10 Podiatrist-Approved New Balance Sneakers to Wear for Spring (2024)

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Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Regular, wide, X-wide | Recommended For: Walking, Comfort

Not your typical walking shoe, the 550s impressed us as they lasted through miles and miles on foot while traveling. "These are hands-down one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned," says Shape commerce writer April Benshosan. "Even after weeks of wearing them nearly all day every day while walking the streets of Europe, my flat feet weren't achy or sore. I also found them to be great for weightlifting."

Just as was the case when they were released more than 30 years ago, the 550s have a durable outsole great for the basketball court or strolling around the neighborhood, says “Marathon” Matt Forsman, running coach and Director of “Runspiration” for San Francisco’s Run Club SF. The 550 also includes a breathable, mesh upper should your casual stroll extend beyond a few blocks. If you're ordering a unisex colorway, just note that the unisex sizing runs a bit big while the women's may be a bit small. "I'm usually a 7.5 in women's but had to order an 8 in the women's sizes," Benshosan says. "I also noticed that the unisex sizes run a bit roomier, which I liked, and I found myself ordering a men's 6 in that style."

Sizes: 5 to 13 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Standard, wide | Recommended For: Running, Walking, Comfort

The Fresh Foam 1080v13 (a Sneaker Awards winner, BTW) is all about a soft, plush experience, thanks to its ample cushioning and rocker bottom that offers a smooth toe-off. "The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 fits such a wide variety of runners from New Balance elite athletes to someone just taking up the sport," says Danny Orr, General Manager for Tech Running at New Balance. The top-notch midsole cushioning is what makes this sneaker well-suited to the demands of running.The Fresh Foam 1080v13 also has a comfortable, snug mesh upper that is breathable and designed for comfort whether you're logging a few easy miles or going long, says Forsman.

"I have used the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080s for the last several years for long and easy marathon training runs. This shoe is my daily running shoe," says Christina Pichiarello, Head Coach at STRIDE Fitness West End in Nashville. "The shoe has moderate return, is incredibly stable, and kept me injury-free through long seasons of running. The rubber outsoles also protect your toenails. 10/10 recommend to all runners."

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 14 men's | Widths: Standard, wide | Recommended For: Running, Walking, Comfort

If you're looking for a shoe to pull out on race day to chase that ever-elusive personal best, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite is a great choice. "The FuelCell SuperComp Elite falls into the 'super shoe' category that has become increasingly popular for marathoners looking to qualify for Boston, post personal bests, or shave a few seconds (or minutes) off their personal bests," Forsman says. And that's thanks to the shoe's extra foam and a carbon fiber plate. We also love that it features a snug fit at the top as well as a breathable mesh construction that helps keep your feet sweat-free as you're pounding the pavement.

“I wore this shoe for long runs during my most recent marathon training cycle, and I was so impressed with how energized my feet felt, even as the miles piled up,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “They’re a splurge, but one that I would definitely recommend if you’re aiming for a PR.”

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Standard, wide, X-wide | Recommended For: Trail running, Running, Walking, Comfort

The Fresh Foam More Trail v3 has a double layer of cushioned midsole for extra comfort with every step, which is important since trail running is such a high-impact sport. "This shoe features a similar midsole to the Fresh Foam X More v4, which helps trail runners navigate the terrain in comfort," Orr says. Plus, it boasts New Balance's highest all-terrain stack height to keep you protected from sharp stones and rogue pebbles that may sneak their way into your sock.It also has toe protection built in for any unfortunate encounters with roots or rocks. "The Fresh Foam More Trail v3 has a rugged, aggressive outsole well suited for dealing with the uneven terrain and debris one tends to encounter while trail running," Forsman says.

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, X-wide | Recommended For: Running, Walking, Comfort

This versatile sneaker won major points as the best running shoe for plantar fasciitis thanks to its supportive midsole. Arch support is especially important for people with plantar fasciitis as cushioning helps relieve the strain on your plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, as you strike the ground. "Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the tissues that connect the heel to the toes, requires a supportive yet cushioned shoe — and this makes the Fresh Foam 880 an excellent choice for this condition," says Pichiarello. "The dense rubber outsole and fresh foam provide durability and comfort, and the high-density foam in the forefoot allows for great return from the shoe while providing stability for the foot while running and walking." Another bonus: These shoes received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning podiatrists deemed them supportive for good foot health.

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Standard | Recommended For: Working, Comfort

The NB 327 is a great work shoe (especially if you're prone to back pain) due to the breathable design that allows for good airflow through the top of the shoe plus a super durable, rugged outsole that's inspired by trail running shoes. "The sole provides excellent traction for those times when the floor might be a bit slippery or when running down the hall," Groth says.Pichiarello, who also works as a physician assistant in a hospital setting and is an expert on shoes for nurses, agrees. "The NB 327 has non-slip and traction to keep me moving quickly through the hallways," she says, adding that her patients always compliment the color combinations. These sneakers boast enough cushion to make them comfortable to run in, so you know they'll hold up if you're on your feet all day.

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 7 to 16 men's | Widths: Standard | Recommended For: Working, Comfort

People with flat feet need a sneaker with solid arch support. "If your arch is lower than normal or begins to collapse, this may indicate that you have flat feet," says Pichiarello. "The Fresh Foam X More v4 has a very high stack height and distributes weight across the entirety of the sole of the shoe." The sky-high cushion, which gives you nearly 1.5 extra inches of height, is expertly distributed across the length of the shoe, so you'll benefit from both stability as well as a plush ride. "This sneaker offers a very stable performance and should be considered for runners looking for a comfortable easy run trainer," Pichiarello says.In our tests, we especially appreciated how these shoes held up during jumps, runs, and squats, as these New Balance shoes were comfortable, responsive, and form-fitting. While they won the spot for best sneakers for flat feet in our Sneaker Awards, they also received the APMA seal, meaning podiatrists deemed them supportive for good foot health.

Sizes: 8 to 14 men's | Widths: Standard, wide, X-wide | Recommended For: Golf

The Striker v3 golf shoe is a great choice for new and seasoned golfers. "It includes a well-cushioned and responsive midsole plus excellent replaceable golf cleats that will keep your feet firmly planted for every stroke," Forsman says. The outsole is made with a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) that's flexible and moves with your foot, rather than against it. And the cushiony insole guarantees your foot will be supported long after tee time. "The Striker also includes a waterproof upper that's great for any wet walks on the fairway," Forsman says. In fact, New Balance offers a two-year warranty on its waterproof features. To boot, the Striker looks great with any golf skirt on and off the green.

Sizes: 5.5 to 16.5 women's; 4 to 15 men's | Widths: Standard, wide | Recommended For: Tennis

Tennis requires quick stops, starts, and lateral movements, and the Coco CG1's basketball-inspired, high-top design helps manage this kind of motion while minimizing the chances of twisting an ankle. "This shoe features a saddle gore band that provides additional support while you're moving laterally as well as tons of high-durability rubber in areas of high wear and tear," Forsman says.Especially notable: The Coco CG1 features a FuelCell midsole that adds a propulsive feel to a player’s lateral footwork together with a hollow band in the midsole's center to increase energy return for marathon matches. Plus, they look amazing with any tennis skirt in your collection.

Sizes: 5 to 12 women's; 4 to 18 men's | Widths: Standard, wide, X-wide | Recommended For: Walking, Comfort

The 574 is arguably New Balance’s most iconic silhouette and is dubbed "the most New Balance shoe ever." "Originally created to be a road and trail model, the 574 is a classic style that is comfortable for all-day wear with an easy, uncomplicated design for all consumers," says Dylan Somerset, Senior Marketing Manager for Lifestyle at New Balance.The NB 574 is designed in such a way that it can do a variety of things well. "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," Forsman says.The 574 comes in dozens of different colors — including an all-white style if you're looking for white New Balance shoes — as well as a wide range of sizes and widths. "The mantra of current and previous 574 campaigns is ‘worn by anyone,’ and we truly feel they’re the perfect staple to any wardrobe," Somerset says.