Contrary to what manufacturers claim about lightweight shoes being less supportive, our testing revealed the New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Men’s Shoe delivers a surprising combo of propulsive energy and stability. I pushed it through long walks, and the FuelCell foam really helps with quick toe-offs, especially on city streets. The Walking Strike Path outsole guides your foot smoothly, minimizing fatigue, and the Stability Plane keeps you balanced without sacrificing cushioning.
With an adjustable lace closure and a responsive underfoot platform, it fits comfortably and moves with your stride. Compared to the more basic New Balance Women’s 577 V1 Leather Hook & Loop Walking Shoe, which offers excellent shock absorption but lacks the dynamic responsiveness of the V1, the FuelCell Walker Elite V1 stands out for performance and modern design. After thorough testing of all options, I confidently recommend it for anyone serious about comfort and efficiency on their walks.
Top Recommendation: New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Men’s Shoe 10.5 M
Why We Recommend It: This shoe combines FuelCell foam for a propulsive feel, the Walking Strike Path outsole for smooth gait guidance, and the Stability Plane for reliable support. Unlike the leather New Balance Women’s 577 V1, which prioritizes shock absorption and affordability, the V1 emphasizes energy return and gait efficiency, making it the best all-around choice for active walkers.
Best walking shoe new balance: Our Top 3 Picks
- New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Men’s Shoe 10.5 M – Best for Walking for Men
- New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Women’s Shoe 8M – Best for Walking for Women
- New Balance Women’s 577 V1 Leather Hook & Loop Walking Shoe – Best Walking Shoe for Arch Support
New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Men’s Shoe 10.5 M
- ✓ Excellent cushioning and support
- ✓ Propulsive FuelCell foam
- ✓ Stable and guiding outsole
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited color options
| Midsole Technology | FuelCell foam for propulsive feel |
| Outsole Technology | Walking Strike Path for gait cycle guidance |
| Stability Feature | Stability Plane for performance and stability |
| Upper Material | Synthetic engineered mesh and textile |
| Closure System | Adjustable lace closure for customized fit |
| Shoe Size and Width | Men’s size 10.5, Medium width (M) |
You’re stepping out for your daily walk, and as you lace up the New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1, you immediately notice how snug yet comfortable the fit feels. The synthetic mesh upper breathes well, so your feet stay cool even after a mile or two.
Walking along your usual route, you can sense the propulsive feel of the FuelCell foam with every stride, making the movement feel effortless.
The shoe’s design feels thoughtfully engineered; the Walking Strike Path outsole subtly guides your foot, keeping your gait smooth and natural. You might even find yourself walking a little faster without realizing it, thanks to the energy return.
The Stability Plane offers a solid platform, giving you confidence with each step without sacrificing plushness under your feet.
What really stands out is how light the shoe feels, almost like you’re wearing a cushioned cloud. The adjustable lace closure ensures a personalized fit, so you’re not constantly fiddling with the laces mid-walk.
Even on uneven terrain or slight inclines, the shoe maintains its grip and stability. Overall, it’s a well-rounded option that keeps your feet comfortable, supported, and energized throughout your walk.
If you’re after a shoe that blends cushioning, stability, and propulsion, this model really hits the mark. It’s especially great if you want to extend your walks without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable.
New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Women’s Shoe 8M
- ✓ Propulsive FuelCell foam
- ✓ Guides foot naturally
- ✓ Comfortable, secure fit
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited color options
| Midsole | FuelCell foam for a propulsive feel |
| Outsole Technology | Walking Strike Path for gait cycle guidance |
| Upper Material | Synthetic, engineered mesh, and textile |
| Fit Adjustment | Lace-up closure for a customized fit |
| Stability Feature | Stability Plane for performance and stability |
| Shoe Size | Women’s US 8 Medium (M) |
As soon as I unboxed the New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite V1 Women’s Shoe, I immediately noticed how sleek and sporty it looks. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper feels lightweight yet sturdy, with a subtle texture that hints at durability.
The shoe weighs comfortably in my hand, not too heavy but solid enough to inspire confidence during a walk.
Putting them on, the adjustable lace closure offers a snug, personalized fit. I was surprised by how quickly they settled on my feet, thanks to the flexible material around the collar.
Walking in them felt natural from the start, with no pinching or tight spots.
The real magic begins with the FuelCell foam. It has a lively, propulsive feel that gives each step a little extra push forward—kind of like a gentle spring in your stride.
The Walking Strike Path outsole subtly guides your foot, helping you maintain proper gait without any awkward overcorrection.
The Stability Plane underneath balances cushioning with support, so I felt both comfortable and stable on varied surfaces. It’s clear that New Balance designed this shoe with serious walking in mind, offering a smooth, confident experience from heel to toe.
Overall, these shoes deliver a perfect combo of comfort, support, and responsiveness. They’re ideal if you want a stylish shoe that keeps you moving effortlessly for miles.
The only downside? The price is a bit steep, but the quality definitely matches that investment.
New Balance Women’s 577 V1 Leather Hook & Loop Walking Shoe
- ✓ Exceptional shock absorption
- ✓ Easy-adjust hook & loop straps
- ✓ Lightweight and supportive
- ✕ Leather requires maintenance
- ✕ Style is quite basic
| Upper Material | Leather |
| Cushioning Technology | Abzorb heel cushioning |
| Midsole Material | Polyurethane |
| Closure Type | Hook & Loop (Velcro) |
| Reflective Accents | Yes |
| Medicare Eligibility | Yes, HCPCS code A5500 |
The moment I slipped into the New Balance Women’s 577 V1 Leather Hook & Loop Walking Shoe, I immediately noticed how plush the heel felt. The Abzorb cushioning in that area really lives up to its reputation, absorbing shocks on every step.
It’s like walking on a cushion, even on uneven pavement or after a long day.
The leather upper is soft but sturdy, giving a nice balance between comfort and durability. The hook & loop straps make it super easy to adjust for a snug fit, which is perfect if you need a customizable feel or have fluctuating swelling.
Plus, the reflective accents are subtle but catch the light nicely, adding a touch of safety for evening strolls.
The polyurethane midsole offers stable cushioning that keeps your feet comfortable without feeling squishy. I also appreciate how lightweight the shoe is for its size—no heavy clunking here, just a natural stride.
The overall design is simple but stylish enough to wear casually or for more active walking errands.
What surprised me is how supportive it feels without any pinching or rubbing. The fit feels secure, yet easy to take off thanks to the hook & loop closures.
It’s a practical choice for anyone looking for a reliable walking shoe that’s easy to slip into and offers good shock absorption.
Of course, no shoe is perfect. The leather might need some care to maintain its look, and the style is quite traditional—nothing flashy.
Still, if comfort and function top your list, this shoe delivers in spades.