This post is my answer to a question I often get — “So, which New Balance do you actually wear?”
I’ve written many reviews on different New Balance models over the years, but I realized I never really answered what makes a truly good pair.
So in this article, I’ll share the New Balance shoes I actually wear — as my way of giving a clear answer to that question.
What Makes New Balance the Best Shoes for Me
Before delving into the discussion about these shoes, I should probably explain why I started wearing New Balance in the first place.
New Balance is the manufacturer behind the shoes I’m introducing this time. When compared to other manufacturers, New Balance provides the most suitable shoes for my job. I’d like to briefly compare it to other manufacturers to explain the reasons behind this.
No Nike and Adidas
First, let’s talk about the giants of the sneaker industry, Nike and Adidas. For me, these two are out of the question. They’re simply not designed with walking comfort in mind. Because they prioritize design, when it comes to walking more than 10,000 steps, these two companies fall short. While there are some shoes that prioritize walking comfort to some extent, they can’t match New Balance when it comes to pursuing overall comfort.
However, they do make excellent shoes for sports purposes. In fact, my basketball shoes are always Nike. Their Zoom technology is fantastic.
But they’re not known for making shoes that are kind to your feet.
Asics and Hoka and Salomon is okay, But …
As for Asics, Hoka One One, and Salomon, the comfort of wearing them is not an issue. However, their distinctive appearance makes it difficult to match with clothing. Their soles are often too thick, and their designs lean too much towards running shoes. While one could opt to buy matching clothing, it’s a choice I, as a minimalist, prefer not to make. Therefore, these manufacturers are excluded from my options.
New Balance still looks cool even when it’s worn out
This is purely a matter of personal preference, but New Balance shoes that have been worn for years look cool. They acquire a rich aging similar to well-worn jeans because they’ve been used for an extended period.
For instance, my New Balances have aged like this.
Personally, I find them cooler than when they were brand new.
There are countless stylish shoe designs out there. However, New Balance is the only brand whose shoes still look cool even when they’re worn out.
Moreover, I walk longer distances than most people, so my shoes tend to wear out quickly. The fact that they still look cool even when worn out is an important factor for me.
For the reasons mentioned above, I’ve worn a total of nine pairs of New Balance shoes so far, listed below:
• CM996
• M2040 V1
• M998
• WR993
• MR993
• M990 V5
• 2002R
• M990V3
• 991v2
• 990v6
What I Look for in the Best New Balance Shoes
What matters most to me when choosing New Balance shoes is Comfort.
I don’t want to wear shoes that make me tired and drain my energy.
Now that I’m in my 30s, I can really feel my recovery getting slower — so I’ve become more careful about that.
That’s why, even though shoes are a fashion item, I also expect them to perform well as a tool for daily life.
And to me, three things matter most when it comes to shoes:
- Cushioning Critical for reducing strain on the feet and knees.
- Responsiveness Important for smooth walking. Good responsiveness turns landing impact into forward momentum, making a big difference over long distances.
- Stability Essential for reducing wasted energy. For example, if the heel support is weak, you end up using unnecessary energy with each step.
The New Balance Shoes I Wear for Work
What I care about most is that my feet don’t hurt even after 20,000 steps.
On workdays, I walk that much — and if my shoes can’t handle it, the fatigue stays with me the next day.
New Balance 990 V6
The most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn — truly unbeatable.
Even after walking 20,000 steps, my feet never hurt.
It’s the only pair I wear for work — honestly, I can’t go back to any other shoes.
My feet have gotten used to this level of comfort.
I even bought three colors and rotate them throughout the week.
Check out my full review here
The New Balance Shoes I Wear on Non-Work Days
On non-work days — like when I’m at school or out running errands — I usually don’t walk more than 10,000 steps.
Comfort is still my top priority, but I also care about how easily they go with my clothes.
New Balance 990 V3
I love its design — there’s a real sense of functional beauty to it.
It’s also a very comfortable pair.
After 20,000 steps my feet do start to feel sore, but 15,000 is no problem.
The 990 V3 features REVlite cushioning — a lightweight foam that provides more than enough comfort and responsiveness for everyday use.
It’s not as soft or bouncy as the newer FuelCell cushioning in the 990 V6, which offers superior cushioning and energy return for a smoother, almost effortless feel.
About the cushioning technologies:
- REVlite: Lightweight and comfortable, with moderate responsiveness. It’s more than enough for daily walking, though it doesn’t have the plush bounce of FuelCell.
- FuelCell: New Balance’s latest cushioning. Softer and more elastic, it absorbs impact and returns energy efficiently, giving a springy, effortless feel with every step.
Check out my full review here
New Balance 991 V2
This pair stands out with its unusually sharp silhouette for a New Balance shoe, making it a versatile favorite.
It goes well with almost any style of pants, and especially with wide straight-leg pants, it really enhances the overall shape.
However, comfort isn’t its strongest point.
Walking 10,000 steps is fine, but my feet start hurting before I reach 15,000 steps — likely because the shoe has lower responsiveness.
Check out my full review here
New Balance 993
This pair also has a great design and matches outfits easily, making it a reliable choice.
I first bought the triple black version, but after three and a half years of use, it reached the end of its life.
This black-and-white pair is my second one.
In terms of comfort, it’s similar to the 991 V2 mentioned above.
Walking 10,000 steps is no problem, but 15,000 steps would be too much.
Check out my full review here
The New Balance Shoes I Wear for the Gym
When it comes to gym shoes, I look for cushioning and stability.
You need stability for strength training with dumbbells, and cushioning for running.
New Balance 990 V5
Thanks to the reinforced parts throughout the shoe, it delivers all the stability I need for gym workouts.
The cushioning is also excellent — my knees don’t hurt even after running.
Check out my full review here
Thank you for reading until the end, That’s all for this review.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM or leave a comment.
Sayonara
