New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
Pros
- Amazing step-in feel
- Excellent durability
- Cloud-soft midsole
- Ideal for forefoot and midfoot strikers
- Perfect for recovery runs
- Airy upper
- Fairly priced for a premium daily trainer
- Stability improvements
Cons
- Noticeable weight increase
- Tapered toebox limits toe splay
- Midsole could be too soft for some
- Lacks energy return
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X Midsole: The cushioning system is crafted with approximately 3% bio-based content, providing excellent comfort while being eco-friendly.
- Debris-Resistant Gusseted Tongue: This design feature helps keep dirt and debris from entering the shoe, enhancing your running experience.
- No-Sew Overlays: These overlays reduce weight and improve durability without compromising flexibility.
- Synthetic and Engineered Mesh Upper: This combination offers breathability and support, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during long runs.
- Adjustable Lace Closure: Tailor the fit of your shoes for personalized comfort and security.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Synthetic
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a top choice for those seeking comfort in a walking shoe. With its combination of an ultra-breathable upper and pillowy cushioning, it offers ease for all-day wear.
Upon trying the shoe, we noted its cloud-like touch. During our street tests, it effectively absorbed impact, which contributed to less fatigue after extended use. Our durometer readings showed a measurement of 11.9 HA, indicating a softness that is 43.3% above the lab average.
Another aspect enhancing comfort is the shoe's flexibility, despite its substantial stack height. A flex test yielded a near-average result of 15.8N, confirming its suitability for walking activities.
We experienced long hours in the shoes without discomfort or blisters, which is notable given that plush uppers typically restrict airflow. The triple-layer jacquard mesh construction yielded a score of 4/5 in breathability tests, surpassing expectations.
A drawback of the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is its tapered toebox, which may feel constricting as it narrows toward the big toe area. Prospective buyers with wider feet may want to consider other options.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6
Pros
- Flexible design
- Comfortable, high-quality upper
- Exceptional durability
- Perfect for easy paces
- Also suitable for neutral runners
- Excellent for long runs
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Noticeably heavy
- Limited breathability
- Not the best for heel strikers
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for an ultra-cushioned ride.
- Supportive medial zone specifically designed to combat overpronation.
- Engineered mesh upper for enhanced structure, support, and breathability.
- Synthetic upper material with no-sew overlays for a seamless fit.
- 6 mm drop, providing an ideal balance between cushioning and performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for durability and traction.
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability and flexibility.
- Inner material: Cotton for added comfort.
The Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is a New Balance walking shoe designed for individuals seeking excellent arch support. Following extensive runs and rigorous lab testing, this model provides confident and secure strides without the typical stiffness associated with stability shoes. Its design focuses on comfort and effortless movement.
The Vongo v6 features a distinct stabilization method, utilizing dual-density foam complemented by a plastic plate positioned between the layers. Our durometer readings indicate that the foam closer to the foot has a plush rating of 15.8 HA, delivering comfort, while the base layer offers firmer support at 18.9 HA. The embedded EVA film plate contributes minimal stiffness, as demonstrated by our bend test, which revealed a flexibility increase of 20.6% compared to average stability shoes.
During extended walks, the midsole's comfort remains consistently high. Measurements show that the Vongo v6 provides substantial cushioning for a stability shoe, standing taller than other neutral models at 36.1/30.5 mm. This characteristic enhances the overall experience during prolonged use.
Despite its advantages, the Vongo v6 has a heavier build, weighing in at 11.0 oz (312g), which may not be ideal for those prioritizing lightweight footwear options. This weight could impact the preference of users looking for a more agile feel.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Pros
- Record-breaking shock absorption
- Wide platform ensures stability
- Super-plush foam
- Improved energy return
- Cozy upper
- No price hike this year
- Ideal for forefoot strikers
- Solid durability
- Semi-gusseted tongue for secure lockdown
- Good torsional flexibility despite its size
Cons
- Narrow, low-volume interior fit
- Still a heavy shoe
- Weak airflow
- Low drop doesn't work for everyone
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole: Delivers the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.
- Reflective details: Enhance visibility during early morning or evening runs.
- Lightweight design: Weighing only 241 grams (8.5 oz), ensuring you won’t feel weighed down while wearing them.
- Synthetic material: Provides durability and ease of care.
- Lace closure: Offers a secure fit.
- Gusseted tongue design: Ensures a comfortable and secure lockdown fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability
- Inner material: Cotton for added comfort
The Fresh Foam X More v6 is designed for individuals seeking exceptional cushioning and support during long walks. It provides significant shock absorption, making it a top choice among New Balance walking shoes, as confirmed by our lab tests.
With a noteworthy midsole, the More v6 features a heel stack of 41.8 mm—which is 7.2 mm above average—and a forefoot height of 38.5 mm, exceeding the average by 12.5 mm. This design leads to superior comfort, verified by high shock absorption scores of 152 SA for the heel and 144 SA for the forefoot, resulting in a 37.1% reduction in leg load compared to typical options.
Despite its tall stack height, stability remains a strong point, thanks to the broad platform measuring 122.5/102.0 mm, which enhances confidence and secure footing. The design ensures that users do not feel unstable when walking.
A drawback to consider is that the big toe area is more tapered than average, potentially feeling restrictive for those with wider feet. For added comfort, this model does come in wide and extra-wide options to accommodate different foot shapes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Pros
- Affordable max-stack option
- Secure and comfortable lockdown
- Rockered geometry
- Plush tongue enhances comfort
- No heel slippage whatsoever
- Amazing for long runs
- Durable yet comfy upper
- Fairly priced
- Stable ride
Cons
- Much heavier than previous version
- Not the best for walking or casual use
- Fresh Foam X feels firmer than expected
- Outsole durability is now a real concern
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof fabric: Protects your feet from wind, rain, and water while maintaining excellent breathability.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam: Offers an incredibly cushioned experience, enhancing comfort for long-distance runs.
- Hydrohesion rubber outsole: Provides superior grip in wet conditions, ensuring stability with every stride.
- Reflective details: Improves visibility during low-light situations, promoting safety when running at dawn or dusk.
Specifications
- Fabric type: Mesh
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is designed for those looking for a comfortable walking shoe that delivers a smooth ride. Its rocker geometry enhances stability, making it suitable for various walking activities. In lab tests, it distinguished itself with its ultra-thick forefoot and notable joint protection, resulting in superior comfort.
Our measurements revealed generous cushioning of 39.7 mm in the heel and 35.4 mm in the forefoot, which is taller than the average heel stack in our review. This cushioning effectively eliminates ground contact sensations, providing significant relief during long periods of use. The forefoot also excelled in our shock absorption test, achieving a score of 114 SA, which is 8.6% above average.
The platform's height does not compromise stability, as it exhibits high resistance to twisting and lateral movements, earning a perfect 5/5 rating in our torsional rigidity test. Its rocker structure facilitates easy forward transitions, making it ideal for walking. Users can expect a stable experience without feeling unbalanced.
However, concerns about durability arise due to the significant amount of exposed foam and minimal 1.9 mm rubber in the outsole. Those who need a shoe for daily wear may want to consider options that offer greater longevity. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 provides excellent comfort but may not be the best choice for extensive everyday use.
New Balance 574
Pros
- Classic NB silhouette
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for all-day wear
- Real suede
- Highly durable
- Stable and supportive
- Easy to style
- Numerous color options
- Excellent grip on dry and wet
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Stiff and firm platform
- Tongue shifts a little
Key Features
- Suede and mesh upper: Provides a breathable yet durable structure.
- ENCAP midsole technology: Offers superior cushioning and support for all-day comfort.
- Rubber outsole: Ensures excellent traction and durability on various surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Suede, Mesh, Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The New Balance 574 is a classic sneaker known for its comfort and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable footwear for daily activities.
This model offers significant comfort thanks to its effective cushioning and generously padded interior, which make it suitable for extended walks. Additionally, the timeless design seamlessly complements a variety of styles, ranging from casual to more polished outfits.
Priced at $90, the New Balance 574 stands out as an economical option, being approximately 30% less than the average sneaker price. Importantly, this affordability does not compromise the quality of its construction, featuring real suede on the upper and a robust 8-mm rubber outsole designed for durability over many miles.
However, potential buyers should note that while the shoe excels in comfort and style, its performance might not meet the needs of those requiring specialized footwear for aggressive movement or extreme conditions.
New Balance 1906R
Pros
- Fabulous comfort for all-day wear
- Exceptionally breathable
- Appealing throwback style
- Premium quality and real suede
- Highly durable upper and outsole
- Very comfortable in-shoe feel
- True to size and fit
- Great traction on dry and wet
Cons
- A bit heavier than average
- Pricier than average
Key Features
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Midsole Cushioning: ACTEVA LITE for exceptional comfort.
Heel Cushioning: ABZORB SBS technology for effective impact absorption.
Shock Absorption: N-ergy Outsole provides superior protection.
Arch Support: Stability Web outsoles enhance support and stability.
Heel Stability: Features a TPU heel cage for added stability.
Outsole Material: Durable rubber allows for versatile use.
Specifications
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Sole Material: Rubber
Outer Material: Rubber
Inner Material: Mesh
Closure Type: Lace-Up
The New Balance 1906R is best suited for individuals seeking comfort and durability in a stylish walking shoe. During testing, it demonstrated notable comfort, premium quality, and significant durability, making it a standout retro sneaker among New Balance walking shoes.
The upper features superior craftsmanship, verified by lab tests revealing that the overlays are made of real suede. Additionally, it showed remarkable wear resistance during durability tests, earning a score of 4/5.
Underfoot, the Ndurance rubber displayed impressive strength with a high 90.3 HC measurement, which is 5.9% above average, and a thickness of 6.0 mm, indicating long-lasting performance.
The 1906R incorporates running-inspired technologies to provide solid support and comfort. Its heel and forefoot measurements of 37.1/25.6 mm are both above average, contributing to a pleasant walking experience, enhanced by the ABZORB SBS units in the heel that ensure gentle landings.
However, potential buyers should consider that the added durability and cushioning result in a weight of 14.1 oz (401g), which may feel clunky for those who prefer lightweight sneakers.
New Balance 608 v5
Pros
- Comfortable and well-padded
- Wonderfully balanced cushioning
- Durable upper materials
- Soft and supportive insole
- Great traction on dry and wet
- Dad-shoe vibes
- Available in 3 widths
- Nice value for money
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Might rub on your heel
Key Features
- ABZORB midsole: Absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance.
- Suede upper: Offers durability and a classic look.
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole: Provides lightweight cushioning for all-day comfort.
- Internal midsole shank: Adds midfoot structure and support.
- Dual density collar foam: Offers additional support and comfort for your ankles.
- Phantom Liner interior: Designed with minimal seaming to help reduce irritation during use.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Leather
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Leather
The New Balance 608 v5 is a versatile walking shoe best suited for budget-conscious consumers seeking comfort and stability. Priced at $70, it stands out as our top choice in the New Balance walking shoe category, especially when compared to the average price of $119.
This model offers smooth transitions and effortless strides, attributed to its flexible build. Our bend test produced an average result of 14.2N, indicating that it accommodates prolonged wear and daily activities effectively.
Despite its affordable price point, the 608 v5 does not compromise on cushioning. With a moderate stack height of 31.7/22.1 mm, it achieved an above-average score of 116 SA in our shock absorption test, providing a comfortable experience during walks.
During testing, the 608 v5 demonstrated significant support, which helps reduce leg fatigue. It received a torsional rigidity score of 4/5 in our manual twist test, confirming its effectiveness in preventing ankle twists.
A notable drawback of this shoe is its limited ventilation, which may contribute to sweat and heat build-up. Therefore, it is advisable to wear this pair primarily in cooler seasons.