<p>So, I gladly took it upon myself to test out the latest New Balance sneakers (plus some tried-and-true classics) as well as research the most popular styles to bring you a definitive list of the best ones worth your while. Below, see the New Balance sneakers you need to add to your closet.<br></p>”/>
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t actively trying to get my hands on a pair of New Balance 530s. The style is so popular, it’s often hard to find in stock. That said, I managed to snag this classic, neutral colorway that I can now happily pair with everything from crew socks and bike shorts to cropped denim and slouchy slacks.
Sizes: Women’s 6-11
Width: N/A
ELLE Editor review: “I was a little wary about styling these with my everyday ’fits. That said, they’ve become a regular player in my sneaker rotation. The 530s have a chunky look that, especially with a slouchy sock, feels reminiscent of the ’80s, and I mean that in the best possible way.”—DC
Best Everyday
New Balance Made in US 990v5
Another shoe that many keep “in stock” alerts turned on for, the Made in USA 990v5 sneaker (a hands-down favorite of yours truly) is a lightweight heritage style that easily works on almost every occasion, because the iconic stone-gray colorway begs to play counterpart to all shades of denim and cool neutrals.
Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Widths: Standard, Wide, X-Wide
ELLE Editor review: “Full disclosure: I am a 990v5 evangelist. I was an early adopter of these when they resurged in popularity as the go-to ‘dad’ shoe, much to the dismay of my friends. They really do look good with everything, and—my goodness—are they comfortable. Simply put, these were the shoes that made me a forever fan of New Balance.”—DC
Most Hyped
New Balance 550 Sneakers
Every wardrobe needs a chunky, low-top basketball sneaker. Enter: the New Balance 550 sneaker. Originally debuted in 1989, the style has been reimagined and re-introduced throughout the years, and it’s now a favorite amongst celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski, Adele, and Bella Hadid.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-15.5
Widths: N/A
ELLE Editor Review: “Consider me a victim of the hype, but I’ve been eyeing these ever since I saw the initial collaboration Aimé Leon Dore did with New Balance. I’ve waited a handful of years to get my hands on a pair of 550s (they’re seemingly always sold out in my size!), but I finally did it—and they’re just as good as I was expecting. I even got myself a pair from the New Balance x Malbon collection, so I can wear them on the golf course, too.”—DC
Best All-Around Running Shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
No, New Balance isn’t all about lifestyle shoes—it’s a lifestyle and fitness brand, after all. And naturally, the brand makes some pretty great shoes for working out, in addition to its grail-worthy silhouettes. Case in point: the Fresh Foam X 1080v13. As the name suggests, the foam sole is extra cushy, which means the impact as your foot hits the pavement will be on the minimal side (plus that rocker profile will help keep you moving forward).
Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Widths: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide
ELLE Editor review: “I’ve kept a pair of Fresh Foam sneakers in my workout circuit for a few years now, and it only seemed natural to upgrade myself to a new pair. These have just enough cushion to give my warmups on the treadmill an extra push. These are a great running shoe for any type of runner. (After all, these are the ones that got me racking up those miles!).”—DC
Best Non-White Option
New Balance Made in USA 998
No, this is certainly not your average, everyday sneaker—which is exactly why I love it. This eye-catching suede shoe is just what you need to kick your ’fits up a notch this season. Plus, this colorway will look just as good now as it will in the fall.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-16.5
Widths: Standard
Customer review: “Women with wide feet who want a U.S.-made shoe can wear this unisex line. It comes in many color combinations and is a good, supportive, all-purpose exercise shoe.”
Best Sustainable
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
While most New Balance sneakers are composed of some type of animal leather or suede, this pair from the Fresh Foam series features a mesh upper and 3 percent bio-based content. This particular style also meets New Balance’s green leaf standard, which means a significant percentage of the shoe’s materials are made from recycled content and renewable resources.
Sizes: Women’s US 5-13
Widths: Standard, Wide
Sleek and Simple
New Balance T500
Sometimes, you just want to have a classic and comfortable white sneaker on hand to finish your looks. In that case, a sleek and simple option like the T500 is what you need.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-16.5
Widths: N/A
ELLE Editor review: “I’m not usually the type of woman who sports a sleeker, more fitted shoe, but that didn’t stop me from pairing these with everything. When in doubt about what shoes will go with my warm-weather outfits, these are what I reach for.”—DC
Most Classic
New Balance 574 Core
The 574 sneaker is a decades-long classic, combining the best of functional versatility and style. The hybrid design offers a cherished mix of “new, different, uncomplicated, rugged, durable, and comfortable” in addition to that instantly recognizable New Balance logo. And for those who aren’t quite on the chunky trend just yet, it’s the perfect entry point, in my humble opinion.
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Widths: Standard, Wide
ELLE Editor review: “These sneakers bring me back to my youth. Available in different neutral colorways, it’s an unassuming option for those who don’t want their sneakers to take the cake when it comes to their outfits. That said, it’s an immediately recognizable style that almost gives an ‘if you know, you know’ type of vibe.”—DC
Best for Distance Runners
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
The latest iteration of New Balance’s FuelCell Rebel is stylish and a great option for everyday runners looking for something with some extra bounce (but not too much). And, weighing in at 5.8 ounces, they’re lightweight, so you can get more miles in on each run.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Standard, Wide
ELLE Editor review: “As someone who, up until recently, decidedly did not run, I just have to say that these were the shoes that finally got me to commit. There’s just enough cushion with a heel-to-toe rocker that propels me forward (but not quite as much as the Fresh Foam X 1080v13). I’m light on my feet and feel like I could go for a while. That said, the most I’ve run (so far) is about five miles, so take that for what you will.”—DC
Best Sneaker for the Office
New Balance 327
If you happen to work in a more casual environment—or you simply want a go-to shoe that’ll look good with just about anything—might I suggest the 327? The retro-inspired design feels like one that could rival the popularity of a certain Adidas sneaker in both its aesthetic and colorways (this minimal one is particularly great for those who are dipping their toes into the NB world).
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: N/A
ELLE Editor review: “There are moments when I love wearing my chunky New Balance sneakers and moments when I do not. When the latter happens, I reach for these. They’re a cool alternative to my go-to pairs that feel a little more polished without sacrificing the comfort I love from the brand. They’ve easily become one of my favorite pairs of walking sneakers for long days out and about.”—DC
Best Metallic Sneaker
New Balance 1906R
Sydney Sweeney could sell me almost anything, so if she’s wearing the New Balance 1906 sneaker (she is), then so am I. Great for keeping things casual, this Y2K-inspired runner’s style is the ultimate sneaker to rock with your favorite jeans and tee.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-16.5
ELLE Editor review: “I’ve seen the 1906R in a few different colorways now (our senior culture editor, Erica Gonzales, has the sold-out pair made in collaboration with GANNI!), but it took me a while to finally jump on board. That said, once I did, I never looked back—I now own three pairs, including this one. They’re unsurprisingly comfortable, but add a cool, normcore vibe to my looks that I love. And, my neighbor (an undeniable sneakerhead) also clocked these the moment we passed each other in the hall, so I’d say that’s a good sign. What more could you need?”—DC
Best Hiking Shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid GTX
For those looking to venture off the beaten path, the Hierro Mid GTX is New Balance’s beloved trail and hiking shoe. Fitted with waterproof materials, Vibram® Megagrip outsoles, and toe-protection technology, this shoe has everything you need to take on the great outdoors (and then some). Just be sure to order a half size up; customer reviews mention they run a bit small.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Standard, Wide
Customer review: “I read other reviews but ordered anyway. I really like this hiking boot, and I feel the toe box is plenty big. I live in the mountains at 8000 feet and I several miles Daily. These boots are light, comfortable and very supportive. I HAD been wearing another brand that also has two words beginning with an N and an F, and those boots caused me to have hip pain. These New Balance boots are amazing, and I am looking for a second pair. I wish they made winter snow boots for hiking!”
Best Update on a Classic
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
Maybe you already have a pair of the Made in USA 990v5s, and you’re looking to take things up a notch. Or, perhaps you’re just getting into the 990 game now. Either way, New Balance’s latest iteration in the series is not one to miss, featuring performance-inspired details to give it an ever-so-slightly sportier feel, like the added FuelCell cushioning in the midsole.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide
ELLE Editor review: “As mentioned, I already own a pair of 990v5s (which are great, obviously). But sometimes, you’re just ready for something a little different. These feel like a more modern take on its predecessor without skimping on the street style appeal or the comfort. Suffice to say, I’m a fan.”—DC
Best for Wide Feet
New Balance WX857 V3 Sneaker
New Balance knows comfort, so if you need extra support, they’ve got you covered. This women’s sneaker offers enhanced support in extended widths up to 2X-wide and a ROLLBAR support system for movement stability. “These shoes are well worth the money,” promises one satisfied customer. “The toe box is more rounded and wider than other NB shoes. This style is the most supportive of the NB shoes, both in the arch and in the ankle, and has the depth to fit custom orthotics.”
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Standard, Wide, X-Wide, 2X-Wide
Customer review: “This is the sneaker the orthopedic surgeon [said] would be the best for my foot issues. The width is also what I require in a sneaker. My orthotics fit in the shoe. I have worn these shoes for years.”
Best Walking Sneaker
New Balance 9060
A staple sneaker in Hailey Bieber and Jack Harlow’s rotations, the 9060’s familiar style reinterprets design facets reminiscent of the 860 and 99X styles.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-16.5
Widths: Standard
ELLE Editor review: “Of all the New Balance styles I’ve tried, I was the most nervous about these. They’re chunkier than I’m used to, especially with that curvy sole. But let me tell you, these are the ones I truly cannot stop wearing (and these have lasted me full days of walking through New York). With jeans, trousers, shorts, what have you, the 9060s were the ones that knocked my 990v5s out of their top spot.”—DC
Best Platform Sneaker
New Balance 574+
Need a little lift with that pep in your step? I’ve got you. This platform sneaker features all the same details as the tried-and-true 574, just with a stacked two-piece midsole to give you some added height. This might be one of the best options you get this summer—platforms are extremely on-trend this season.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: N/A
Customer review: “My new favorite lifestyle sneaker! So comfortable, toe box is roomy and perfect for toes to spread. I love the style; great for every day. I will buy another pair!”
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Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry, writing stories for Glamour, Who What Wear, Entertainment Tonight, and others. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Design. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award in the Online category of “Commentary/Analysis/Trend” for her article “Calvin Klein Underwear: What Is Plus Size?” Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden.
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