7 Best New Balance Sneakers in 2024

Out of all the New Balance sneakers that we tried, it was the 2002R that left the most impressive mark. This shoe offered a well-balanced mix of stiffness and cushioning that made us swoon with satisfaction. This shoe also had an unusually thick tongue that not only enhanced its fit but also delivered a lot of comfort. And not only was the upper made of real suede, it was dependably durable, as well.

Our HA durometer gave the midsole a softness rating of 32.6, which did not deviate so much from the 30.9 average. Upon wearing the NB 2002R, we enjoyed a good blend of response and impact absorption, which allowed us to use this shoe for sustained periods.

Our jaws dropped when we measured the tongue. The caliper reported it to be 15.5 mm thick, making it a staggering 78% thicker than average! We loved how the humongous tongue pampered the top of our feet while enhancing the fit all at the same time.

We did the fire test, so we’re now sure that the upper was really made of genuine suede. But what’s more notable was its durability. It made our Dremel drills look like a joke because of how resistant it was to abrasion, earning an impressive 4 out of 5 rating.

We were just bummed that the breathability was disappointing. The New Balance 2002R only got a 2 out of 5 for ventilation after our lab assessments.

Upon scrutinizing New Balance sneakers, we determined the most outstanding classic from the brand and it is the New Balance 574. Our decision extends beyond the sneaker’s unquestionably timeless silhouette and colorful history. We declared it the best because more than the looks, the on-foot experience it offers is one for the books!

We can affirm that the extraordinary comfort of NB 574 is peerless for daily escapades. We learned that it has a reliable cushion and a generously padded interior that make it very suitable for prolonged walks. As if the on-foot feel is not enough for it to be worn every day, we found that its classic design is so versatile that it effortlessly matches a wide range of styles, from fun to sharp getups.

For such a revered sneaker, we admired its economical price of $90, which is also 30% more affordable than the average sneaker. Although it is very accessible, price-wise, we discovered that New Balance 574’s construction is not compromised at all! It features real suede on the upper and a mighty 8-mm rubber outsole that is ready to tackle hundreds of miles!

Among the sneaker offerings of New Balance, we achieved optimal ventilation from the 327s. This New Balance kick has a luxurious comfort that shocked us given its cost-effective price. At only $90, 42.9% more affordable than most kicks, this sneaker stood out in performance, rising to the top of our breathable NB recommendations.

We assessed how porous the upper of the 327 was by shining a light on it. Looking at it, it became clearer why smoke flew continuously during our smoke test, as it has a lot of vent openings around the quarter and toe box of the kick.

The 327 also feels lightweight and is actually light, as evinced by the 10.62 oz (301g) weight shown by our scale. Most sneakers that we have tested are heavier by 35.2%. However, the 327 may not cater well to sneakerheads with broad feet. We measured it across the toebox part with the maximum length and at 94 mm, it is 4 mm below the standard width. If you’re a wide footer, you’d better stick to sneakers that offer more space for the toes.

There’s no disputing that the CT302 earned the distinction of being the best New Balance platform sneaker. Right before all our testing, it was love at first sight with this sneaker. By the appearance alone, we already had a hint of what was to come in terms of underfoot comfort and overall style. The best part is we paid 42.9% less than the average for this premium at only $90!

Judging by the looks, the CT302 is really rich in platform height. With our caliper, we put a numeric label on its height and it is 36.9 mm at the heel and 24.6 at the forefoot. CT302 is not kidding in height elevation as its cushioning is 25.1% and 35.2% thicker than the heel and forefoot averages.

Even though we felt high from the ground, stability prevailed. We felt firmly grounded, thanks to the wide base which we measured 112.9 mm at the forefoot and 82.4 mm at the heel. On record, these measurements are 4.9% and 3.9% broader than the averages, and in use, the CT302 promotes a solid stance.

While we expected this platform kick to be heavy, we didn’t expect it to be 22.61 oz (641g) heavy! This puts the weight of this sneaker way above the average by 56.4%. If you want platforms that come with lightness, explore other NB sneakers out there.

New Balance 9060 is the king of chunky sneakers under the New Balance kick collection because we found out that its hefty build isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it is also a haven for the foot. We were also amazed to know that the sneaker’s chunkiness gave the shoe a heavy-duty build.

An interesting attribute we learned about this sneaker is that its interior is also chunky, in the sense that it boasts a great amount of cushioning and support and a generously padded tongue, enabling a supreme level of comfort. With these features, along with its running shoe origin, we were not entirely surprised to discover that it also provided us with notable stability, keeping us balanced despite its sizeable structure.

We also admired its very tough construction which was unbothered even though we exposed it to the outdoor environment and daily use. The issue that follows the shoe’s chunkiness and generous padding and overlays is the lack of airflow. We found that the New Balance 9060 was a bit hot on the feet. We suggest browsing other breathable kicks if your toes get hot fast.