Wearing a pair of sturdy walking shoes is crucial when you travel — trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. After traveling for more than 20 years, I’ve worn everything from sandals to booties and tennis shoes in the name of looking cute on vacation, but after experiencing constant back and knee pain, I had to make a change. I went to the podiatrist, who diagnosed me with wide, flat feet and bunions (from wearing shoes that were too narrow). She recommended New Balance sneakers for their arch support, comfort, and variety of widths.
Since I started wearing them four years ago for daily walks and traveling, I immediately noticed a difference from first wear. I haven’t experienced any lower back pain — and that includes when I walked more than 40,000 steps at a music festival. And my podiatrist isn’t the only one who has given New Balance her stamp of approval, the shoe brand has a variety of styles that have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval. Amazon shoppers have also been praising their foot doctors for recommending the comfy shoe brand, and the online retailer’s fashion store is stocked with an assortment of New Balance sneakers for as little as $31.
Below, check out 11 walking shoes (including the sneakers I wear) from the podiatrist-approved brand and a must-have for your carry-on luggage.
Best New Balance Shoes at Amazon
- New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers, from $44 (originally $85)
- New Balance 847 V4 Walking Shoes, from $54 (originally $150)
- New Balance W1540 V3 Running Shoes, from $76 (originally $180)
- New Balance Dynasoft Nergize V3 Sneakers, from $31 (originally $70)
- New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers, from $48 (originally $75)
- New Balance 515 V3 Sneakers, from $43 (originally $75)
- New Balance 574 Core Sneakers, from $85 (originally $90)
- New Balance 574 V2 All Day Sneakers, from $63 (originally $85)
- New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes, from $47 (originally $85)
- New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers, from $37 (originally $65)
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers
Amazon
New Balance’s Fresh Foam technology has been a game-changer for my feet. This cushy foam is the main feature throughout the midsole of these sneakers, resulting in bouncy, lightweight shoes that make me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows — they’re that soft. Whenever I travel, these are the first shoes I grab to wear on the plane, and for walking around and sightseeing.
New Balance 847 V4 Walking Shoes
Amazon
Right now, you can score these New Balance sneakers for nearly $100 off — the lowest price they’ve been in the past 30 days. The shoes’ midsole includes two types of foam, to create a cushy, supportive feel while you explore. One Amazon shopper purchased these after their podiatrist recommended the brand, and found this pair to be “roomy” enough to wear with an ankle brace and socks — even with their bunion.
New Balance W1540 V3 Running Shoes
Amazon
These running shoes are designed with lightweight materials that offer support and all-day comfort. The sole was made with stability in mind to help keep you balanced whether you’re walking through the cobblestone streets of Paris or going for a morning run on the beaches of Santorini.
New Balance Dynasoft Nergize V3 Sneakers
Amazon
Made with a memory foam insole, these New Balance sneakers will cushion your feet during long travel days or if you’re running errands. One traveler wore them in Greece and they liked how lightweight the shoes felt, as well as how they “cup your heel” nicely. Another Amazon reviewer who has a bunion, a hammer toe, arthritis in their big toe, and flat feet praised how the plush insole makes their “feet and legs feel great at the end of the day.”
New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers
Amazon
These cross trainers have a trendy, large-sole style, but they’re lightweight and were made to keep your feet supported while you explore outdoor trails and trek new places. If you plan to be on your feet all day you can rest assured, the sneakers are designed with panels that distribute pressure evenly across the foot to minimize irritation. That way, you can focus on taking in the sights and not worry about foot pain.
New Balance 515 V3 Sneakers
Amazon
The 515 V3 sneakers have a casual design that mixes suede and breathable mesh materials that look stylish enough for everyday wear. Choose from 46 color combinations and patterns, like this statement-making burgundy red, as well as basics like white and black. One shopper said they were comfortable even after walking 12 hours and 10 miles during a trip to Disney.
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
Amazon
These comfy, multifunctional walking shoes were made to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle or multi-city travels. They combine the cushioned support of a running sneaker with the traction and stability of a trail shoe. The style even impressed one shopper who hates sneakers, but gave these a try after their podiatrist suggested the brand. They wrote, “When I wear them, I feel like my feet are cushioned in softness.” Another reviewer put the shoes to the test during a trip to Spain, walking rocky terrain, dune hikes, and cobblestone streets with “no blisters.”
New Balance 574 V2 All Day Sneakers
Amazon
Like the name suggests, these walking shoes were made to wear all day, and the reviews prove it. One Amazon shopper who wore them on a trip to New York City and averaged 15,000 steps a day said, “These did not leave me with tired feet.” Plus, they’re stylish enough to wear with any type of pants without looking like you’re about to hit the gym.
New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes
Amazon
The hook and loop closure makes these sneakers especially desirable for anyone who has to rush through airport security. New Balance included its Abzorb cushioning in the heel to swaddle your foot in coziness, which one shopper with bunions and hammertoes can attest to, saying the shoes get them through “everything” including walking, commuting, and vacations.
New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers
Amazon
More than 40,000 Amazon shoppers have rated these walking shoes five out of five, including one reviewer who said they bought them after their podiatrist recommended the shoes. They wrote, “I can put these on at 7 a.m. and walk all day until I take them off around 10 p.m.” That’s reassuring for anyone about to explore a big city where they’ll be on and off buses, up and down stairs, and walking for long stretches of time.
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoes
Amazon
Walking thousands of steps while you sightsee won’t be an issue in these comfy New Balance sneakers. You can choose from four different widths, including narrow and extra wide. One Amazon shopper even considers these their “go-to” walking sneakers, praising the roomy toe box for extra comfort.
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