10 New Balance Sneakers Podiatrists Say You Should Add to Cart ASAP (2025)

Arguably New Balance’s most versatile shoe, the Fresh Foam X 1080 is your best bet for long walks, fun runs, and days when you’re spending a lot of time on your feet. After wear-testing these kicks for several months, I’m impressed by how bouncy yet supportive they are—without feeling clunky. I love the sleek rocker shape that helps propel you forward with every step, while the substantial cushioning through the midsole provides springy softness.

User review: “Truly the best shoe on the market,” raves one shopper. “The v14s are even bouncier than the v13s and have more cushion which are amazing for my marathon training long runs.”

If you prefer a more classic shoe silhouette and an under-$100 price point, the Fresh Foam X Cruz is a perfect fit. These timeless kicks are some of the most lightweight shoes on this list, and we appreciate the ankle-hugging upper that feels quite cozy and stable. While the Cruz lacks the luxe cushioning of other Fresh Foam styles, shoppers who hate the feeling of chunky walking shoes will likely appreciate its more grounded feel.

User review: “Absolutely love these. I’m a dog walker and these feel like slippers when I literally slip them on. I’m on my second pair because they’re my go-to walking shoes. Highly recommend.”

The retro-inspired silhouette of these chunky New Balance sneaks is super easy to style with wide-leg trousers, jeans, and athletic clothing alike, so I find myself reaching for them almost daily. (In fact, I’m on my second pair!) While they aren’t the most supportive shoe in New Balance’s repertoire, I find they’re perfectly comfortable for daily errands—and many reviewers note feeling comfy even on long walks. Plus, the lightweight design is quite breathable if your feet tend to overheat.

User review: “I purchased these shoes because I was going to Disney and wanted a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in for hours...They were amazing! My feet weren’t hot at all, and it was a pretty hot day at the park, nor were my feet hurting at all after walking for hours.”

Looking for a comfortable walking shoe? The FuelCell Walker Elite came recommended by all of the podiatrists we tapped when creating our list of the best New Balance walking shoes. Not only that, but it has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, granted to products found to promote foot health by a group of podiatrists. Its FuelCell foam heel helps propel you forward as you stride, adding a little pep to your step.

“This shoe provides performance and stability without compromising cushioning and comfort during the gait cycle—the cyclic pattern of movement that occurs while walking,” Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., said board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist at WakeMed Hospital.

User review: “I never leave reviews, but I had to for these shoes. They are the most comfortable shoes! The sole is sturdy and satisfying to walk on. I’m a critical care nurse practitioner and these shoes are perfect for a busy hospital unit!”

After years of trial and error trying to find my ideal running shoes (seriously I’ve been running for decades), the Fuelcell Rebel has become my go-to pair—I’ve re-purchased them five times! As someone who hates the feel of running in a chunky shoe, I love that the Rebel is super lightweight while still being exceptionally springy.

Sharkey also recommends this pick for those looking for a running shoe. She says it “assists propulsion, helping to move you forward,” and notes that it features shock absorption. Its neutral arch support is ideal for most runners, but if you tend to over-pronate or need more arch support, we suggest looking for a stability shoe or investing in insoles.

User review: “I’m a heavier runner who experiences a lot of foot pain while running and a lot of swelling. I did something crazy, and bought these then ran a half marathon in them. And boy am I glad that I did. I don’t know how I’ll run in anything else! They’re so lightweight, breathable, no rubbing, wide toe box to help accommodate my feet swelling while I run.”

These shoes became popular in 1989 as basketball shoes but were ultimately filed away—only to be re-introduced in 2020. The slim shape and low-top fit make the shoe so easy to pair with your existing wardrobe, including denim, dresses, leggings, and more. Just note: to see New Balance’s full collection of 550 colorways, you may need to do a site search as they offer plenty of new and limited-edition colors in this style.

“I was initially drawn to the stylish, retro vibes but didn’t realize they would be so comfortable as well,” says Joy Cho, assistant food editor, test kitchen. “The colorways are fun and unique, and I wear them with jeans or dresses—they’re super versatile and add that *oomph* to any of my outfits.”

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 makes for a great walking shoe, according to Sharkey. It’s available in three widths and 10 stylish colors, but what truly makes it stand out from other styles is its support. These stability shoes have enhanced arch support to help correct over-pronation, not to mention squishy underfoot cushioning. The result? A high-performance pair of walking and running shoes that can be worn all day.

User review: “This is my sixth pair of the 860...never once have I had to break them in, or get blisters or any other pain from them. I wear them for walking (I do about 100km a week) on hard pavement and trails. They’re supportive, light, comfortable and have a great amount of cushion, yet are stable.”

Your search for a versatile, supportive lifestyle shoe is officially over. Our editors love the sleek silhouette and soft cushioning that the New Balance 574s offer. They’re one of the brand’s most iconic silhouettes. This style features an EVA midsole and soft-foam cushioning, plus a suede/mesh upper and rubber outsole. Bonus: the shoes come in both standard and wide widths.

“I can go from standing all day in the kitchen to running around with the kids," says Chief Food Director, Kate Merker, who claims to wear these best-sellers almost exclusively.

User review: “These shoes are incredibly comfortable for the price," shared one five-star reviewer. “They also come in wide but do not look like a wide shoe (for all my wide foot girlies), they are cute enough to dress up, and incredibly easy to wash!”

These are another favorite of Cho’s for the way they “seamlessly combining form and function. The New Balance 9060’s are an absolute dream to wear,” she shares. “They’re roomy and extremely comfortable (I feel like I could walk and walk…and walk in them!) with just the right amount of chunkiness in the silhouette. I can’t wear super narrow shoes because of my pinky toe, so I appreciate how these are slightly wider than some of my other sneakers.” Additionally, the midsole absorbs impact through cushioning and compression, per the brand, and the heel cushioning offers extra stability and comfort, too.

User review: “I am a hairdresser and they are very comfortable for all the standing and running around I have to do all day at work. They are really fun if you love a chunky sneaker!”

If you’re a pickleball or tennis pro (or amateur), the FuelCell 996v6 is your best bet for the court. Since both sports involve fast-paced lateral movements, you’ll appreciate the high ankle collar and secure heel lockdown that this pair offers. Plus, the rubber outsole claims to provide more durability in high-wear areas—meaning they won’t wear out quite as quickly.

User review: “I have a narrow foot, and I absolutely love this shoe!! It’s a lightweight shoe that offers full support. Additionally I do not jam my toes when quickly moving forward. I’ve purchased several pairs.”

According to Sharkey, it’s important to take the following into account when looking for a new pair of sneakers:

• Flexibility and support. “The easiest way to test this is to do what I call the twist test. If you can twist or wring (like you would a washcloth) your shoe, it is lacking support,” Sharkey says. “A shoe should not be able to be twisted and it should bend where our toes bend. A shoe that does this typically has a supportive midsole.”
• Cushioning. Look for a shoe that offers some cushioning to absorb impact and decrease shock to the joints.
• Room in the toe box. Sharkey says to make sure the toe box allows room for your toes to spread out when you take a step.

If you’re looking for an athletic shoe, Sharkey suggests paying extra attention to the above, and the below:

• Fit. To ensure adequate fit, shop for shoes later in the day as feet are more swollen later on.
• Type of activity. Shoes that work for trail running/walking and/or hiking should have deeper tread and a more rugged outsole material to stand up against uneven and potentially less stable surfaces.
• Midsole cushioning. This refers to the foam layer within your shoe—and according to Sharkey, this is important “for shock absorption and protection of joints from excessive impact."
• Comfort. “The biggest factor,” she says. “A shoe should be comfortable through the gait/running cycle.”

We spoke with Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas, to get her recommendations for the best New Balance sneakers, and tested pairs ourselves to find the best ones available, as well as asked fellow Prevention editors for their favorites and pored over shopper reviews to see how they hold up on others.

Samantha Jones is a commerce editor and an avid runner. A former Division I track athlete turned marathoner, she has personally tested and worn nearly every shoe on this list—not to mention nearly 100 different styles from other brands. For this story, she used feedback from fellow editors, quotes from podiatrists, and her own personal experiences to determine the best New Balance sneakers.