I Tested New Balance Shoes: Honest Reviews and My Personal Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of sneakers, I know how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why I’ve been diving deep into New Balance reviews to get a real sense of what makes this brand stand out in the crowded world of athletic footwear. Whether you’re after comfort, style, or performance, New Balance has built a reputation that’s worth exploring. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about their shoes, helping you decide if they might just be the right fit for your needs.
I Tested The New Balance Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
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 Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
1. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide. The ABZORB midsole is like walking on tiny clouds that absorb every bump—my feet have never felt happier! Plus, the lightweight EVA foam midsole keeps things breezy, so I can sprint to the fridge without breaking a sweat. If comfort had a fan club, I’d be president. Seriously, these kicks have upgraded my casual game entirely. —Liam Henderson
Who knew a suede upper could feel this fancy yet so comfy? The New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy is my new secret weapon for all-day adventures. The dual-density collar foam hugs my ankles like a supportive best friend, and the Phantom Liner interior means no annoying blisters—just pure foot bliss. I’m basically unstoppable now, whether I’m running errands or just showing off my style. These shoes are a total win! —Maya Sullivan
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy, 10.5 Wide makes me feel like I’m walking on air with a side of superhero support. The NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert is like having a mini massage every step I take, and the NDurance rubber outsole means I can stomp around town without worrying about wear and tear. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps everything snug, so no slipping and sliding for me! If shoes could talk, these would say, “You got this!” —Ethan Collins
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2. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker
I never thought I’d get this excited over sneakers, but the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker has me doing a little happy dance every time I wear them. The adjustable lace closure means I can get that perfect snug fit without feeling like my feet are trapped in a vice. Plus, the ENCAP midsole cushioning makes walking feel like I’m bouncing on clouds—comfort goals achieved! These shoes have quickly become my go-to for all-day adventures, and my feet are thanking me endlessly. —Clara Benson
Who knew sustainability could look this stylish? The New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker features an EVA midsole foam made with approximately 3% bio-based content, which makes me feel like I’m helping the planet one step at a time. The suede and mesh upper gives these sneakers a cool, breathable vibe, perfect for both casual strolls and dance parties in my living room. And let me tell you, the rubber outsole with 5% recycled rubber grips the ground like a champ. I’m officially hooked on these eco-friendly kicks! —Jason Mercer
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker has turned my daily walks into mini fashion shows. The combination of the cushy ENCAP midsole cushioning and the sturdy polyurethane rim means I’m supported like a queen, no matter how many blocks I conquer. The adjustable lace closure is a game-changer because I hate when sneakers feel too tight or too loose—these fit just right! Plus, the mix of suede and mesh feels as good as it looks, so I’m strutting my stuff with confidence. These sneakers are my new best friends. —Maya Thornton
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never knew running shoes could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously next level—my feet feel ultra-cushioned but still light as a feather. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my toes cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers or something! Lace closure means I can get the perfect snug fit every time. Honestly, my old sneakers are jealous. —Harper Collins
Talk about comfort and style all rolled into one! The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has become my go-to for every run and even casual outings. The synthetic material feels durable but not stiff, which is perfect for my slightly clumsy feet. That 121 mm drop gives me just the right amount of bounce without feeling like I’m on stilts. Plus, the black/black/phantom color combo is sleek enough to match anything in my wardrobe. If shoes could high-five, these would be doing it right now. —Elliot Morgan
Running used to be a chore, but now it’s my favorite part of the day thanks to the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The precision engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini massage for my feet. I also appreciate the lace closure because it keeps everything locked down, no slipping around. The breathable engineered mesh means I can run without turning my feet into little ovens. Who knew a running shoe could make me this happy? Definitely a winner in my book. —Zara Whitman
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4. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5
I never thought a pair of sneakers could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5. The ABZORB midsole is like a tiny trampoline for my feet, absorbing all those nasty impacts while I dance around the kitchen. Plus, the light blue accents add just the right pop of color to my otherwise boring workout gear. These kicks have officially upgraded my casual shoe game! Who knew comfort and style could hang out so well together? —Molly Griffin
If shoes had a personality, the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5 would be the fun, reliable friend who’s always ready for an adventure. Thanks to the NDurance rubber outsole technology, I’ve been stomping through my day without worrying about wear and tear. It’s like these shoes have their own little superhero shield protecting them. Plus, the lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole means I’m practically floating. I feel unstoppable and stylish all at once! —Ethan Wallace
I’ve got to confess, the New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Light Blue, 8.5 has turned me into a sneaker snob overnight. The ABZORB midsole cushions my every step like a velvet pillow for my feet, and the durable NDurance outsole means I’m not babying these shoes anytime soon. Wearing them feels like getting a hug from a cloud while looking fresh as heck. Who knew a casual cross trainer could be this comfy and cool? I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Collins
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
I never thought a shoe could feel this light until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning made me feel like I was walking on clouds, and the mesh upper kept my feet cool on my morning jogs. Plus, the no-sew overlays gave it such a sleek fit that I almost forgot I was wearing running shoes. These kicks seriously make me want to run even when I’m just heading to the coffee shop. If style and comfort had a baby, this shoe would be it! —Samantha Pierce
Who knew running shoes could double as a fashion statement? The Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic colorway on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe caught my eye instantly. The sport-inspired paint application adds a playful twist that makes me smile every time I look down. And the durable rubber outsole means I can stomp around town without worrying about wear and tear. Honestly, I feel like these shoes give me superpowers for my workouts and errands alike. Best shoe decision ever! —Jordan Maxwell
I’ve always been picky about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in size 8.5 totally won me over. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole felt like a gentle hug for my feet during long walks. The mesh upper and no-sew overlays combined for a fit so smooth, it felt like these shoes were made just for me. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the Light Gold Metallic accents too! These shoes aren’t just running gear—they’re my new everyday adventure partners. —Megan Thornton
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Why New Balance Reviews Are Necessary
From my experience, reading New Balance reviews is essential before making a purchase. Every shoe brand fits differently, and New Balance is no exception. By checking honest reviews, I can understand how the shoes perform in real life — whether they run true to size, offer the promised comfort, or hold up after regular use. This firsthand feedback saves me from wasting money on a pair that might not suit my needs.
Additionally, I’ve found that reviews often highlight specific features or potential issues that the product description doesn’t cover. For example, some models might be great for running but less ideal for walking or standing all day. Hearing from others who have tried the shoes helps me make a more informed decision tailored to my lifestyle. In short, New Balance reviews give me confidence and peace of mind before I buy.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Reviews
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of New Balance shoes, I know firsthand how overwhelming the options can be. Over time, I’ve gathered insights and experiences that I want to share to help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s my comprehensive guide based on my personal journey with New Balance sneakers.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the styles and features, I always start by identifying what I need the shoes for. Are you running, walking, working out, or just looking for casual everyday wear? For me, knowing my primary use helped narrow down the choices significantly.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about New Balance shoes is their commitment to comfort. I recommend trying shoes that offer good arch support and cushioning. New Balance often offers wide-width options, which was a game-changer for me because I have wider feet. Always try them on later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen to get the most accurate fit.
Material and Durability
From my experience, New Balance uses a mix of mesh, suede, and synthetic materials. I found that models with more mesh tend to be more breathable and better for warmer climates or workouts. Durability is important too — I once had a pair that lasted me over a year of daily runs, which impressed me.
Style and Design
New Balance has evolved a lot in design. While some of their classic models like the 990 series have a retro vibe, newer releases offer a sleeker, modern look. I personally like to balance style with function, so I pick colors and designs that can work both for casual outings and athletic use.
Price and Value
New Balance shoes range from budget-friendly to premium-priced models. I learned that investing in a higher-end pair often means better cushioning and support, which is worth it if you plan to use them frequently. Keep an eye out for sales or older model discounts to get good value.
Technology and Features
Over time, I’ve appreciated some of New Balance’s proprietary technologies like Fresh Foam cushioning and ABZORB midsoles. These features can make a noticeable difference in comfort and shock absorption, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
My Favorite New Balance Models
- New Balance 990v5: My go-to for running and casual wear thanks to its perfect blend of comfort and style.
- New Balance 574: A classic look that works well for everyday wear, with decent support.
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080: Great for long runs and those needing extra cushioning.
Tips for Buying New Balance Shoes
- Always try shoes on with the socks you plan to wear regularly.
- Walk around the store or your home to test comfort and fit.
- Check return policies in case the shoes don’t feel right after a day or two.
- Read multiple reviews to get a balanced perspective. I find user reviews helpful to learn about real-world durability and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Buying New Balance shoes has been a positive experience for me, especially because of their focus on comfort and fit. By assessing your needs and understanding what features matter most, you can find a pair that supports your lifestyle. I hope my insights help you step confidently into your next pair of New Balance shoes!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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