day?
A: Many models are excellent for standing because they offer superior arch support and cushioning, reducing fatigue in the legs and lower back.
Q: How long should a quality pair of New Balance walking shoes last?
A: If you walk regularly (several miles a week), you should expect them to last between 300 and 500 miles, which usually translates to about 6 to 12 months.
Q: Do I need special socks with these shoes?
A: While any sock works, wearing moisture-wicking athletic socks (not thick cotton) helps keep your feet dry and prevents blisters, especially in New Balance mesh uppers.
Q: What is Fresh Foam?
A: Fresh Foam is New Balance’s premium midsole cushioning technology. It uses data to provide soft cushioning exactly where you need it most, offering a bouncy, supportive feel.
Q: Can I wear these shoes on light hiking trails?
A: Some New Balance walking shoes have durable outsoles that handle packed dirt paths well. However, for rugged or rocky trails, look for their dedicated “trail walking” models which have deeper, stickier treads.
Q: How should I clean my mesh New Balance walking shoes?
A: Gently wipe the mesh with a soft cloth dipped in mild soap and water. Avoid putting them in the washing machine, as this can damage the adhesives and cushioning structure.