When comparing fitness walking shoes with running shoes, the running shoe models incorporate more of the latest developments for cushioning, motion control, and support.
New Balance Shoes Features
New Balance has a full range of styles for overpronators who need motion control, neutral lightweight training shoes, stability shoes and trail shoes.Widths: Very few athletic shoes come in widths, but New Balance has shoes in a full range of widths: x-narrow, narrow, medium, wide, x-wide, xx-wide, for men, women, and children.
SL-1 and SL-2 Lasts: In New Balance running shoe designs, the shoes are built on either the SL-1 or SL-2 last. The SL-1 last has a typical forefoot and toe box design for normal to low arch foot types. The SL-2 last has more volume in the toe box, a higher instep and a narrower heel. It is designed for normal to high arch foot types. Women often need a narrower heel while still needing more room for their toes.
What to Look for in New Balance Running Shoes for Fitness Walking
1. Flexible You should be able to bend and flex the shoe in the forefoot.2. Low Heel Some running shoes have higher heels to support runners who land on the ball of the foot.
3. No Flare A true fitness walking shoe has a heel that is undercut, that angles in from the heel to the ground. Walkers land on the heel and do not need a built-up or flared heel. Many running shoes, and especially trail running shoes, have a flared heel for stability for runners who land on the arch or ball of their foot. The best you can look for is little or no flare.
4. Fit To have your foot and gait assessed for whether you need motion control or stability shoes or can wear neutral lightweight trainers, visit the serious running shoe store in your area. The staff there will be able to recommend the best type of shoe for your walking needs. New Balance has their own shoe stores in some locations and the staff of those stores can give you a good assessment and fitting.
Walking Shoe Guide
How to choose the right shoes and lists of the top shoes for each category.
Top Picks for Walking Shoes
I have several New Balance running shoe designs in each of the categories.• Top Picks for Motion Control Shoes
• Top Picks for Stability Shoes
• Top Picks for Cushioned Shoes
• Top Picks for Performance Training Shoes
• Top Picks for Racewalking Shoes
