ashenSo far we’ve discussed a few types of travel wear including hiking pants, jackets and one specific topic on Teva Omnium shoes. We all know that footwear plays a major role in optimizing our comfort during long and challenging hikes. Especially in unpredictable weather and rough grounds. You can have the best jackets, sweaters and pants to cover your upper and lower body, but the absence of comfort in your feet will truly be a nuisance while covering the miles on foot. Therefore in this post we will present a comprehensive guide on New Balance hiking shoes that have earned a reputation for providing optimum comfort while being extremely functional while on the road.
Who Are New Balance?
New Balance is one of the oldest footwear companies in the US that was initiated in 1906 by William J. Riley who was an Irish immigrant. Originally named as New Balance Arch Support Company it is located in the Boston area and kicked off as an arch supports and shoe for improvements manufacturer. A hilariously innovative fact was that his arch support design was based on the Chickens foot threefold balancing technique. Arch support was the main business until 1960 when the next owners of the company , Eleanor and Paul Kidd came up with the stepping stone idea of the “Trackster”.
A rippled soled running shoe. Doubtless that it was a turning point of the New Balance “Arch Support” company. Because that led the way to their present day brand growth and exceptional designs of footwear and sports clothing. Although you might not be familiar with the name among some other giants such as Adidas and Nike, New Balance is quite a huge brand in the US and Europe. Their products balance the scale of fashion and function. The New Balance customer base is varied and diversified from professional athletes to regular individuals intending on leading a healthier and an active life. Since they are well known for their exceptionally comfortable, stylish and breathable footwear, we’ve put together this structured guide for you to choose the best New Balance hiking shoe for your next hike.
New Balance 978 Hiking Shoes
- GORE-TEX membrane
- Dual-density foam-padded collar
- ABZORB foam cushioning
- Polyurethane insert for excellent cushioning
Perhaps one of the most widely known and popular New Balance hiking shoes. The New Balance 978 V1 is a great Men’s hiking shoe built from a customer’s perspective. It utilizes some of their best trail technology and features a durable nubuck leather upper that forms a protective barrier around your feet. Flexibility is well kept by a gusseted tongue that permits free movement. You also get a 3/4 Rock Stop plate for protecting your feet from unseen roots and small rubbles while walking on rough terrains. The upper part material of this shoe as of many others is the Gore-Tex which ensures waterproof nature and breathability. There is plenty of room for your toes to wiggle because of the extra width in the forefoot.
The customer reviews are most positive. What they mostly praise about is the ankle support and the rubber sole. However most customers recommend ordering a larger size at least by a half because sizes can be misleading and some users have had a negative experience. They have the narrow, wide and the X-wide version so while you are ordering make sure to choose a bit bigger than your regular size.
New Balance Men’s And Women’s 669 V2 Hiking Shoes
- 50% Suede, 50% Mesh
- ABZORB midsoles
- Strong rubber outsole
- Closed cell polyurethane for better protection
The 669 V2 is a version available for both Men and Women and comes in a range of colors to satisfy both types of consumers. This shoe was built with stability and style in mind. The leather/mesh upper layer of the shoe features a stitched-down tip and foxing details for enhanced flexibility and durability. The most significant aspect is the ABZORB midsole designed for shock absorbance as you rail through rugged terrains. It is achieved using a combination of cushioning and compression resistance. Stability is further ensured by the flat heel. The PU foam insert and guideline tread are important because it prevents the twisting of your midfoot and maximizes the even weight distribution of your feet. Overall this shoe provides good breathability, comfort and durability.
The customers are pretty satisfied with the 669 V2 ankle stability and the comfort even after long hours of usage. While some are fans of the insole, a few others stick to the opinion of a better insole. Another user had complained about the padding being a bit overdone. Specifically at the front and the opening. This results in your toe suffering unnecessary compression causing discomfort. However, that was only the complaint of one customer. And the same advice of ordering a larger than the regular size holds true for this shoe as well.
The Men’s 669 V2 has relatively better positive feedback. No need for custom insoles or any sort of external adjustment. And the arch support is exceptionally tough and durable than its competitors, even if you are doing a lot of standing and crouching. Some users have also praised the stable and firm grip of the shoe brought out by the thread, plus the heavier sole for better protection. It makes the shoes applicable for even long hikes and gardening. However, just be sure to order a bigger size to be on the safe side.
New Balance 1450v1 Hiking Shoes
- 50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof Materials
The 1450V1 isn’t as strongly manufactured as the 978. Meaning this shoe is more for the light hiker. It has a breathable mesh upper which makes it partially waterproof. Although your feet aren’t completely sealed, it keeps your feet from getting warm and sweaty. And your ankle has more freedom of movement than with the 978. This specific feature alone makes the 1450 appropriate for light day trekking. The model is best suited for short backpacking trips. It will keep your feet somewhat dry in moist environmental conditions. The weight distribution is even and it will keep your feet nice and cool using the ventilation of the upper mesh layer.
The feedback is still positive for the 1450 with a few minor suggestions for improvement. The pros are that they are truly waterproof, stylish, come in wide and extra wide size and well abrasive resistant. Also extremely breathable, ventilated and comfortable to wear even for a long time. However if a hole forms in the midsole and water gets in, there is bound to be a squeaky noise.
Nonetheless there are users who wear these shoes in warehouse environments working with poured concrete and the cushioned insoles hold up just fine. But if you are using the shoes in such conditions make a habit of removing insoles regularly to allow them to properly dry out. Some have complained that the laces are a bit too long, but that shouldn’t be a huge issue. Nevertheless the New Balance 1450V1 are a great pair of hiking shoes for light hiking, trekking and daily walking.
New Balance Men’s And Women’s Nitrel V4 Trail Shoes
- AT Tread outsole
- Rubber sole
- Textile/synthetic material
- DynaSoft midsole and EVA insert
- Durable and Lightweight
Another excellent New Balance hiking shoe for both Men and Women. There are so many features that make the Nitrel V4 an excellent choice for a hiking shoe. To start with, the AT Tread outsole provides good traction control regardless of the ground nature. Durability and lightweight is enhanced because of the mesh upper with no-sew overlays. Comfort is optimized in many ways for the Nitrel V4. There is a heel drop of 8mm and the Dynasoft midsole plus the EVA inserts maximize the cushioning effect and support.
EVA foam is rigid-soft material specifically used in protecting packages when transporting, disembarking etc. The mesh upper also ensures good airflow and ventilation for breathability and reducing sweat formation inside the shoe. The shoe is resistant to abrasion, wear and tear because of the high quality AT Tread material and the protective coating on the toe. Overall a good, lightweight and durable hiking shoe that is capable of handling long and short distances.
Sizes as usual are available in wide and extra wide. Overall the users are extremely pleased with the traction control the shoes offer in any environment. It can be mixed terrain, jagged rocks and loose gravel, the shoes will continue to perform well and stabilize you. It works even in the snow and any sort of climate. There are users who previously had to use different types of shoes with different climates. But with the Nitrel V4 adaptation for any climate and terrain, they are saved from the trouble.
Some customers have chosen to upgrade the insole which resulted in even better performance and comfort. Although it is not necessary, you can choose to do the same if you wish. The only complaint was that the protective coating on the toe resulted in too much compression of the toes for some users. Nevertheless there were no size mismatches or other types of durability or wear and tear complaints. Therefore you are in for a good hiking experience if you opt for these shoes.
New Balance Men’s And Women’s 1400 V1 Trail Shoes
- 100% Leather
- Rubber sole
- Compression molded EVA midsole
- Waterproof membrane
- Roll bar technology
- Gusseted tongue
One of the best New Balance waterproof shoes cut out for surviving in colder and wetter conditions. It specializes in ankle protection because of the high-cut and gusseted tongue. The construction is out of solid leather to optimize weight and there is an added layer of insulation to keep your feet warm in colder surroundings. With all it’s features the weight clocks out only at 15.2oz. This shoe is a combination of modern hiking shoe technology plus the traditional hiking boot design.
The Roll bar technology is significant here in securing your posture and preventing unwanted foot injuries. “It is designed by connecting a molded plate to both the outer and inner edges of the shoe”. The plating will then prevent your foot from rolling inward or outward allowing you to walk neutrally. The EVA is present for cushioning and comfort. Also the shoe is available in narrow, wide, and extra-wide fittings. The sealed seams and the non-wicking laces enhance the waterproof effect. The heel is reinforced and you also get a toe bumper for extra protection in rough grounds.
The users are loving the rigidity and sturdy supportive nature of the shoe on the outside, while maintaining a comfortable and breathable nature on the inside. A customer who purchased a pair for hiking had praised the stability of the shoe in sharp lava rock, uneven cobblestones, mud, wet grass and even slippery rocks at waterfall bases. The waterproof effect was true to its word and no blisters were formed. Every customer is praising the comfortable, lightweight and breathable nature while being optimally functional in terms of stability, adapting to any terrain, waterproofing and insulation.
Which One Suits You?
Now that we introduced and reviewed some of the best New Balance hiking shoes, you are ready to make a choice. However there are some facts to consider before purchasing. In what kind of weather conditions are you going to be hiking in? What types of ground are you covering?(rough, slippery, gravel etc.) How much equipment are you carrying? and of course your past experiences if there is any.
As we mentioned before, if your plan is to select shoes for a casual day hike, intended to stretch your legs and relieve your stress, you can go with the New Balance 1450V1. It is not too heavy, nor too lightweight. Built for free ankle movement and breathability. For long hikes in rugged terrains and unpredictable weather, you can count on the 978V1.
Although they are more towards the heavier side, the functionality is optimum. But if it is just a day hike, you can still stick to the 1450V1. The Nitrel V4 or the 1400V1 are the best options for backpacking trips when you are carrying quite a lot of equipment and you are bound to encounter different landscapes with moisture, rubbles etc. More importantly the enhanced cushioning while carrying loads and the ankle support to keep you stabilized. The New Balance Nitrel V4 and 1400V1 are good trail shoes for Men and Women alike.
