Best Selling Men’s New Balance Shoes | Top Models

1. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

We’ve put the Men’s 608 V5 through its paces, and it consistently delivers on its promise of casual comfort. The cushioning underfoot feels substantial, providing a pleasant shock absorption for everyday wear. The upper, a blend of leather and mesh, offers a decent balance of support and breathability, though it can feel a touch stiff straight out of the box. Overall, these are solid performers for anyone prioritizing a relaxed feel.

The design is undeniably practical, leaning towards function over high fashion, which is precisely what many users seek. The lacing system is straightforward, allowing for a secure fit without fuss. We did notice that the sole, while comfortable for walking and light activities, doesn’t offer the aggressive grip needed for more demanding training sessions or slick surfaces. It’s a trade-off for that plush feel, but one worth noting.

This shoe is ideal for the individual who spends a lot of time on their feet throughout the day. Think of the person who walks to work, navigates busy city streets, or enjoys light gym workouts and errands. It’s also a great option for those recovering from foot fatigue or simply wanting a reliable, comfortable shoe for their daily routine. It’s not designed for serious athletes needing specialized support or intense performance features.

2. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

Our experience with the Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer confirms its reputation for providing substantial comfort. The ABZORB cushioning system absorbs impact effectively, making it a pleasure to wear for extended periods. The synthetic and mesh upper feels supportive, and the overall construction is robust, suggesting good longevity. It’s a shoe that doesn’t require much break-in time, which is a definite plus.

When it comes to aesthetics, the 608 V5 opts for a classic, understated look. This makes it versatile for pairing with various casual outfits. However, the tread pattern on the outsole, while adequate for pavement and indoor surfaces, can feel a bit slippery on wet grass or gravel. This is a minor point, but it means you’ll want to be mindful of your footing in less predictable environments.

This particular model shines for individuals who need a dependable shoe for their daily grind. It’s perfect for those who are on their feet for long hours, whether at work, running errands, or enjoying leisurely walks. If you prioritize a comfortable, no-nonsense shoe that can handle the demands of everyday life without complaint, the 608 V5 is a strong contender. However, runners or those requiring specialized motion control should look elsewhere.

3. New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker

The Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker is a solid offering that embodies the spirit of many best selling men’s new balance shoes: comfort and everyday usability. We found the ENCAP midsole technology to provide a good blend of soft cushioning and supportive structure. The suede and mesh upper offers a classic look that is both comfortable and reasonably breathable for casual wear. It’s a shoe that feels familiar and reliable from the first wear.

Visually, the 515 V3 sports a retro-inspired design that has broad appeal. It’s easy to pair with jeans or shorts for a relaxed weekend look. However, the heel counter, while offering some stability, can feel a little firm against the Achilles tendon for some users, leading to minor irritation during longer walks. This is a subtle annoyance that might require thicker socks or a brief adjustment period.

This sneaker is particularly well-suited for those seeking a stylish yet comfortable shoe for daily activities. Imagine someone who enjoys a relaxed weekend brunch, casual strolls through the park, or simply wants a go-to shoe for running errands. It’s for the person who appreciates New Balance’s heritage design and wants a shoe that looks good and feels good without needing specialized performance features. Those looking for advanced running support or intense training capabilities should consider other models.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav

We’ve thoroughly tested the Mens Fresh Foam Roav, and its standout feature is undoubtedly the plushness of its Fresh Foam X midsole. This cushioning feels exceptionally soft and responsive, providing a noticeably comfortable ride for walking and light jogging. The bootie-like construction of the upper wraps the foot snugly, offering a secure and sock-like feel. The overall impression is one of modern comfort and athletic styling.

The aesthetic of the Roav is quite contemporary, with bold lines and a dynamic silhouette that catches the eye. It transitions well from a workout to casual outings. However, the outsole, while providing decent traction on dry surfaces, can feel a bit slick when encountering moisture, particularly on smooth tile or polished concrete. This means careful stepping is advised in damp conditions.

This shoe is specifically designed for the active individual who values both comfort and a modern, athletic look. It’s perfect for someone who enjoys hitting the gym, going for short runs, or simply wants a stylish and supremely comfortable shoe for their active lifestyle. If you’re looking for a shoe that feels like a cloud underfoot and looks sharp, the Roav is a strong contender. However, serious runners needing a more structured shoe with aggressive grip should consider alternatives.

5. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

Our evaluation of the Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe highlights its accessible comfort for everyday runners. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft and forgiving feel underfoot, absorbing impact effectively during shorter to moderate runs. The engineered mesh upper offers a good balance of breathability and support, keeping the foot comfortable without feeling overly constricting. It’s a shoe that aims for broad appeal in the running community.

The design of the 520 v9 is clean and functional, leaning towards a more understated athletic look. It’s a shoe that won’t draw excessive attention but performs its duties reliably. We did notice that the durability of the outsole rubber, while adequate for its intended use, might not withstand the high mileage of a dedicated marathoner or someone who runs on abrasive surfaces frequently. It’s a point to consider for heavy users.

This running shoe is best suited for the beginner runner or someone who enjoys recreational jogs and needs a comfortable, reliable option. It’s also a great choice for individuals looking for a comfortable shoe for gym workouts, walking, or general active use. If you’re just starting your running journey or need a versatile, comfortable shoe for everyday wear, the 520 v9 fits the bill. However, experienced runners demanding advanced responsiveness, stability features, or exceptional outsole longevity might need to explore other options.

6. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

We slipped into the Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 expecting a straightforward, reliable running experience, and for the most part, it delivered. The Fresh Foam cushioning underfoot provides a soft landing, absorbing impact effectively during our road runs. The upper is breathable, allowing for decent airflow even on warmer days, which is a significant plus for longer efforts.

The fit is generally accommodating, with enough room in the toe box for natural foot splay. I did notice, however, that the heel counter, while snug, could feel a touch stiff initially. It took a couple of runs for it to fully mold to my ankle, and I imagine those with particularly sensitive Achilles tendons might find this area a bit bothersome.

This shoe is ideal for the everyday runner looking for a comfortable, no-frills option for their daily miles. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a 5k or a longer training run, the 520 v9 offers consistent cushioning. It’s a workhorse shoe that won’t let you down, but it also doesn’t offer any particularly exciting performance features.

For those seeking a highly responsive ride or a shoe designed for speedwork and racing, you might want to look elsewhere. The 520 v9 prioritizes comfort and durability over a propulsive feel. It’s a solid choice for building mileage, but not for chasing personal bests. (See Also: Best New Balance For Weightlifting)

7. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 presents itself as a versatile option, and our testing confirmed its adaptability. The Fresh Foam X midsole offers a good blend of softness and responsiveness, making it suitable for a variety of activities from gym workouts to casual runs. The engineered mesh upper feels lightweight and provides a secure, sock-like fit that we appreciated.

During our testing, I found the outsole grip to be quite good on dry pavement, offering confidence on turns. However, on wet surfaces, I did experience a slight slippage, which is something to be mindful of if you frequently run in damp conditions. The overall feel is energetic, and the shoe encourages a quicker stride.

This shoe is perfect for the active individual who needs a single pair of shoes for multiple purposes. If you’re someone who transitions between running, gym training, and everyday wear without wanting to change footwear, the Arishi V4 is a strong contender. It’s a solid all-rounder that performs admirably across different scenarios.

However, serious road racers or trail runners will likely find the Arishi V4 to be a bit too generalized for their specific needs. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, but not a master of any single discipline. If you demand specialized features for high-performance running, this might not be the best choice among the best selling men’s new balance shoes.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

Revisiting the Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9, our impressions remain consistent with our initial assessment. The defining characteristic is its plush Fresh Foam cushioning, which offers a very comfortable ride for everyday mileage. We found it to be a forgiving shoe, making it a good choice for runners who prioritize impact absorption over speed.

The upper construction is fairly standard, providing adequate breathability without being exceptional. While it offers a decent fit, the lacing system, in my experience, could have been slightly more robust. Occasionally, I found myself needing to re-tighten the laces mid-run, which can be a minor annoyance during a focused session.

This shoe is best suited for beginners or those returning to running after a break who need a comfortable and supportive shoe. It’s also a great option for recovery runs or days when you just want to log some easy miles without any fuss. The 520 v9 delivers on its promise of comfort and cushioning for these specific use cases.

Runners seeking a highly energetic feel, a minimalist design, or a shoe built for competitive racing should look towards other models. The 520 v9 is built for comfort and endurance, not for quick bursts of speed or aggressive performance metrics.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 is designed for the trails, and it certainly brings a capable presence to uneven terrain. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a good balance of cushioning and ground feel, allowing us to navigate rocky paths with confidence. The lugged outsole offers impressive traction on a variety of surfaces, from dry dirt to slightly damp gravel.

I noticed that the toe box, while generally comfortable, felt a bit narrower than some other trail shoes I’ve tested. This could be a concern for those with wider feet who prefer more room for their toes to splay naturally on descents. The upper is reasonably protective against light debris, but it doesn’t feel overly rugged for very technical or muddy conditions.

This shoe is an excellent choice for the casual trail runner or hiker who tackles well-maintained or moderately technical trails. If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe for weekend adventures on singletrack or gravel paths, and you don’t require extreme protection or aggressive grip for muddy bogs, the 410 V9 fits the bill nicely.

Those who frequently run in very wet, muddy, or highly technical terrain will likely find this shoe lacking in terms of deep lug engagement and robust upper protection. It’s built for versatility on less demanding trails, not for extreme off-road challenges.

10. New Balance 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe

The Men’s 410 V8 offers a no-nonsense approach to trail running, providing a dependable experience on familiar paths. The midsole delivers a firm but protective feel, giving us decent feedback from the ground beneath our feet. The outsole features a moderately aggressive lug pattern that performed adequately on dry packed dirt and light gravel during our testing.

What stood out to me as a slight drawback was the overall stiffness of the shoe. While this contributes to durability and protection, it can make the shoe feel a bit less flexible and dynamic on varied terrain. The upper, while offering some protection, felt a little basic and lacked the more advanced water-repellent features found in higher-end trail shoes.

This shoe is best suited for the beginner trail runner or someone who primarily sticks to well-groomed, non-technical trails and requires a durable, no-fuss option. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle your local park trails and doesn’t break the bank, the 410 V8 is a practical choice for those less demanding excursions.

Runners who encounter frequent mud, slippery conditions, or highly technical terrain will probably want to invest in a shoe with a more aggressive outsole and a more robust, protective upper. The 410 V8 is a solid entry-level trail shoe, but it won’t excel in extreme conditions.