The Bottom Line
This is a lightweight performance training shoe. I have used the prior iterations of this shoe for 10K through marathon walks. It is lightweight and flexible. It doesn't have any motion control features, so it is meant for those with neutral gait who don't overpronate. It comes in narrow, normal and wide widths. It now has sticky rubber on the forefoot sole for better traction on wet surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight "go-fast" shoe
- Wicking lining
Cons
- May not be durable.
Description
- Lightweight performance training shoe
- Designed for those with a neutral gait.
- Built on the SL-1 Strobel last.
Guide Review - New Balance 826
I've worn the predecessors to this shoe as my main walking shoe for years for distances from 10K through marathon. The 826 is a lightweight performance training shoe for those with a neutral gait who don't overpronate. I love it for its flexibility and low profile that are ideal for a walking stride, especially for fast walking.
Lace Your Shoes to Fit
Great for Fast Walking
Fast walkers need a lightweight, flexible shoe that will allow them to roll through a step. They also need a low heel, such as with the 826, so they can do a good heel plant. Some running shoes have larger heels for stability since many runners land on their midfoot rather than on their heel. The first time out of the box, I was walking faster with the 826 on than I had been in months.Wide Toe Box
The New Balance 826 has a wide toe box. New Balance shoes come in widths, so if you were buying the wide version to get a wider toe box, you may want to try the regular version and see if the fit is acceptable.Cushioning for Distance
The 826 should provide similar comfort for distance as the previous versions, which I wore through several half marathons and marathons.Lacing System
The 826 ships with the sausage-like laces that are great for staying tied. However, I'm not convinced that I get the best fit using those sort of laces. For one thing, I have difficulty lacing a lace lock at the ankle to prevent my foot from slipping forward in the shoe.Lace Your Shoes to Fit
Bunion Ease?
My love for this series of New Balance shoes was dependent on a design that had no strappy elements in the bunion area, so they did not irritate my bunion. The 826 is smooth in the bunion area.New Wicking Lining
New to the 826, there is a wicking fabric liner that should further help prevent developing blisters. This makes this an excellent hot weather shoe.
