The 12 Best New Balance Shoes That’ll Never Go Out of Style

New Balance isn’t just for dads anymore. They’ve made a huge comeback, and for good reason. The brand has an incredible archive of shoes that just look good, feel great, and somehow never manage to go out of style.

I’ve spent a lot of time with these sneakers, from walking miles around the city to just pairing them with jeans for a casual day. Some are chunky, some are sleek, but they all have that classic NB quality that’s hard to beat.

So, I put together a list of my top picks. These are the best New Balance shoes you can buy right now that will still look fresh years down the road.

 

 

My New Balance Shoe Rankings

1. New Balance 574 Core

The 574 Core comes in at $99.99. This is probably the most recognizable New Balance shoe on the planet, and it’s been a classic since 1988.

I find it’s the perfect shoe for just about anything. The comfort is wild for long walks, and the timeless shape means you can wear it with shorts, jeans, or even sharper outfits. It’s just a super reliable, do-it-all sneaker.

It’s made with a suede and mesh upper and has that ENCAP midsole cushioning that makes it so comfortable.

The Downside: The suede and mesh combo isn’t the most breathable, so my feet can get a little warm on hot days.

 

 

2. New Balance 990v6

You’ll have to shell out $199.99 for the 990v6. But if you’re looking for top-tier comfort, this is it.

This is the latest in the legendary 990 line, and they really modernized the design. It’s a statement shoe for sure, but the FuelCell foam makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds. The construction feels incredibly solid, and I can see myself wearing these all year long.

The Downside: That price is steep. It’s an investment, no doubt about it.

 

 

3. New Balance 2002R

The 2002R is priced at $140. This one nails the retro runner look from the 2000s, but it feels totally modern.

When I wore these, I was impressed by the balance. It’s stiff and supportive where you need it but has great cushioning from the ABZORB midsole. The grip is excellent, and the suede upper feels really durable. It’s a great mix of old-school style and new tech.

The Downside: This model is popular, so resale prices can be all over the place if you can’t find your size at retail.

 

 

4. New Balance 550

The 550 costs about $110. This shoe blew up a few years ago, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a perfect retro basketball sneaker from the 80s.

The leather and suede feel tough, especially around the toebox and heel. My heel feels really locked in and secure when I walk, which gives me a lot of confidence. It’s my go-to for pairing with a good pair of jeans.

The Downside: The popular colorways sell out fast, and sometimes the options can feel a little limited.

 

 

5. New Balance 9060

You can get the 9060 for $159.99. If you love the chunky sneaker trend, this is your shoe.

It takes design cues from the classic 99X series but makes everything bigger and bolder. The dual-density ABZORB and SBS cushioning is super comfortable, and the shoe feels surprisingly stable for its size. The little details on this one are fantastic.

The Downside: The chunky profile is definitely not for everyone. It’s a look.

 

 

6. New Balance 530

The 530 is priced at $109.99. This is another retro runner that has become a huge hit for casual style.

It really stands out with its silver and mesh look. It’s very comfortable for everyday wear, just walking around town or running errands. It’s a simple, stylish shoe that gets a lot of compliments.

The Downside: While it’s comfy for walking, the EVA midsole doesn’t have enough cushioning for any serious running.

 

 

7. New Balance 327

The 327 goes for $104.99. I love this shoe for its unique, slim silhouette.

It’s inspired by 70s runners, and that oversized “N” logo is a great touch. The shoe is really lightweight and has a narrow sole that looks great with spring and summer outfits. I’ve walked for miles in these without any issues.

The Downside: The fit is definitely on the narrower side, so people with wide feet might want to try them on first.

 

 

8. New Balance 998 Made in USA

This one costs a premium $210. The 998 is a reissued classic from 1993, and the “Made in USA” quality is obvious.

It has that perfect vintage vibe but feels so good on foot thanks to the ABZORB midsole that absorbs impact really well. It’s a chic, high-end sneaker that feels as good as it looks. A real collector’s item.

The Downside: The price is high because of the domestic manufacturing and premium materials.

 

 

9. New Balance 992

The 992 is usually around $200. This is an all-time classic, famously worn by Steve Jobs. It just has perfect proportions.

The design is truly timeless, and the comfort is off the charts. It’s one of those sneakers that seems to look even better the more you wear it. The quality of the suede and the support from the ENCAP midsole are just fantastic.

The Downside: It can be really hard to find these in stock. They sell out almost instantly.

 

 

10. New Balance 1906R

The 1906R costs $154.99. This shoe blends that 2000s running style with a more modern feel, and it’s become one of my favorites.

New Balance keeps releasing fresh new colorways that look amazing. The cushioning is neutral and just right for daily wear, and the N-ergy outsole provides great shock absorption. It’s a very on-trend shoe right now.

The Downside: The plastic “stability web” on the midfoot can feel a little firm for some people at first.

 

 

11. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

This running shoe is priced at $164.99. While it’s a serious runner, I find myself wearing it all the time for just walking.

The Fresh Foam X cushioning is incredibly soft and bouncy. It’s easily one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet. If you’re on your feet all day, this is a fantastic choice.

The Downside: The design is very much a modern running shoe, so it might not fit everyone’s casual style.

 

 

12. New Balance CT302

The CT302 comes in at $99.99. This is a cool, modern take on a classic court sneaker.

The standout feature is the stacked-height midsole, which gives it a platform look. It’s a fun, fashion-forward shoe that’s still really wearable every day. The leather upper is soft and the design is clean.

The Downside: That platform sole adds a bit of weight, so it feels heavier than a typical sneaker.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. New Balance has found a perfect groove between comfort, quality, and style that’s hard to argue with.

Whether you want a classic dad shoe like the 992 or a sleek modern runner like the 327, there’s a pair that fits your look. They’ve earned their spot as a staple in my rotation.