The New Balance 608 V5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance 608 v5 is a versatile walking shoe designed for individuals seeking comfort and support during extended wear. With its **notable** cushioning and supportive structure, this shoe is especially suitable for those with wider feet. The **firm insole** provides a stable base, allowing for long-lasting comfort while walking.

Lab data indicates that the **608 v5** features a **12 mm drop**, which enhances the natural foot movement, making it an excellent choice for various walking activities. This design helps reduce fatigue, ensuring that your feet feel less strained throughout the day.

Overall, the New Balance 608 v5 combines practical performance with a stylish look, making it a reliable option for casual outings or daily walks.


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

New Balance 608 V5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance 608 v5 On Cloudnova Form 2 On Cloudnova 2 On Cloudaway
Price $70 $140 $160 $140
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Condition Heavy person Heavy person - -
Orthotic friendly
Weight lab Weight brand 13.6 oz / 386g 10.3 oz / 292g 11.3 oz / 320g 9.9 oz / 282g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Breathable Breathable Warm
Use For standing all day For standing all day For standing all day -
Size True to size True to size True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Firm Firm Balanced Firm
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Normal Normal
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Removable insole
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Flexible Flexible
Heel tab Finger loop None None Finger loop
Drop lab 9.6 mm 13.1 mm 12.4 mm 9.5 mm
Heel stack lab 31.7 mm 32.9 mm 33.1 mm 31.0 mm
Forefoot 22.1 mm 19.8 mm 20.7 mm 21.5 mm
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Closure Laces Laces Laces Bungee laces
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Decent Decent Bad
Outsole durability Decent Good Decent Good
Midsole width - forefoot Average Wide Wide Average
Midsole width - heel Average Wide Wide Average
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Hard
Outsole thickness Thick Average Average Average
Tongue padding Very thick Thin Average Average
Tongue: gusset type None Both sides (full) None Sock like
Material Leather Mesh Mesh -
Ranking Top 17% Top 50% Top 6% Top 42%
Popularity Top 45% Top 37% Top 20% Bottom 5%