New Balance reviews and discussion

4.6

95% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Plush cushioning comfort
  • Reliable arch-support structure
  • Durable construction longevity
  • Versatile, stylish colorways
  • Inconsistent sizing reliability
  • Narrow toe-box fit
  • Occasional material cracking
  • Problematic tongue design

New Balance earns strong reviews for comfort, support, and durability—many cite pain-free long walks and years of wear—yet aesthetics divide, sizing runs inconsistently narrow for some, and certain models show flaws (cracking leather, weak tongue elastic, cleat failures). Reviews of New Balance highlight standout lines like 550, 574, 1080 Fresh Foam, 990v6, and 327; buyers should match model to use, as lifestyle styles can feel tight or less cushioned for long distances while running lines excel for arch support and mileage.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

155 reviews and posts

  • I have high arches and my feet pronate, so I have custom orthotics. New Balance is the best running shoe that I have found that accommodates both! I like the fun colorways that the running shoes come in as well.

  • The best shoes I ever owned comfy and also very cute. I like them because they are not bulky and your feet still looks very good on it. Good for airport outfits. Can’t wait to style them with all my looks!!

    Friends with New Balance

    Verified purchase

  • Super comfy shoes. The very first time I wore them was on a three-day sightseeing trip — and surprisingly, no blisters at all. I own a pair, my sisters do too, and we’ve been wearing them for years now. That kind of longevity says everything.

  • Awesome all-around running shoe. The shoe provides both good cushion and solid support, which is nice because those two are often trade-offs of one another. It’s responsive enough to use for tempo runs, and comfortable enough for recovery runs. The toe box is nice and wide, so I don’t have to size up to avoid blisters.

  • As a wide foot girlie, I've always appreciated the width options offered at New Balance. And they're still cute too, not like a narrow shoe that's just been widened without any thought to how proportions change, etc. I got these shoes specifically for my 10k step walks and they can definitely take the impact. My knees feel so much better. They also didn't require any breaking in at all, which was great. My only issues are that they do get a little heavy and aren't super breathable. The upper is made of leather, which is great for longevity, but not so much for a light and airy shoe. And since I got these for walking, not for a long day on my feet, they can get a little sweaty and stuffy.

  • I love my new running shoes!! I love that they are off white and they are so cushioned. I usually run in Ons but wanted to give something else a chance and I don’t think I’ll run in anything else. Comparable to the brooks ghost max which I also love, but more cushioned

    Verified purchase

  • I’m not quite sure what the name of these specific shoes are called, but I love them! I had been complaining about my shoes that I use to walk around campus as they weren’t very comfortable, and my sister bought me these as a gift! They’re so comfy and they’re super cute, they go with all of my outfits, anything, you name it! These are great!

  • So comfortable and lightweight—they feel like walking on clouds! ☁️ I’ve been wearing them for errands and casual days, and my feet never feel tired. The grey color is super easy to style, and they hold up really well. 🩶

  • I got these sneakers for my hospital clinical and they are so comfortable. I can be on my feet all day without my arches cramping up as they do with bad support. These shoes come in multiple color ways and sizes. I have tried many other lines from new balance and they are always so comfortable and pretty. and super affordable

  • My New Balance shoes are one of the first pairs of good-quality shoes I have owned. I do feel they are worth the price due to their quality and how well they stand up over time. I also like the designs and how many different options are available.

  • For the most part I like the products New Balance sells. While they are not my go to brand for athletic apparel, I do think you are getting good quality apparel when you purchase their brand. I love the fit of their women's casual sweatshirts. They are soft, comfortable, and work well for an athleisure style.

  • New Balance is one of the only shoes I’ll purchase anymore. Their quality is great and I love the foam insoles. They last and look great. I’ve been able to get a few pairs at good prices and have bought multiple pairs for family members. The brand is my go to these days. Great for running!

  • I love my New Balance 480s. They’re supremely comfortable and have been fantastic summer shoes. They’re incredibly versatile and work well with just about everything I wear. The one downside is the leather is starting to crack in a few places.

  • MY FAVOURITE EVERYDAY SHOES. SO SO CUTE COMFORTABLE AND PROVIDE SUPPORT. AMAZING. Follow my tiktok @maddiediaries to see me style these.

  • Love my new balance sneakers! I used to be a big converse girl (and still love them for certain occasions), however the support on these made me switch! These sneakers are super comfortable without being to "thick" looking! Perfect to run errands in, and wear when you need to be on your feet for a while!

    Buyer
  • Recently got my first pair of New Balances and I am obsessed. I got 530s and every time I wear them, I get complements. They’re super cushiony but they give good support. Love that these sneakers don’t break the bank!

  • I just got a pair of MT 580s. They're comfortable so far and they give me a slight boost in height. I've also received compliments on them. -UPDATE- This are now my favorite shoes! I got a part-time retail job, so I spend hours on my feet. I can't even tell I've been standing for a long time when I wear these. It's like I'm walking on clouds.

  • I recently bought a pair of the Fresh Foam X More v3 shoes and they are so comfortable, it's like walking on clouds. Be sure to double check sizing because I needed half a size bigger than my normal shoe size due to the style.

  • I have multiple pairs of running shoes from New Balance (both the 880’s & 1080’s), which I used for years, and still do. They hold up extremely well over time, even with heavy use. Make sure to find the right shoe style/type for your foot though as they serve different purposes. I recently added their 574 style, and I love them for a more stylish sneaker that is still comfortable even after a full day of walking.

  • While I can’t speak too much to this brand, I can definitely speak to their tennis shoes. I’ve been a Wilson girl my entire life, and as a tennis player, you know you’re very brand loyal once you find the brand that works for you. After ripping through way too many toe guards on my Wilson shoes, I did a lot of research and ended up with New Balance tennis shoes that are easily the most durable shoes I’ve gotten on the court. I won’t rate it a 5/5 cause I haven’t tried any other shoe type of theirs, but I love mine!