New Balance Shoes, Reviewed by a Podiatrist
New Balance's advantage is fitting rather than technology. The range of widths offered across its core models - frequently narrow through extra-wide, in both men's and women's sizing - is the broadest in mainstream running footwear, and for a foot that does not fit a standard last that matters more than any midsole compound.
7 shoes published · Updated 14 Oct 2026
That makes the brand a sensible first stop for bunions, for a wide forefoot with a narrow heel, and for anyone who has been fitting length to find width. It also makes it worth checking the specific model rather than the brand: width availability varies considerably across the line, and the model you want may not be offered in the fitting you need.
Geometry across the Fresh Foam and stability ranges is conventional - moderate drops, moderate stack, no strong rocker on most models - which suits people who want a shoe that behaves predictably rather than one that changes how they move.
Every New Balance model on file is below, with the exact widths each is offered in and its published specification. Each page states its evidence tier and names who should skip the shoe.
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All reviews: New Balance
New Balance 1080v15
Spec AnalysisNew Balance publishes a 6 mm drop, 261 g and a new Infinion midsole, with men’s 4E and women’s 2E widths; nothing measured yet. Not tested by us.
New Balance 928v3
Spec AnalysisLeather motion-control walking shoe, ROLLBAR post, ABZORB cushioning — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1540v4
Spec AnalysisMade-in-USA motion control, ROLLBAR post, 4 mm drop, widths to 6E — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
Spec AnalysisHeavy, plated stability in four widths — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
Spec AnalysisNeutral, tall, four widths, 6 mm drop — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Spec AnalysisNew Balance's tallest shoe, 38 mm forefoot, 4 mm drop, APMA seal — not yet tested.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
Spec AnalysisNew Balance publishes no weight, drop or stack height for the 990v6, but it does publish B through 6E widths — and that range is why it still matters. Not tested by…
What each tier is allowed to claim
The tier on a page governs what we are willing to say about the shoe. We would rather publish a smaller number than imply we measured something we did not.
Measured, then worn
Weighed and measured on the bench, then worn for recorded miles on recorded surfaces. Scored on all nine criteria. The only tier eligible for the seal.
Measured, not yet worn
Physically weighed, measured and stress-tested for stability, but not worn far enough to judge comfort over distance or durability. Carries measurements and an Orthotic Volume Rating — no overall score.
Not in our hands
A podiatrist's reading of the manufacturer's published specification, plus what the clinical literature says about that construction. No score and no seal, on purpose.
No brand has ever paid for a score
No sponsorship, no gifted-shoe quid pro quo, no paid placement. Where we earn a commission, the link says so and the score does not change.