New Balance Is Back—These Are The Cool Dad Shoes WH Editors Are Loving RN (2024)

Retro but sporty with an almost streetwear-like vibe, the 327 was inspired by New Balance's '70s running shoes. The sneaker is designed with a suede and nylon upper and an oversized N logo. Lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez already loves it, even though she has only been wearing it just a few days, she says. "I'm a walker and this shoe makes tackling NYC streets quickly a breeze."

This sneaker pairs well with both jeans and leggings, and it's cushy, so I don't mind wearing it all the time." She also likes that it's lightweight and supportive, though she wouldn't recommend it for any kind of heavy exercise.

If your goal is to go after more intense fitness goals or you simply want to get more miles in, this Fresh Foam sneaker is a solid choice. In fact, fitness editor Jennifer Nied calls it her go-to for her marathon training runs because it's " incredibly, unbelievably comfortable," she says. "The cushioning is better than running on a cloud, they add buoyancy to every stride, even 10+ miles in."

That isn't a coincidence. The sneaker is designed with midsole mapping that applies more foam to wider areas of the midsole, increasing flexibility at its narrower points. To help you achieve your comfiest fit yet, the shoe is also available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths. Nied's only caveat is that she doesn't recommend this shoe for treadmill runs. "They're better left to pavement/sidewalks because the cushion can catch on the belt."

When it comes to cushioning, New Balance knows a thing or two, which is part reason why lifestyle director Lindsay Geller is a fan of the Fresh Foam Roav sneaker. "These are my favorite New Balance running sneakers because they strike the perfect balance between being lightweight and supportive of my joints," she says. Its support comes partly from its bootie upper construction designed to hug the foot and support the ankle.

"The flexible heel is perfect for when I need to take my dog out for a quick bathroom break," Geller says, adding that she also likes wearing this shoe on long weekend walks around town since it's so stylish and flexible enough to easily slip on and off. Reviewers also rave about the shoe's comfort, but complain that it does tend to run small, so sizing up even half a size might be a good option.

A Women's Health sneaker award winner in 2023, this FuelCell trainers from New Balance is also a go-to fave of Geller's. Winner of the "Best Cushioned Running Shoe" category, Geller regularly uses it on her runs. "The eye-catching shoe has a very high stack (meaning: the material between your foot and the ground) in the heel and midfoot, but still allows you to rock to the toes for added propulsion," she says. She calls it a safe bet for anyone who prefers not feeling the ground when they're hitting the pavement.

Reviewers love that the shoe feels lightweight, but some have complained that it does have a narrow toe box. One customer also said that the ankle backing feels very stiff, which for some can make the sneaks more supportive, but for others uncomfortable.

On days you're more interested in heading off the grid, the Fresh Foam Garoé' will help keep you grounded. The shoe's treaded outsole offers traction both on and off-road, and the 'toe protect technology' keeps feet safe from any rocks, roots, or debris you may encounter. Reviewers say this sneaker is supportive and comfortable, and that it has a lightweight feel.

The shoe is also super stylish. Though the NB link only displays them in one colorway, you can check out some other options on Amazon here. The only caveat several customers mentioned is that the toe box feels a little narrow, so it's probably not a great option for those with wider feet.

This sneaker is giving dad shoes, but cooler. The modified mule silhouette is designed to be reminiscent of the 2000's running shoe the MR2002. Associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner says she wears it regularly because it's just that comfortable. "These shoes have supported me through miles and miles of walking without any pain, which is a huge plus coming from someone who often experiences discomfort after long days on my feet," she says.

She also loves its overall look. "They are so stylish and cute—I've had them for over a year and never get sick of sporting them," she says. Customers generally recommend this shoe for its durable quality, and comfy, lightweight feel, but they also advise that the sneaker may take some breaking in. Some customers also said that the color they received after getting the shoe shipped didn't exactly match what the photo shows.

If you're going to make hot girl walks a regular thing, you need a hot shoe to do them in, and this one fit the bill. The Fuelcell Walker Elite is made with responsive cushioning and a propulsive feel that makes each step that much comfier. Its foam bottom resembles a cloud in both look and feel.

Though it's technically a walker, one customer put it to the running test and the shoes excelled. It's a great shoe for a walk-to-run transition, according to one reviewer. However, another customer said that the shoe didn't have enough arch support and that it ran narrow. If you're afraid this might be your case, you can opt for the wide or extra-wide width options, though.

Whether you're a nurse who's on her feet all day or prefer to spend more time at your standing desk than seated in the office, this shoe was designed to make standing for extended periods of time less of a hassle. The shoe is made with cushioning foam, an internal shank for stability, and a supportive leather upper. The outsole is slip-resistant, which is a welcome bonus if you tend to come across hazardous surfaces at work.

Reviewers say this shoe is great for wearing all day, with one customer raving that it was also comfy despite their plantar fasciitis. That being said several customers say the shoe is stiff, which doesn't take away from its comfort, but is something to note if you prefer a more flexible shoe.

Part of New Balance's Made in USA collection, this sneaker is probably the most stylish option on this list. Designed in an olive leaf colorway, the shoe is designed with a shock-absorbing midsole that's cushy and compression-resistant.

Reviewers say the shoe is comfortable and chic, with one customer calling the vintage N logo on the tongue a "nice touch." The shoe currently has limited reviews, but in terms of cons, one customer's only frustration was that the shoe doesn't go up to a size 16.

As its name implies, this sneaker will help propel you forward with a smooth transition from heel to toe, even during your most intense runs. It's also made with knitted mesh construction, which makes the shoe super breathable, flexible, and lightweight. The midsole is thick, creating a buffer between you and the pavement, and is designed with a TPU plate that gives it structure and durability.

Reviewers definitely enjoy the shoe's lightweight feel and breathability. Others also rave about the style. For some, a midsole built with a TPU plate can sometimes feel too stiff, though, so if you prefer a more flexible shoe, that's something to keep in mind.

Constructed to deliver all-day support, this shoe is truly perfect for all occasions. It's built with mid-sole cushioning, a rubber outsole that delivers plenty of traction, and a stylish frame that's available in a bunch of color options. If you value sustainability, you'll also love that the vamp, collar, and tongue mesh are made with 100 percent recycled polyester.

Highly-rated on Amazon with over 7,000 five-star reviews, customers say that this shoe is very comfortable, partly due to its roomy toe box, and that even those with flat feet can wear it for extended periods of time. On the flip side, customers didn't like that the shoe's fabric is a little noisy while walking.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can serve as a jack-of-all-trades workout sneaker, the New Balance DynaSoft Beaya Sport Cross Trainer is here to save your day. The shoe boasts comfy, plush support and ultra-responsive construction. It can also be used everywhere from your studio classes, to your pavement runs, and everything in between.

Customers regularly rave about the shoe's comfort, durability, and snug and supportive feel. But some reviewers say they feel like the shoe doesn't have enough cushioning, and that the sole feels rather thin, which could lead to it wearing out quickly, one customer pointed out. But the lack of excessive foam does make it a little more lightweight if you tend to stray away from heavier shoes.

Read more: Best Cross Training Shoes

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