For more than a century, New Balance has established itself as a go-to brand for footwear thanks to a history of groundbreaking innovations and enduring relevance.
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley as the “New Balance Arch Support Company” in Boston, Massachusetts. The company’s debut offering was not a pair of shoes but rather arch support and orthopaedic inlays that revolutionized the footwear market by providing unprecedented stability and comfort.
In 1961, New Balance released the world’s first running shoe with a rippled bottom for grip, dubbed the Trackster. Since New Balance was ahead of the curve in realizing that feet came in more than just length variations, they made the model in three widths. In 1976, New Balance released the 320, quickly becoming the best-selling running shoe of all time and catapulting the company to international prominence.
The 990, originally designed as a running shoe using New Balance’s innovative high-energy-return Encap technology, has become an instant classic and a streetwear standard. However, New Balance also produces a wide selection of running shoes built to last for years and encourage good alignment for different types of feet. New Balance has a running shoe for everyone, whether you have high arches, wide feet, flat feet, or any combination of the three.
Choosing the Right Pair of Running Shoes
New York-based podiatrist Dr. Parker M. Gennett suggests looking for a sneaker that supports your foot’s natural structure or condition while shopping for the best running sneakers for your foot type. New Balance has made achieving your goals in this area simpler than ever. Dr. Gennett says, “I favor shoe companies with a wide variety of sneakers and a straightforward website to use.” “For instance, if you’re looking for a shoe with a high arch, wide width, more cushion, and so on, you can type that into the Newbalance.com website.”
Some degree of inward rolling of the foot (pronation) is normal, and most people lie on the pronation continuum. Shoes designed for low arches or flat feet need more motion control and support than those intended for medium arches, and vice versa for those with medium arches.
Those with high arches should search for a pair of sneakers with extra padding. Dr. Gennett explains that those with high arches need “greater balance between comfort and control” since their feet cannot adjust to the ground. Cushioning that leans slightly inward or outward is ideal for people whose feet tend to roll inward or outward while walking.
And if you suffer from bunions, select a pair of sneakers with a roomier toe box. These adjustments to your running shoes will significantly impact your performance, comfort, and foot health.
In addition, think about the kinds of runs you like to do. A more stable tread is what you need if you’re a terrain runner. It’s important to use lightweight shoes when sprinting. Meanwhile, the most incredible running shoes have a supportive midsole, a cushioned heel, and stabilizing characteristics.
Check out our top 5 New Balance sneakers list to learn which pair is right for your feet and running style.
New Balance Hierro v6 GTX Running Shoes
These shoes are great for long-distance trail runs on the rough ground thanks to their moderately cushioned Fresh Foam soles. The Vibram outsole and midsole provide cushioning between the foot and the path, which leads to outstanding responsiveness and control.
The Hierro design is not intended for strenuous hiking due to its lack of protection elements found in other terrain sneakers. To counter this, it is lighter in weight and more resistant to abrasion than competing models, thanks to the TPU threading.
New Balance 1080v11 Running Shoes
The New Balance 1080v11, like the rest of the shoes in New Balance’s Fresh Foam line, has a plush, responsive cushioning system in the shoe’s midsole. This concept’s cushioned midsole and heel cup offer optimal support for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. The shoe’s arch may even accommodate those with higher arches.
The upper is designed to provide gentle support for the ankles. A laser-cut midsole reduces weight and increases flexibility. Dr. Gennett suggests a wide-toe box in running shoes for stability, and these sneakers deliver. People who supinate, have high arches, or experience plantar fasciitis can benefit significantly from wearing these shoes.
New Balance 880v11 Running Shoes
Every year, the 880v11 is one of the most popular pairs of running shoes. Those with neutral feet would like the wide size range offered. The perfect balance between convenience and efficiency has attracted runners of all skill levels.
Its reinforced Fresh Foam midsole makes for effortless transitions and plush landings when running on asphalt. Meanwhile, your feet will stay put thanks to the sturdy rubber outsole.
New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a neutral trainer, go no further. Each step is given extra zip and vitality thanks to the midsole’s springiness. The FuelCell Prism v2 is one of the lightest designs on our list.
However, it still manages to be comfortable, springy, and entirely breathable, giving it an almost slipper-like sensation with reliable performance technology. These will be the best if you’re a neutral runner who values cushioning and convenience over steadiness and strength.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Running Shoes
The Fresh Foam X 860v12 is one of the best running shoes for flat feet because it provides a superior level of stability without sacrificing comfort. This sneaker’s dual-density medial post supports proper foot positioning, and the layer of plush Fresh Foam in the midsole adds excellent responsiveness and bounce.
These are great for runners with broad feet because of the comfortable elastic fit and roomy toe box.
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