Top 5 Best New Balance Sneakers

New Balance sneakers combine performance with everyday style for all-day comfort and style.

New Balance is the brand to think about if you’re looking for sneakers that prioritize comfort, style, and quality. We created this infallible guide to assist you in selecting the ideal NB shoes for you because there are so many versions available.

After testing New Balance sneakers, we have compiled a list of the best choices. Based on our lab and wear studies, we took this action. To make it simpler for you to locate the ideal model for your needs, we selected the best in a number of categories.

We sorted our top choices into a number of categories to save you time and effort. This is how our BTS appears:

To eliminate prejudice, we pay for all of our New Balance footwear ourselves.
We wear the shoes to everyday activities and informal gatherings. We weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the shoe during this period, including its support, breathability, durability, and fit.
In our lab, we put the shoes through a variety of tests. To provide more than 20 accurate measures, we employ a band saw, Dremel, tire tread gauge, smoke machine, and other equipment. We even burn and damage the leather to determine its authenticity.
Based on all of our shoe-related experiences, we hand-pick the shoes that are featured here.

Best New Balance sneakers overall: New balance 2002r
Best classic New Balance sneakers: New balance 574
Best breathable New Balance sneakers: New balance 327
Best chunky New Balance sneakers: New balance 9060
Bets retro New Balance sneakers: New Balance 550

Best New Balance sneakers overall

New balance 2002r

The 2002R was the New Balance sneaker that made the biggest impression out of all the ones we tried. We were blown away by this shoe’s perfectly matched combination of cushioning and rigidity. Additionally, this shoe featured an exceptionally large tongue that improved fit and provided a great deal of comfort. In addition to being composed of genuine suede, the upper was dependable in terms of durability.

The midsole received a softness rating of 32.6 from our HA durometer, which was not too far from the average of 30.9. We were able to utilize the NB 2002R for extended periods of time since it provided an excellent balance between reaction and impact absorption.

When we measured the tongue, our mouths fell open. According to the caliper, it was 15.5 mm thick, which is an astounding 78% thicker than normal! We adored how the enormous tongue improved the fit while simultaneously pampering the tops of our foot.

After completing the fire test, we are certain that the upper was really composed of authentic suede. Its durability, however, was more noteworthy. With an excellent grade of 4 out of 5, it was so resistant to abrasion that it made our Dremel drills appear like a joke.

We were simply disappointed by the breathability. According to our lab evaluations, the New Balance 2002R only received a ventilation score of two out of five.

Best classic New Balance sneakers

New balance 574

After carefully examining New Balance sneakers, we identified the New Balance 574 as the brand’s most notable classic. Beyond the sneaker’s undeniably classic design and vibrant past, our choice goes deeper. Beyond its appearance, it provides an unforgettable on-foot experience, which is why we voted it the best!

We can confirm that NB 574’s exceptional comfort is unmatched for everyday adventures. We discovered that it had a sturdy cushion and a roomy interior that make it ideal for lengthy hikes.As if the on-foot sensation wasn’t enough to justify daily wear, we discovered that its timeless style is so adaptable that it easily goes with a variety of looks, from casual to sophisticated.

We were impressed by the revered sneaker’s reasonable price of $90, which is also 30% less expensive than the typical sneaker. Despite being quite affordable, we found that the New Balance 574’s craftsmanship is completely unaffected! It has a sturdy 8-mm rubber outsole that can withstand hundreds of kilometers and an upper made of genuine suede!

Best breathable New Balance sneakers

New balance 327

Among the footwear offerings of New Balance, we achieved maximum ventilation from the 327s. This New Balance kick boasts a luxury comfort that startled us given its cost-effective price. This footwear was 42.9% less expensive than other sneakers at just $90, yet it performed exceptionally well, making it our top pick for breathable sneakers.

By putting a light on the 327’s upper, we were able to determine its porosity. Given that it has numerous vent slots around the quarter and toe box of the kick, it became evident why smoke flew continuously throughout our smoke test.

Our scale indicates that the 327 weighs 10.62 oz (301g), which confirms that it feels and is light. The majority of the footwear we evaluated have a 35.2% weight increase. However, sneakerheads with wide feet might not find the 327 to be very accommodating. At 94 mm, it is 4 mm less than the typical width when measured across the toebox portion with the maximum length. You should only wear sneakers with greater room for your toes if you have wide feet.

Best chunky New Balance sneakers

New balance 9060

We discovered that the New Balance 9060’s substantial construction is not only a visual feast but also a sanctuary for the foot, making it the king of chunky sneakers in the New Balance kick range. We were also astounded to learn that the chunkiness of the sneaker contributed to its sturdy construction.

An intriguing fact we discovered about this shoe is that its interior is likewise substantial, meaning it has a substantially cushioned tongue and a significant amount of support and cushioning, allowing for an extremely high level of comfort. Given these characteristics and the fact that it was derived from running shoes, we weren’t totally shocked to learn that it also gave us a noticeable sense of stability, which allowed us to maintain our equilibrium in spite of its substantial size.

We also appreciated its extremely durable design, which held up well despite frequent use and exposure to the elements. The lack of airflow is the problem that accompanies the shoe’s chunkiness, extensive cushioning, and overlays. The New Balance 9060 felt a little uncomfortable for our feet. If your toes heat up quickly, we advise looking at other breathable sneakers.

Bets retro New Balance sneakers

New Balance 550

The New Balance 550’s preservation of its vintage appearance and feel quickly won us over as admirers of retro styles. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this shoe offered a decent deal of durability and a fairly secure heel clasp. We were able to demonstrate its retro appeal more because of these advantages, which increased our confidence in our steps. For us, this shoe swiftly emerged as the greatest New Balance vintage sneaker.

It won’t be difficult for anyone who saw the NB 550 when it first came out to identify this shoe today. We adore this shoe since it still has a lot, if not all, of the original’s attractiveness.

Both the toebox and the heel padding demonstrated exceptional abrasion resistance throughout our durability tests. They were only scratched when we squeezed our Dremel against them. We gave both shoe parts an outstanding 4 out of 5 for their remarkable durability.

The heel counter was quite good at keeping the rearfoot in place in addition to having sturdy heel padding. In the lab, we firmly squeezed this portion of the shoe, and it held up well to our manipulations. It deservedly received a strong rating of four out of five.

Unfortunately, there was a problem with this shoe’s breathability. During our tests, neither light nor smoke could penetrate the upper substance. In the end, its ventilation rating was a dismal 2 out of 5.