The 5 Best New Balance Running Shoes for Every Need and Foot Type
New Balance has remained a leader in the footwear industry for over 100 years, with a timeline of products that continues to remain innovative and relevant across decades.
It all started in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts, when William J. Riley started “New Balance Arch Support Company.” The brand’s first product wasn’t sneakers, but rather special arch supports and orthopedic inserts that disrupted the industry at the time by offering one-of-kind balance and comfort.
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It wasn’t until 1961 that New Balance released its debut sneaker called the Trackster, which was the world’s first running shoe with a rippled sole for traction. And since New Balance was one of the first brands to recognize that feet come in all shapes and sizes, beyond just differing in length, the silhouette was also available in three widths. Fast forward to 1976, New Balance launched its 320 running sneaker, which became the number one running shoe on the market and further solidified the company’s global success.
Today, many know New Balance as the classic American brand that created the OG dad sneaker called the 990 — which recently exploded as a streetwear staple but began as a running shoe with groundbreaking high-energy-return Encap technology. Not to be forgotten, though, is New Balance’s wide variety of running sneakers that are designed to last for miles and promote proper alignment for a variety of foot types. Whether you have high arches, flat feet, wide feet or more, there’s a New Balance running sneaker to fit your needs.
How to find the best running shoes for your feet
To find the best running shoes for your foot type, New York-based podiatrist Dr. Parker M. Gennett recommends finding a sneaker that supports the natural form of your foot or its condition. And thanks to brands like New Balance, the process is easier than ever. “I like shoe companies that have a large range of sneakers with a website that’s easy to navigate,” Dr. Gennett says. “For instance, on Newbalance.com, you can type in if you’re looking for a shoe featuring a high arch, wide width, extra cushion and more.”
Your feet will fall somewhere along the pronation spectrum, meaning they roll inward to some degree — even minimally — as you walk. Medium arches call for sneakers with more stability, while low arches or flat feet need more motion control and a shoe that offers support instead of working to create an arch. If you have high arches, look for a sneaker with more cushion. “With high arches, the foot cannot adapt to the ground, so you want more balance between cushion and control,” Dr. Gennett says. Feet that roll outward or supinate in motion also need neutral cushioning. And if you have bunions, the key is to go for sneakers with a wider toe box. These minor changes in your running sneakers actually make a huge difference in not only performance but also comfort and overall foot health.
It’s also important to consider the types of runs you go on. If you’re a terrain runner, you’ll want something with a better tread for stability. If you’re sprinting, you should prioritize a lightweight pair. Meanwhile, a supportive midsole, heel-cushioning and stabilizing features are essential components to look for in the best running shoes.
Read on to discover the 10 best New Balance running shoes for your foot type and run preference.
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Top New Balance Running Shoes
Best Overall: New Balance 880 v11 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, High Arches or Supination: New Balance 1080 v11 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Flat Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v12 Running Shoes
Best for Trail Running: New Balance Hierro v6 GTX Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Neutral Feet: New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Beginners: New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 Running Shoes
Most Versatile New Balance Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v2 Running Shoes
Best With Arch Support: New Balance 680v7 Running Shoes
New Balance 880v11 Running Shoes
Best Overall
The 880v11 is consistently one of the top-selling running shoes year after year. Customers love that it comes in a variety of wide sizing and caters to neutral feet. Both beginners and running pros are attracted to the mix of comfort and performance.
Most notably, it brings smooth transitions and soft landings to pavement running thanks to its stacked Fresh Foam midsole. Meanwhile, a durable rubber outsole keeps feet stable.
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New Balance Men’s 880v11
New Balance Women’s 880v11
New Balance 1080v11 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, High Arches or Supination
Like all shoes in New Balance’s Fresh Foam collection, the New Balance 1080v11 features thick, responsive cushioning in its midsole. With this style, you get a great deal of both arch and heel support for people with plantar fasciitis, and the plush foam also supports high arches.
These have a laser-cut midsole that makes them lighter in weight and improves flexibility, while the upper gently hugs the ankles for support. In line with Dr. Gennett’s recommendation for the best running shoes, these sneakers come with a wide toe box that allows the toes to spread evenly on the ground for stability. They’re ideal for people who have high arches, supinate or suffer from plantar fasciitis.
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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 1080v11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v11
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Designed to naturally slow pronation, the Fresh Foam X 860v12 is among the top in its category for offering a great mix of stability and comfort for runners with flat feet. A dual-density medial post in this shoe helps keep feet balanced and aligned, while a soft Fresh Foam layer brings a lovely bounce and responsiveness to the otherwise firm sneaker.
Additionally, these have a stretchy, spacious fit and toe box, making them ideal for runners with wide feet, too.
Courtesy of New Balance
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860v12
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860v12
New Balance Hierro v6 GTX Running Shoes
Best for Trail Running
The mid level Fresh Foam cushioning in these sneakers is good for both distance trail runs or uneven terrain. The Vibram outsole and midsole create a cushioned barrier between the foot and the trail, which translates to impressive responsiveness and stable control. Without the full protective features found in other terrain sneakers, the Hierro style is not meant for intense hikes. However, it does have an abrasion-resistant TPU threading that also makes it lighter in weight than most competitor models.
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New Balance Men’s Hierro v6 GTX
New Balance Women’s Hierro v6 GTX
New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Running Shoes
Best New Balance Running Shoes for Neutral Feet
This neutral trainer is ideal for everyday tempo runs. The midsole is soft and bouncy, putting pep and energy into each step. One of the lightest-weight designs on our list, the FuelCell Prism v2 is comfy, springy and completely breathable for an almost slipper-like feel with solid performance tech. This style prioritizes cushion and comfort over stability and support, so if you’re a neutral runner, these will feel like a dream.
Courtesy of New Balance
New Balance Men’s FuelCell Prism v2
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