You need a shoe wardrobe to keep walking in all weather and to go from track to streets to paths to trails. Here are my picks of New Balance shoes for the walker who likes a variety of walking routes and who isn't afraid of the woods or rain. These include my favorite New Balance neutral performance shoes, New Balance motion control shoes, New Balance trail shoes, and their truebalance toning shoes.
1. New Balance 1080 Lightweight Neutral Training
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The New Balance 1080 is the 2011 update to my favorite 1063/64 models. It is a lightweight neutral trainer that also has enough stability and cushioning for longer distance walking and running. I used the previous model for half marathons. It has reflective trim for night safety.
2. New Balance 1012 Motion Control Shoes
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The New Balance 1012 is a motion control and stability shoe for those who overpronate. It is built on their SL-2 last which has a wider forefoot, deeper toe box, high instep and narrow heel. It comes in widths, including EE extra wide.
3. New Balance WW860 Stability Walking Shoes
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The 860 comes in both a walking version and a running version. The walking version has a lower heel and is better designed for a walking stride. Stability shoes are good for people who need more support. This shoe is very lightweight, nicely flexible, and flat. All good things. It also includes some motion control elements, so mild overpronators will get the correction they need. However, as a person with a neutral gait, I found that correction to be the wrong thing for me. That was disappointing because I really liked the feel of this shoe. It's also part of their Lace Up for the Cure Collection which benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer charity.
4. New Balance 927 Motion Control Walking Shoe
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The New Balance 927 is a very stable motion control walking shoe. It's available in full leather for great durability, and the traditional colors of black, white, brown and tan. It is approved by Medicare as a diabetic shoe. It's built on the SL-2 last which has a wider toe box and more volume, which makes it a good shoe to wear with an orthotic insert. It is the winner of the 2011 About.com Walking Readers' Choice Award for Motion Control Shoes.
5. New Balance 910 Trail Shoes
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For trail walking, this waterproof shoe provides stability and protection against rocks and roots with an all-terrain tread and durable outsole. It is built to last. For stability, it uses a stability web and transitional support system. Yet the sole is flexible in the forefoot so you aren't fighting a clunky shoe with each step. It also has anti-freeze foam so the shoes can be worn in cold weather without stiffening up. Most amazingly, it is a lightweight as many standard running shoes.
6. New Balance 876 Trail Runner
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The New Balance 876 OR trail running shoe is a very lightweight shoe - it weighs the same as my lightweight cushioned trainers. The sole is rugged enough to provide sole protection and traction, and wraps up over the toe for further protection from stubbing. The mesh construction makes the shoe breathe well.
7. New Balance 850 True Balance Toning Shoe
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The True Balance toning shoe uses balance board technology in the sole rather than a rocker sole, resulting in a good-looking, lightweight shoe that promises to work more muscles and burn more calories. Walking in them you feel some extra side-to-side motion but nothing extreme. However, the toe box is narrow and the shoe is low-volume and close fitting, which may not work for some walkers. Also, those who overpronate need to be wary of walking in shoes that do not correct their gait.
