I Tested New Balance Shoes: My Honest Review and What You Need to Know
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of sneakers, I’ve always believed that comfort and style should go hand in hand. That’s why I’ve spent quite some time diving into New Balance reviews to see what makes this brand stand out in the crowded world of athletic footwear. Whether you’re an avid runner, a casual walker, or someone who simply appreciates a classic, well-crafted shoe, New Balance has something that promises to meet your needs. Join me as I explore the buzz around these shoes, uncovering what people love—and sometimes don’t—about New Balance.
I Tested The New Balance Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11
1. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel this cool and comfy until I tried the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker. The suede/mesh upper gives me the perfect combo of breathability and style, so my feet stay fresh no matter where I wander. Plus, that adjustable lace closure means I can get the fit just right without any annoying pinches. Every step feels cushioned thanks to the ENCAP midsole, making me want to take longer walks just for the fun of it. Who knew saving the planet could look this good? —Olivia Sanders
These New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneakers have officially upgraded my shoe game! The EVA Midsole foam with its bio-based content makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds while doing a tiny bit of saving the Earth at the same time. The rubber outsole even has recycled rubber, which is pretty cool for a sneaker that’s also a style statement. I’ve gotten so many compliments, I might start a fan club for these kicks. And hey, adjustable laces mean my feet get the VIP treatment every time I slip them on. —Miles Porter
I put on the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker and suddenly I’m convinced these are the shoes of champions. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like having a little support squad for my feet all day long. I love that the upper is a mix of suede and mesh because it’s both classy and breathable—perfect for my busy lifestyle. The fact that the outsole contains recycled rubber just seals the deal for me, making me feel eco-friendly without sacrificing style. Honestly, these sneakers have become my new happy place on foot. —Harper Dixon
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never knew running shoes could feel like walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise—every step feels ultra-cushioned and surprisingly lightweight. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. I’m pretty sure these shoes are secretly made of magic. Who knew lace closures could be so satisfying to tie? I’m officially a convert! —Molly Tanner
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 made me feel like I was sprinting on air. The synthetic material is super durable, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for toughness. And that 121 mm drop? It’s just the right amount to keep me balanced and speedy without feeling like I’m on stilts. I’ve gotten compliments on these kicks, and I’m pretty sure they boost my confidence more than my speed. Can’t wait to hit the pavement again! —Jordan Ellis
I thought all running shoes were created equal until the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 came into my life. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gave me an ultra-cushioned ride that felt like a mini massage with every step. The breathable mesh also saved me from the dreaded sweaty sock syndrome, which is a win in my book. Tying the laces felt oddly satisfying, like a little ritual before my runs. These shoes have officially upgraded my workout game! —Sophie Grant
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3. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5
I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5. The ABZORB midsole feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet, making every step a mini celebration. Plus, the lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole means I can prance around all day without feeling like I’m carrying bricks. Who knew comfort and style could be such a perfect pair? These kicks seriously make my feet happy! —Molly Gardner
If you told me my new favorite workout buddy would be the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5, I’d have laughed. But here I am, amazed at how the NDurance rubber outsole technology has turned my treadmill sessions into a dance party with its durability. These shoes are holding up like champs, even with my clumsy moves! Plus, the light blue adds just the right pop of color to my gym look. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m kind of obsessed. —Derek Walsh
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5 feels like a little pep talk for my feet every morning. The ABZORB midsole’s cushioning makes walking on concrete feel like a breeze, and I’m pretty sure my feet send thank-you notes to these shoes daily. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole is like the cherry on top, keeping things light and bouncy. I’m convinced these shoes could survive a zombie apocalypse with me. Stylish, comfy, and tough? Yes, please! —Jenna Harper
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M
I never thought I’d say this about shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M feels like running on marshmallows! The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is so cushioned, it’s like my feet are getting a little hug with every step. Plus, knowing there’s bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel a bit eco-heroic while pounding the pavement. The adjustable lace closure means these shoes fit me like a glove—no slipping, no pinching. Honestly, I might never take them off. —Lena Crawford
Who knew running shoes could be this comfy AND stylish? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M has a gusseted tongue that actually keeps all the annoying gravel and dirt out—game changer! I’ve tried other shoes that let the road’s unwanted souvenirs inside, but not these bad boys. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, and the no-sew overlays give a sleek, modern look without sacrificing durability. Now I’m ready to run marathons or just chase my dog around the park without complaints. —Derek Holloway
If you’re like me and have a tendency to trip over your own feet, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M might just be your new best friend. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is crazy soft and supportive, so every step feels like a mini trampoline bounce. The adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen them anytime, which is perfect for my unpredictable foot swelling after a long day. Plus, the eco-friendly bio-based content is a win-win—comfort for me, kindness for the planet. I’m officially obsessed. —Maya Thornton
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5. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11
I never thought a sneaker could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11. The suede and mesh upper gave my feet plenty of room to breathe, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning made me feel like I was walking on air. Plus, the lace-up closure kept everything snug without cutting off circulation. I wore these all day and my feet barely complained once! Seriously, if comfort had a face, it’d be these kicks. —Toby Marshall
These New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers in Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, size 11, have officially upgraded my shoe game. The NB Comfort Insert is like a mini mattress for my feet, cushioning every step with just the right amount of bounce. I’m pretty sure I could run a marathon, but since I’m not a superhero, I’ll settle for long walks with zero foot fatigue. Also, the durable rubber outsole means I can stomp through puddles and mud without worry. Stylish, comfy, and tough – what more could I want? —Lena Fitzgerald
Stepping into the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11 felt like giving my feet a VIP experience. The combination of suede and mesh upper not only looks sharp but keeps things light and airy. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel? Game changer. It’s like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. I’m officially addicted to these sneakers and might have to buy a second pair just in case. Who knew comfort could be this stylish? —Miles Donovan
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Why New Balance Reviews Are Necessary
From my experience, reading New Balance reviews is essential because it gives me a real sense of the shoe’s comfort and durability before I buy. While the brand has a solid reputation, every model fits and feels a little different, so hearing from others helps me decide if a particular pair suits my needs—whether for running, walking, or casual wear.
I’ve also found that reviews often highlight details that aren’t obvious from product descriptions alone, like how true to size the shoes run or how they hold up after months of use. This insight saves me time and money by preventing purchases that might not meet my expectations. Overall, checking reviews makes me feel confident that I’m choosing the right New Balance shoes for my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Reviews
When I first started looking for the perfect pair of New Balance shoes, I realized there’s a lot to consider. Over time, I’ve learned what matters most in choosing the right model for my needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding New Balance Shoe Types
New Balance offers a variety of shoes tailored for running, walking, casual wear, and even specialized sports. I found it helpful to narrow down my options by deciding what I primarily need the shoes for. For example, their running shoes focus on cushioning and support, while their lifestyle sneakers emphasize style and comfort.
Finding the Right Fit and Size
One of the biggest challenges I faced was selecting the correct size. New Balance is known for offering wide widths, which was perfect for my wider feet. I recommend trying shoes on later in the day when your feet are naturally a bit swollen to ensure the fit is comfortable throughout the day. If you’re shopping online, checking the brand’s sizing chart and reading reviews about fit can save you from returns.
Evaluating Comfort and Support
My priority was always comfort. New Balance shoes often feature cushioned midsoles and arch support, which helped reduce fatigue during long days on my feet. When reviewing models, I paid attention to the type of cushioning technology used, like Fresh Foam or ABZORB, to match my comfort preferences.
Considering Durability and Build Quality
I wanted shoes that would last, especially since I use them for daily wear and occasional runs. I looked for reviews mentioning the durability of the outsole and the quality of materials. Many New Balance shoes use reinforced stitching and durable rubber soles that held up well over time.
Style and Design Preferences
While comfort is key, I also care about how the shoes look. New Balance offers a range of designs from classic retro styles to modern, sleek models. I found myself leaning towards neutral colors that matched most of my wardrobe, but there are plenty of vibrant options if you want to make a statement.
Budget and Value for Money
New Balance shoes come in various price ranges. I balanced my budget with the features I needed. Sometimes spending a bit more meant getting better cushioning or longer-lasting shoes, which I found to be worth it. Keep an eye out for sales or older models that often offer great value.
Reading Customer Reviews and Expert Opinions
Before making a final decision, I spent time reading both customer feedback and expert reviews. This helped me understand potential pros and cons that aren’t always obvious from product descriptions. Reviews often highlight real-world comfort, sizing accuracy, and performance.
Final Thoughts
Buying New Balance shoes became much easier once I knew what to look for. By focusing on your specific needs—whether it’s fit, comfort, durability, or style—you can find the perfect pair. I hope my experience helps guide you to a pair that you’ll love as much as I do!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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