New Balance
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
New Balance is highly regarded on Reddit for its superior comfort and inclusive sizing, particularly for those with wide feet. While some users still dismiss the brand's aesthetic as "ugly dad shoes," it has seen a significant resurgence in fashion circles through successful collaborations and a reputation for better fit and finish than competitors like Nike.
Pros
- Superior comfort for all-day walking, standing, or traveling
- Extensive range of wide and extra-wide sizing options (up to 6E)
- High-quality 'Made in USA' product line is a favorite for enthusiasts
- Strong retro and chunky aesthetic appeal that is currently trending
- Perceived as more durable and better finished than recent Nike releases
Cons
- Polarizing 'dad shoe' aesthetic that some find unattractive
- Inconsistent sizing across different models and width categories
- Reported lack of double E (EE) widths for women's specific trail running models
Caveats
- Not all styles provide the same fit or comfort level; some models may not work for every foot type
- The brand's current popularity is heavily driven by specific collaborations and retro silhouettes
Best for
- People with wide or extra-wide feet
- Travelers and professionals who spend all day on their feet
- Fans of retro or chunky sneaker styles
- Those seeking a more comfortable alternative to mainstream athletic brands
Avoid if
- You prefer a slim, minimalist sneaker profile
- You strongly dislike the 'dad shoe' look
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 18-month half-life. The evidence comes from a window between January 2025 and December 2025 with a median source age of approximately 383 days.
Sentiment
25 positive (66%) · 9 mixed (24%) · 4 negative (11%)
Trust + time weighted score: +56% · raw score 55%
What redditors said (10 of 38)
I find that the size 13D New Balance sneakers I have are slightly too narrow, and the Size 13-6E New Balance sneakers I have are comfortable if maybe a bit too large.
The Made in USA New Balance are my current favorites that come in widths.
Shoes: a loafer and Sneaker that can serve as Running shoes as well (new balance).
I’ve lived in New Balance this year because the fit and finish of every Nike shoe I’ve bought recently has been terrible.
Unless there’s a no sneakers dress code for work attire I would just wear some legit sneakers like new balance or even straight up running shoes like hokas.
New Balance are the only brand that I’ve found consistently make a wide enough toe box
chunkier sneaker, better for straight or wide fit pants: New Balance (they have a bunch of lines that might look good, just look around)
I wear a size a size US 9 for most sneakers (New balance, adidas & Nike)
New Balance is still selling out of most of the collab shoes they’ve made this year.
Like I have to buy men’s trail running shoes because even Hoka, New Balance, Saucony etc don’t make trail running shoes in double E for women.
Compare
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