Best womens new balance walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Best New Balance Walking Shoes for Comfort, Style, and Support

For neighborhood strolls and long walks.

Best womens new balance walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey

Although you might affectionately think of it as the ultimate dad shoe brand, New Balance is a standard-bearer for practical lifestyle and athletic footwear, which the brand has designed since the early 1900s. Since then, New Balance has developed an aesthetic all its own—and offers both ultracomfy and super stylish walking shoes.

Walking shoes should provide comfort and support while minimizing foot pain and issues like plantar fasciitis. New Balance’s walking shoes generally have thick, cushioned midsoles that absorb impact, as well as well-designed footbeds that provide arch support (although some of their models are more minimal). They also suit many foot types: Most models come in standard and wide sizing, while specific sneakers range from narrow to XX-wide.

If it’s not evident by their ability to mass appeal to a diverse audience of dads and fashion icons, New Balance shoes are worth a try for anyone who loves walking. Here are our top picks for the best New Balance walking shoes for long strolls, grocery shopping, dog walking, and everything in between.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey

    New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe

    The sleek New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 won the best road running shoe for SELF's 2022 Sneaker Awards for their perfectly cushioned footbed and medium-wide toe box. Since they’re designed for running, they have a snug, supportive fit that will serve you well on long distances. And don’t worry about fatigue: The Fresh Foam midsole keeps your knees and ankles feeling fresh even as you rack up the miles on pavement.

    Available in sizes 5 to 13; in standard, wide, and extra wide widths.

  • Dick's Sporting Goods

    New Balance Women's DynaSoft Nergize V3 Shoes

    With their plush ​​Memory Sole Comfort insole, these casual New Balance sneakers are an excellent choice for evening walks and all-day wear. They come in neutral tones like grey and white, so they’re easy to match with any outfit, and their breathable mesh upper feels soft and lightweight on the foot. It’s not as structured as some other walking shoes, so it’s ideal for people who don’t need a ton of arch support and lateral stability, or those who deal with overpronation.

    Available in sizes 6 to 11.

  • Dick's Sporting Goods

    New Balance Women's 327 Shoes

    Designed more for everyday use than walking, these stylish shoes will still serve you well during your daily neighborhood or park meandering. For style points, they’re reminiscent of the ’70s with their bold, color-block design and earthy colorways. And the rubber outsole’s deep lugs are as aesthetic as they are functional: For a walking sneaker, this shoe has exceptional grip.

    Available in sizes 6 to 12.

  • Dick's Sporting Goods

    New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Cruzv1 Reissue Shoes

    Back by popular demand, this reissue of the classic Cruz shoe from New Balance is a stable, comfortable sneaker that checks all the boxes for a reliable walking shoe. They’re ideal for daily wear because of their balanced cushioning and molded foam comfort heel. Plus, the lightweight knit upper makes them easy to slip on and offers a secure fit even if you don’t lace up too tightly.

    Available in sizes 5 to 12; in standard and wide widths.

  • Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey

    New Balance Women's FuelCell Prism V1 Running Shoe

    SELF’s digital director reviewed these speedy running shoes after she ran her fastest mile in them. For her, the standout features were their responsive FuelCell foam and secure fit, which will feel great whether you’re walking or running. She didn’t love the stiff design for longer excursions, but our other testers liked the design’s blend of stability and cushion. Online reviewers with wide feet and bunions alike reported that the FuelCell Prism fit their feet well. And it comes in over eight colorways, so you can find one to match your palette.

    Available in sizes 5 to 11.

  • Zappos

    New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Trail Running Shoe

    Throw it back to the ’90s with these vibrant kicks. They come in striking, playful colorways, like mystic purple with poppy and lemonade (quite a mouthful), to spice up your walking outfit. The Vibram outsole helps you tackle uneven dirt paths and slippery surfaces underfoot, so they’re a great crossover shoe for walking, hiking, and trail running. Some reviewers noted that these sneaks run small, so if you use orthotics or are between sizes, consider ordering a larger size than usual.

    Available in sizes 5 to 12; in standard and wide widths.

  • Dick's Sporting Goods

    New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X More v4

    For walking enthusiasts who like plenty of foam cushioning (Hoka fans, we’re looking at you), these sneakers are some of New Balance’s plushiest offerings. They provide ample shock absorption and maximum comfort, thanks in no small part to the intentionally increased width through the shoe’s platform. If you’re not accustomed to this level of cushioning, it can feel slightly uneasy, so we wouldn’t recommend the Fresh Foam X More v4 for those with ankle instabilities. But if you’re on your feet all day, these are some of the best walking shoes around.

    Available in sizes 5 to 13; in standard and wide widths.

  • New Balance

    New Balance WNRGSV1

    Similar in design to New Balance’s Nergize line, the WNRGSV1 offers a refreshing pop of color with the same lightweight, super comfortable feel. They shine (quite literally) because of their GLO detailing, and the streamlined, one-piece design makes slipping them on and off a breeze. However, due to their lightweight materials, they’re not super supportive or durable (those with high arches, for example, will most likely need a shoe with more structure). To make them last longer, save them for short walks or errands.

    Available in sizes 5 to 12; in standard and wide widths.

  • New Balance

    New Balance Women's 928 V3 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

    All-white sneakers are always on-trend because they’re easy to style and go well with almost any outfit. The leather upper on this pair increases durability; the ABZORB midsole lives up to its name and absorbs impact as you walk; and the ROLLBAR construction increases motion control. Also, you get to embrace the dad vibes as you skip the laces and strap up the velcro closures—this easy-to-use feature is also great for anyone with mobility issues like arthritis. As the shoe with the widest range of widths on our list, this option is a perfect fit for a variety of foot types, including flat feet.

    Available in sizes 5 to 13; in narrow, standard, wide, extra wide, and XX-wide widths. 

  • Dick's Sporting Goods

    New Balance Women's 574 Core Shoes

    We may have saved the best for last: The 574 model is one of New Balance’s most iconic designs, available in beautiful color combinations, from pastels to neutrals. This closet staple has lightweight EVA foam to cushion your midfoot and heel, and a generous mesh panel across the forefoot to encourage airflow. Keep in mind suede is hard to clean, so it’s best to keep these on pavement.

    Available in sizes 5 to 12.

Best womens new balance walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Hannah is a freelance journalist and content writer who writes about the outdoors, the environment, and travel. Before diving into a writing career, she spent years in the outdoor industry bouncing around the West as a backpacking guide and educator. She was born and raised in Baltimore, MD but now lives in... Read more

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Are New Balance walking shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

Not only is New Balance an athletic shoe company but they are also a go-to shoe for many people with foot problems such as plantar fasciitis.

What walking shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis?

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit While these shoes can be helpful for a variety of foot issues, Susek finds them particularly useful for plantar fasciitis. They have extra heel cushioning compared to other shoes, as well as a deep heel cup with good anatomic arch support that makes them both comfortable and stabilizing.

Are New Balance 990v5 good for plantar fasciitis?

New Balance 990v5 The 990 is by far one of the best New Balance shoes for Plantar Fasciitis you can possibly buy. Extremely comfortable, the 990v5 provides all the support, cushion, and stability you need.
New Balance shoes offer excellent support for the heel, arch, and forefoot,” Tyler Miranda, DPM, a New York-based podiatrist, says. “They also have a wide toe box, which is especially important for people who need extra space to avoid friction and pressure on bunions and hammer toes.”