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The best New Balance walking shoes, according to podiatrists
Apr 12, 2025
If getting your daily steps in is a nonnegotiable part of your routine, then finding the right shoes could make or break your walk. While New Balance may have been known for its dorky, dad-style sneakers back in the 1990s, the brand now has a wide range of shoes offering everything from comfort to support to, yes, even style. To save you the trouble, I did the research and spoke with three podiatrists to find the best New Balance walking shoes. Plus, if foot pain has ever slowed you down, there are even recommendations that can help with issues like plantar fasciitis.
Best New Balance walking shoes
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 Sneakers
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatrist, partner at US Foot & Ankle Specialists and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), recommends the Fresh Foam X More v5. “This is [New Balance's] most cushioned shoe if you need extra, extra cushioning and have a neutral foot type,” she said. “It also has a rocker bottom, which promotes a smooth transition and ride.” Podiatrist and board-certified foot surgeon Dr. Brad Schaeffer also recommends rocker bottoms as a way to reduce impact on the foot while promoting a smoother, more efficient stride.
These walking shoes offer a plush and soft cushioning and are still fairly lightweight at just 11 ounces. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a podiatrist, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, likes these sneakers because while cushioned and plush, they still keep a nice spring in your step to keep you moving forward on your walks. You can choose from standard, wide and extra-wide sizing to find a fit that’s comfortable for you, and they come in a host of neutral tones, though you can find a pop of color here and there, making them easy to style with your existing athletic wear.
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