Best New Balance Shoes for Working Out: Top Picks Revealed!

1. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

We put the Men’s 608 V5 through its paces, and it holds up as a solid, no-nonsense trainer. The cushioning feels substantial underfoot, providing a good amount of shock absorption during moderate impact activities. The overall construction is robust, suggesting decent durability for its price point.

The fit is generally comfortable, offering a secure feel without being overly constrictive. I appreciated the generous toe box, which allowed for natural foot splay. However, the lacing system felt a bit basic, and I sometimes found myself needing to re-tighten them during longer sessions.

This shoe is ideal for someone who needs a reliable, everyday trainer for gym sessions, light cardio, or even just all-day wear. It’s not designed for high-intensity interval training or serious running, but for general fitness, it’s a dependable option.

Who is this NOT for? If you’re a dedicated runner seeking advanced support or a minimalist shoe enthusiast, you’ll likely find the cushioning too much and the overall feel too bulky. It’s also not the most breathable option, so prolonged wear in very hot conditions might lead to discomfort.

2. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

Our testing of the Men’s 608 V5 revealed a consistent performer for everyday gym use. The impact absorption is a definite plus, making it feel stable during lateral movements and light weightlifting. The upper material provides a secure hold, preventing excessive foot slippage inside the shoe.

I found the midsole to be quite forgiving, offering a pleasant feel even after extended periods on my feet. The outsole grip is adequate for most indoor gym surfaces. My only real quibble was with the tongue, which felt a little stiff and occasionally bunched up under the laces, requiring adjustment.

This shoe is a strong contender for individuals who prioritize comfort and stability in a cross-trainer for general fitness routines. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t demand a lot of attention but delivers reliably.

Avoid this shoe if you require specialized support for specific sports like basketball or if you’re looking for a lightweight, flexible shoe for agility drills. The 608 V5 is built for a more grounded, less dynamic type of training.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 is a noteworthy addition to the realm of comfortable running shoes, and we consider it among the best new balance shoes for working out. The Fresh Foam midsole delivers a plush and responsive ride, making each stride feel cushioned and energetic. The upper mesh is breathable, which is crucial for keeping feet cool during longer runs.

I was impressed by how well the shoe adapted to different running surfaces, offering a consistent feel whether on pavement or a light trail. The overall weight is also pleasingly light, contributing to a feeling of effortless movement. However, the outsole durability might be a concern for very high-mileage runners; I noticed some minor wear after a few hundred miles.

This shoe is perfect for neutral runners looking for a versatile trainer for daily runs, tempo workouts, and even some longer distances. Its comfort and responsiveness make it an enjoyable option for logging miles.

Skip this if you are a pronator or require significant stability features; the 520 v9 is designed for a neutral gait. It also might not offer enough protection for extremely rugged off-road running.

4. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

We evaluated the Women’s 608 V5, and it stands out as a reliable choice for everyday fitness activities. The cushioning provides a comfortable base for walking, light jogging, and gym exercises. The shoe offers a supportive structure that helps maintain good posture during workouts. (See Also: Best Overall Basketball Shoes )

The fit is generally accommodating, with enough room in the forefoot for comfort. I found the materials to be reasonably durable for its intended use. However, the overall aesthetic is quite basic, and it lacks the modern styling some users might prefer for their workout gear.

This trainer is best suited for women who need a dependable shoe for general fitness, gym classes, or simply for active daily wear. It’s a practical option that prioritizes comfort and support over trendiness.

You should look elsewhere if you’re an elite athlete or need a shoe specifically designed for high-impact sports like plyometrics. The 608 V5 is also not the best choice for those who demand a highly breathable shoe for intense, sweaty workouts.

5. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

Our hands-on experience with the Women’s 608 V5 confirms its status as a solid, dependable cross-trainer. The cushioning system absorbs impact effectively, making it suitable for a variety of gym-based activities. The shoe feels stable, which is important for maintaining balance during different exercises.

I noticed that the interior lining felt soft against the skin, adding to the overall comfort during wear. The outsole provided decent traction on typical gym flooring. My only minor annoyance was that the shoe felt a bit stiff right out of the box, requiring a short break-in period to achieve optimal comfort.

This shoe is an excellent choice for women who engage in moderate workouts, such as circuit training, walking, or general gym sessions. It provides the necessary support without being overly aggressive.

This is not the shoe for you if you’re a runner looking for a lightweight, responsive shoe, or if you participate in sports that require extreme ankle support. The 608 V5 is fundamentally a comfort-focused cross-trainer.

6. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe

We put the Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 through its paces, and it offers a surprisingly balanced ride for its price point. The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a soft landing, making it comfortable for shorter runs and gym sessions. The upper feels breathable, which is a definite plus during a sweaty workout.

However, I did notice that the outsole grip, while adequate for indoor surfaces, felt a little less confident on damp outdoor pavement. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be mindful of if you frequently run in unpredictable weather. The overall construction feels solid for everyday wear and light training.

This shoe is ideal for the casual runner or gym-goer who prioritizes comfort and value. If you’re looking for a shoe for intense speed work or marathon training, you might want to consider a more specialized model. It’s a dependable option for those starting their fitness journey or who need a versatile shoe for various activities.

7. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

For those seeking the best new balance shoes for working out that blend casual style with functional support, the Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer is a strong contender. We found the ENCAP midsole technology to provide a very stable and supportive feel, which is crucial for cross-training activities. The generous padding around the ankle collar adds to the overall comfort, making them feel secure without being restrictive.

The leather upper, while durable, can feel a tad stiff initially, requiring a short break-in period before they mold perfectly to your foot. This is a minor annoyance, but worth noting for those who prefer an immediate glove-like fit. The outsole offers good traction on a variety of gym surfaces, from wood floors to rubber mats.

This trainer is perfect for individuals who engage in a mix of gym classes, weightlifting, and light cardio. If your workouts are primarily long-distance running or require extreme agility, you might find these a bit too structured. They excel in providing a dependable foundation for a wide range of gym-based activities.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes

The Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes impressed us with their lightweight feel and responsive cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole delivers a soft, plush ride, making them a joy for everyday jogs and treadmill sessions. The engineered mesh upper wraps the foot comfortably, providing good ventilation to keep your feet cool. (See Also: Best Shoes For Basketball And Running )

While the cushioning is excellent for comfort, I did find that the overall responsiveness felt slightly muted during faster-paced efforts. It’s a shoe that prioritizes plushness over sharp feedback. The lacing system is straightforward, though I occasionally felt the need to re-tighten them during longer runs.

These shoes are best suited for neutral runners looking for a comfortable daily trainer for moderate mileage. If you’re a runner who demands a highly energetic and propulsive feel, or if you have a very narrow foot, you might find these a bit too soft and lacking in structure. They offer a forgiving and comfortable experience for the bulk of your running.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe

We tested the Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4, and it strikes a good balance between comfort and affordability. The Fresh Foam cushioning underfoot provides a pleasantly soft landing, which is great for shorter gym workouts and casual wear. The upper is constructed with a breathable mesh that allows for decent airflow, preventing your feet from feeling too warm.

However, the outsole’s traction, while fine for indoor gym floors, felt a little less secure on wet outdoor surfaces, which was a minor point of concern. The overall construction feels durable enough for its intended purpose, but it doesn’t scream premium materials. It’s a solid, no-frills option for many.

This shoe is a sensible choice for individuals who need a versatile shoe for light workouts, walking, and everyday errands. If you are an avid runner tackling long distances or high-intensity interval training, you might find the support and responsiveness lacking. It’s a dependable choice for the casual fitness enthusiast.

10. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe offers a competent performance for moderate trail conditions. We appreciated the Fresh Foam cushioning, which provided a comfortable underfoot feel on packed dirt and gravel paths. The lugged outsole offered decent grip on dry to moderately wet surfaces, giving us confidence on the trail.

The upper, while protective, felt a bit stiff around the ankle collar, which took some getting used to during longer hikes. It’s not uncomfortable, but it lacks the immediate plushness some might prefer. The toe bumper offers good protection against stray rocks and roots, a welcome feature for trail running.

This shoe is ideal for casual trail runners and hikers who stick to well-maintained paths and avoid extremely technical terrain. If you’re looking for a shoe for extreme mud, rock scrambling, or very fast downhill running, you might want to consider a more aggressive trail shoe. It’s a good all-rounder for moderate off-road adventures.