Experts Agree: These Are the 9 Best New Balance Walking Shoes for All-Day Comfort

Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 38 mm/32 mm| Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.2 oz

It’s not a surprise one of our Sneaker Awards winners clawed its way to the top of this list, thanks to its workhorse construction and cushioned Soft Fresh Foam X midsole. “The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 fits such a wide variety of runners from New Balance elite athletes to someone just taking up the sport,” Danny Orr, General Manager for Tech Running at New Balance, told Shape. Add a snug mesh upper and a rocker that encourages effortless, natural strides, and you have a shoe that fits just about any walker.

Like all New Balances, the 1080 V13 comes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide widths, so you can find your perfect fit. Plus, these shoes are suitable for both walking and running, so if you’re ready to pick up the pace, you’re in luck.

Editor’s note: We’re in the midst of testing the brand-new Fresh Foam x 1080 v14, so expect our thoughts soon!

Sizes: 7-15 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 34 mm/30 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz

Despite their great price, these sneakers don’t take shortcuts when it comes to walking-friendly features. A cushioned midsole and a structured rubber outsole team up to make your footsteps feel stable and comfortable, while the mesh upper will keep you cool even during the summer months. All these details have earned this shoe a beloved place in the hearts of many walkers. (It’s not uncommon to stumble on a reviewer who’s on their fifth or sixth pair.)

Translation: If you like this shoe, you may never have to research sneakers again.

Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard, Wide | Stack Height: 25.2 mm | Drop: 13 mm | Weight: 11.5 oz

This classic shoe transcends style and It’s great for logging mileage, too. “The hybrid outsole of the 574 positions it well for walking, running, light hiking, going to the gym, or simply running errands. It also has a well-designed midsole that provides plenty of cushioning for any of the aforementioned activities,” said “Marathon” Matt Forsman, running coach and Director of “Runspiration” for San Francisco’s Run Club SF.

These New Balance walking shoes also come in a host of muted colorways that can easily pair with non-athleisure, so you have comfortable strides wherever you’re going.

Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 38 mm / 32 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.7 oz

If your foot tends to overpronate (or lean inward) on the go, you need a pair of solid stability shoes to keep your feet locked in proper position throughout your stride. That’s exactly what you get with the Vongo v6 — a favorite among the overpronating crowd. A stability plane also keeps you feeling supported step by step, and that mesh upper will make (very) sweaty feet a thing of the past. These shoes run narrow, so make sure to choose wide or extra wide for a roomier feel.

Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide, XX-Wide | Stack Height: | Drop: N/A | Weight: 8.3 oz

According to Roach, arch support is key for those with plantar fasciitis. Team Shape found that the New Balance 928v3 Walking Shoes fit the bill thanks to their removable PU foam footbed that provides A+ support but can also be swapped out for a custom insole for more specific coverage.

To boot, you can buy these babies with laces or a hook-and-loop system that makes getting out the door take about five seconds flat, which we love.

Sizes: 7-18 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide, XX-Wide| Stack Height: 33.7 mm | Drop: 10 mm | Weight: 11 oz

If you’re looking for the best New Balance walking shoes for a senior in your life, consider the 626 V6s. They’re made with impeccable cushioning that doesn’t stack so high that it throws off balance, but provides enough comfort to prevent joint aches from flaring up. The stability, support, and slip-resistant soles make these a standout for people who want to prevent any mishaps like slips or trips.

Sizes: 7-16 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 31 mm/23 mm | Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz

Supinators tend to roll on the outside edges of their feet — meaning that they generally need a cushioned running shoe with structure in the midfoot. Thanks to New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam technology, you’ll get reliable support and soft, cloud-like cushioning that’s also great for picking up the pace from time to time. We also love how breathable these shoes are. Particularly in the summer months when shoes can go from breezy to greenhouse over the course of a mile.

Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Stack Height: 44 mm/40 mm  | Drop: 4 mm | Weight: 8.6 oz

Rocker technology is the closest thing you can get to cruise control when it comes to sneakers. Curved foam emphasizes a healthy stride, so you never have to think twice about form, which is especially important when looking for the best running shoes for bad knees. Finding shoes with a minimal heel-to-toe drop like this one (4 mm) is crucial, as well. Less drop encourages your feet to land properly below your body in a mid-foot strike which takes a good chunk of pressure off of your joints. Add a supportive insole and a generous amount of cushioned Fresh Foam, and you’re ready for whatever’s on your plate (especially if your schedule includes hours and hours of walking).

Sizes:  5-16.5 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: 32.8 mm | Drop: 9.2 mm | Weight: 12.9 oz

While there’s no shoe fit to cure bunions, the large toebox on the New Balance 990v4 will give your toes plenty of space to move in a chunky, supportive package. Lightweight foam makes each step feel effortless, which is why New Balance has been making some version of this shoe since 1982. (You just don’t mess with perfection.) The only downside is that these shoes only come in one width, so if you have narrow or wider feet, you may want to try them on in real life before purchasing.