I first moved to New York City almost four years ago and was naïve to the type of everyday sneakers my feet needed to adapt to the walkable city. Less than a year into living there, I tore a muscle in my foot from overuse, the result of walking 10,000-plus steps a day, which my feet weren’t used to doing in stiff, rigid shoes that had no arch support. My podiatrist steered me toward New Balance, a brand stocked with comfy walking shoes that deliver support and extra cushioning where my feet need it. 

I chose New Balance’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 sneakers for their sleek, sporty style and light-as-air feel — and my feet have never felt better. Currently, Amazon’s fashion store has a can’t-miss deal on this style, which is on sale for as little as $53. Bad news: sizes are quickly selling out, which means you’ll want to grab a pair fast.  

New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers

I can confidently say these New Balance sneakers are some of the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve owned. Before these, I wore tennis sneakers, combat boots, and skater shoes, giving little thought to how their unsupportive designs and lack of arch support would impact my very flat feet. Straight out of the box though, the New Balance Roav V1 sneakers made an immediate difference. 

My feet felt like they were walking on top of a memory foam mattress. Plus, the squishy foam heel made it easy to slip my feet into and the roomy, flexible interiors gave them room to spread out. The real test came when my mom, aunt, and cousin visited me shortly after I had healed from my injury. We walked more than 10 miles going from Central Park to Rockefeller Center, then Times Square, and ending at Chelsea Market. In any other pair of shoes, I would’ve felt lower back and foot pain after such a trek, but the New Balance shoes’ plush and lightweight Fresh Foam materials comfortably propelled me to the end, absorbing shock to prevent fatigue and aches — all without any blisters, I might add. 

New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers

Clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks these sneakers are incredible. Amazon shoppers have given them more than 17,000 five-star ratings. One reviewer walked 30 miles across three days in them and said they felt like “walking on clouds” — and that included across a variety of terrains including cobblestone, wet grass, climbing stairs, and more. They’re also easy to clean, according to another shopper who, after attending a three-day music festival, threw their all-white pair into the wash and said they came out looking “pristine.”

These New Balance sneakers aren’t the only ones worthy of a test run, keep reading to discover more comfy walking shoes for your next trip.

Shop More New Balance Shoes at Amazon:  

New Balance 411 V1 Sneakers

New Balance 847 V4 Walking Shoes

New Balance 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoes

New Balance Fuelcell Walker Elite V1 Shoes

New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers

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