The New Balance 608 V5 Shoes Are Highly-Rated For Comfort

12 min read

It’s pretty rare for a product to earn more than 4.5 stars, especially when that rating is the average of thousands upon thousands of reviews. So when we saw a no-frills New Balance sneaker had earned 4.6 stars across almost 81,000 reviews on Amazon, we had to tell you about it.

The New Balance 608 V5 cross trainer is currently a bestseller among men’s cross-training shoes on Amazon, and the women’s version also has plenty of glowing reviews. The PU foam insert provides both support and comfort, while the blended mesh and leather upper is designed with breathability in mind. You can walk around feeling supported thanks to the specialized rubber content heel panel that reduces compression and the internal shank.

The shoes do have a lace-up closure, but come with a heel pull tab that makes it easy to still slip these on and off. The phantom lining inside is odor-resistant and has minimal seaming to prevent irritation to your feet.

Reviewers love the comfort and durability of these shoes and the fact that they come in so many sizes, especially in wide sizing.

They’ve been recommended by reviewers’ podiatrists, and one even called the 608 the “only shoe I’ve worn that hasn’t hurt my feet.” (Podiatrists have recommended similar styles from New Balance in previous HuffPost reporting.) For reviewers with plantar fasciitis, these sneakers “virtually eliminate any foot pain,” according to one review.

Other reviewers have been purchasing nothing but New Balances for 30 years because of their reliability. Multiple reviewers mention purchasing these for a birthday, even several years in a row. If a shoe isn’t birthday-worthy, we don’t want it.

Those looking for men’s sizes can get the 608s in 6.5-18, with medium, wide, X-wide and XX-wide options at both Amazon and Zappos (Amazon has several more colorways in stock). The women’s version comes in three colors and sizes 5-12, with medium, narrow and wide options at both Amazon and Zappos.

With so many glowing reviews and a price tag well under $100, these shoes could become your new go-to for running, training, everyday walking and more. Below, check out some more promising reviews of the 608s from people who have bought them.

“I have loved this style of shoe since 2006. They have not changed their style, comfort, sizing or quality!!!!! I have that platers issue with my feet the sharp pains and somedays it hurts so bad to walk. I can wear these all day and my feet pain is gone. My feet are not tired at night anymore. You don’t have to break these in for them to be comfortable! I can’t buy these in stores anymore around my area so when I found them on Amazon let me tell you I was excited! My feet are happy so my life is happy! And I got to love the color pink! I’m 44 years old and yeah on the chunky side but these shoes make my everyday life easier to handle. They are super lightweight, the traction on them is so nice, I don’t slip on ice, I love they are all leather so they don’t rip, they are flexible and super stiff. I don’t have to buy inserts for my feet to be comfortable either. Again these shoes are my life saver!” — Catie Blossom

“These are the best shoes I have ever owned! I have had them for over a year and use them constantly and they are still in top shape. My feet never hurt no matter how long I am walking or what I am doing. Highly highly recommend.” — Mike Swanigan

“I finally found a good pair of shoes to wear with my jeans. They feel good on my feet and they look good. I had a hard time finding a reasonable priced pair of shoes that weren’t fabric. New Balance is a good brand. I also use them for walking on my treadmill. They’re comfortable and my Podiatrist ok’d them. He wanted me to wear a good pair of shoes to protect my feet. It’s a win win all the way around.” — Shopping Queen

“I have been purchasing this brand of walking/running/training shoe for many years. Specifically, I have been buying this particular model (608), as they always fit my feet like a glove. Not too many manufacturers make a shoe that fits me, as I have extra wide feet, and most New Balance shoes are available in wide widths. Quality is outstanding, and they look good too.” — Ted Long

Thousand Fell

A pair of water- and stain-resistant sneakers

These city-perfect shoes can withstand everything from stains to water to stubborn odor thanks to their breathable construction and weatherproof coating. Sustainably made using all recycled materials, the Thousand Fell Lace-Ups have a cushioned insole for comfort and come in 10 colors in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Promising Thousand Fell review: “Honestly the best white sneaker. These things traveled with me to Disney, to Greece, to the Bahamas. They took at least 20,000 steps a day with me going to work, to dinner, to walking home. I am also not a “gentle” person so I beat these things up and they still looked great. Also added bonus I can wear them on rainy days. And another added bonus, I returned my old pair to get recycled and recycled clothing so my new pair was discounted!” — Lea

Allbirds

A pair of breathable women’s flats

Finally, a pair of ballet flats that won’t make your feet smell and are comfortable to wear all day long thanks to the brand’s proprietary knit blend that’s ultra-soft and breathable, plus a flexible, bouncy sole that conforms to your movements. These breezy and machine-washable flats come in nine colors and women’s sizes 5-11.

Promising Allbirds review: “I like to wear flats with many of my work outfits, but I am constantly having issues with my feet, including achilles enthesitis, so I need something more comfortable than a typical flat. I’ve tried many, I’ve tried adding orthotic insoles, and none of them really worked. I was reluctant to spend this much on flats, but I bit the bullet and loved these so much I now own 3 pairs in different colors. They are so comfortable and I can wear them all day without blisters or feet pain! I wouldn’t probably wear them for super long walks, but I wear them to commute, around the office, and for my lunchtime walks without issues. Also I love that they had my true size, which is 10.5! Most brands stop half sizes at 10, and my feet are usually too narrow to size up to an 11, so I have to do a lot of trial and error to find size 10s that fit. Not here!” — Nora B.

Nike

A pair of cushioned Nike Air Maxes

These adorable and marshmallow-y looking classics from Nike are a commuting favorite of my New York City-based colleague Greta Geiselman. Available in nine color combinations and women’s sizes 5-12, the Air Max 90s feature a waffle outer sole for traction and the brand’s signature insole cushioning that provides the perfect amount of support.

Promising review: “I guess it depends on the professional setting but I am now a BIG fan of Nike’s Air Max line. I have janky, flat feet and these feel so good!!” — Greta Geiselman

Amazon

A pair of women’s professional Dansko clogs

HuffPost’s very own managing editor of shopping, Emily Ruane, is a big fan of the Dankso clog for her commutes. It’s a perennial footwear choice across many professions. These cozy shoes have a generous toe, a padded instep and a color selection that seem legitimately endless. (HuffPost senior reporter Sara Boboltz also likes these for rainy days, thanks to the leakproof sole.) Grab these in women’s sizes 4.5-17 and two width options.

Promising review: “I swear by the Dansko Professional clog — but the key to wearing them in a work setting is to choose a stylish color! (It does kind of depend on how formal your office is.) I have hot pink and translucent pairs, but I also have a pair in black patent leather that look surprisingly dressy. They’re also very weather resistant — I wouldn’t wear them in a blizzard, but in rain or even light snow my feet stay really dry, and they feel secure, not slippery. Did I mention that they are eternally comfortable, supportive and I feel like I could stay in my feet all day?” — Emily Ruane

Allbirds

A pair of wool runners from Allbirds for men and women

Geiselman also said that she really loves these wool runners from Allbirds and sees a lot of people commuting on the subway with them. One of the brand’s best-known options, these are great for walking in many different weather conditions and have cushioned support insoles. These lightweight shoes also feature certified natural rubber treads for a delightful bounce and better traction, and merino wool uppers that are thermoregulating. Grab them in six colors and sizes for both men and women.

Promising Allbirds reviews: “I had been on the fence about purchasing these for a while now. When the sale hit, I figured why give them a try. I really enjoy them. Very comfy and understated so I don’t feel bad wearing them in the office.” — Beth S.

“Got these to use in NYC and wore them walking miles for five days. Never able to do that with shoes just purchased. Very comfortable. Warm on snowy days. Never took them off for the full vacation including walking miles in airports. I have no reservations in recommendint these shoes.” — Kathleen K.

Stuart Weitzman

A Stuart Weitzman women’s bestseller recommended by a publicist

In our recent coverage of comfortable dress shoes, publicist Natalie Rao recommended this stylish chunky boot from Stuart Weitzman. “I’ve tried it on and can confirm it is so comfortable and could work for winter events, the office and nights out with friends.” We found a number of reviews on the brand’s website that support this claim, with customers praising its supportive design for logging city miles. The luxury hybrid boot pairs nappa leather with a stretch fabric material for added give in the upper, and has a reasonable 2.4-inch heel that offers both sophistication and practicality. It’s made in Spain.

Promising Stuart Weitzman reviews: “I have big feet and bunions so my options for shoes are limited. I tried these on and they felt like magic. The leather is so high quality and soft at the same time, they fit me well but also the regular foot size person at the store who also had them on. They’re versatile and beautiful, fun and edgy. I’ve worn them a few times and they maintain comfort even through an nyc commute. Highly highly recommend! I went down half a size from my norm.” — Lejla

“I wore (only) these boots for an entire 5-day trip in NYC. They were comfortable to wear all day, including during long stretches of walking. They worked with multiple casual and semi-dressy clothing options. They were plenty warm though not stifling.” — Liz

“These are everything I had hoped for and more. So comfy. So stylish. Size down a half of a size. I’ve worn these to commute, and they’re comfortable enough to do so. Highly recommend.” — Lyndsay

Amazon

A pair of rugged Blundstone boots for both men and women

The classic Blundstone brand is known for versatile footwear and a longstanding reputation for reliability. These rugged leather boots, which are available in 10 colors and gender-neutral sizing, have a shock-absorbing insole and the brand’s signature lug and durable construction.

Promising Amazon review: “I’ve owned 5 pairs of these same boots over the years and will buy another pair after this one dies…and another after those. Best boots ever, period. Comfortable, versatile, convenient, supportive, and attractive. I wear them with khaki slacks to my office job and get lots of compliments on them. Then I leave the office and go walk the dogs or hike in them. Then I wear them while I rebuild my privacy fence. Then I wear them out to dinner with my wife. Then I wear them to roundhouse kick the bad guys who try to hassle us when we leave the restaurant.” — Hiker (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)

Allen Edmonds

A pair of lug-sole weatherproof men’s boots

Allen Edmonds’ men’s dress boots were mentioned a few times in a Reddit thread discussing the best commuting shoes that are nice enough for the office as they are suitable for walking in the city. The brand’s popular Higgins Mill boot has a lightweight rubber lug sole for great traction and an insole that molds to the shape of your feet. They’re available in three colors and sizes 6.5-15, although not all sizes are available.

Promising Allen Edmonds reviews: “I have three pair of these boots and like them very much! They broke in very quickly, and I wear them every other day to do my 1.5 mile city walk to and from the office. Only 4 stars due to the laces that come with a size 11 boot. They need to be 8″ longer on this size boot, otherwise they only make the first lug. AE: You need to provide longer laces on the larger size boots.” — Candlewood1

“I’m six months into these boots and I couldn’t be more satisfied. The lug sole has the perfect amount of squish which is a God send since I stand all day at work. They’ve withstood the PNW rain and slushy snow and still look amazing. They’re roomy in the toe so you can get away with thick socks in the winter. The soft lug tread has held up well and hasn’t disintegrated on the sharp gravel I walk through often. Overall they are the perfect winter boot, definitely worth it.” — Heath

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