Hiking is an adventurous and rewarding activity that requires the right gear, especially footwear. Choosing the correct pair of shoes can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a painful one. Many outdoor enthusiasts have asked whether New Balance shoes are a good option for hiking. Known primarily for their running and walking shoes, New Balance has carved out a reputation for comfort and support. But can these qualities translate effectively into hiking shoes? This article takes an in-depth look at whether New Balance shoes are a viable option for hiking.
New Balance: A Brand Overview
New Balance is a well-known brand that has been making quality shoes since 1906. While the company initially started by selling arch supports, it expanded into producing footwear for various activities, including running, walking, and lifestyle shoes. Over the years, New Balance has built a reputation for comfort, quality materials, and innovative designs. But when it comes to hiking, a specific set of features is required. Let’s see if New Balance shoes meet these standards.
Key Features to Look for in Hiking Shoes
Before evaluating whether New Balance shoes are suitable for hiking, it’s essential to understand the critical features of hiking footwear. These features are vital for providing the support and protection needed on different types of terrain.
Traction:
One of the most important aspects of any hiking shoe is its grip on varied surfaces. A good hiking shoe should offer excellent traction on rocks, dirt trails, and muddy paths to prevent slipping.
Support:
Hiking involves walking on uneven terrain, which can be tough on your feet, ankles, and knees. A good hiking shoe provides ample arch and ankle support to help prevent injuries.
Durability:
Hiking shoes need to withstand rugged conditions. The materials should be durable enough to endure rough terrain, moisture, and abrasions.
Water Resistance:
Hiking often takes place in unpredictable weather conditions. Shoes that offer water resistance or waterproof materials help keep feet dry.
Comfort and Fit:
A good hiking shoe should be comfortable for long distances. Blisters, sore spots, and cramped toes can ruin the hiking experience.
Weight:
Lightweight shoes help conserve energy on long hikes. However, durability and protection shouldn’t be compromised for weight reduction.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore how New Balance shoes stack up.
New Balance and Hiking: Analyzing the Features
1. Traction
Traction is critical when hiking over rocky or slippery terrain. Most New Balance shoes are designed with running or walking in mind, meaning they often have rubber soles optimized for asphalt or concrete surfaces rather than rugged trails. However, some of their trail running shoes, like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro, feature aggressive lugs designed to handle off-road conditions. These trail-specific models offer better grip on loose dirt, gravel, and rocky surfaces.
For standard New Balance walking or running shoes, the grip is generally suitable for light hikes on well-maintained trails. However, these shoes might struggle on wet rocks, muddy paths, or steep inclines. If you’re venturing into more challenging terrains, a specialized hiking shoe with deeper lugs and better traction, like those from brands dedicated to outdoor gear, may be a safer option.
2. Support
New Balance shoes are known for their excellent arch support, especially models like the New Balance 990, which is often recommended for people with plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Their shoes are designed with various foot shapes in mind, offering options like wide and narrow fits, which ensures a more personalized fit for different types of hikers.
However, most New Balance shoes are low-cut, meaning they lack the ankle support typically needed for serious hiking. Low-cut shoes can be fine for shorter or less strenuous hikes, but for multi-day treks or hikes over uneven terrain, the lack of ankle support could increase the risk of sprains.
For those looking for additional support, some New Balance trail running shoes offer reinforced midsoles and padding, providing more stability. However, for longer hikes or those involving heavy backpacks, traditional hiking boots with higher ankle collars and reinforced midsoles may be more suitable.
3. Durability
Durability is essential for any hiking shoe, especially when trekking through rugged terrain. New Balance shoes, particularly their running and walking lines, are primarily built for everyday use on paved surfaces. As a result, they may not hold up well against the abrasions and impacts typically encountered on hiking trails.
That said, New Balance trail running shoes like the Fresh Foam Hierro or the New Balance MT410 are specifically designed for rough conditions. These models often feature thicker, reinforced uppers and tougher outsoles that can withstand trail conditions better than standard road shoes.
However, compared to dedicated hiking shoes from brands like Merrell or Salomon, New Balance shoes generally fall short in terms of durability. Their materials, while comfortable and lightweight, may wear down faster in harsh environments.
4. Water Resistance
Waterproofing is a critical feature for hikers, especially in regions with unpredictable weather or when crossing streams. Most standard New Balance shoes, designed for running and walking, do not feature water-resistant or waterproof materials. This can be problematic if you’re hiking in wet conditions, as your feet can quickly become soaked.
However, some of their trail running models do include water-resistant uppers. For example, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro GTX has a Gore-Tex membrane that offers some degree of waterproofing. While this may be sufficient for light rain or brief encounters with water, it’s still not as effective as fully waterproof hiking boots, which are designed for prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
For dry weather hikes or well-maintained trails, standard New Balance shoes should suffice. But if you’re hiking in unpredictable weather or need to cross water bodies, investing in a waterproof hiking shoe would be a wiser choice.
5. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is where New Balance excels. Many of their shoes feature cushioned insoles and breathable materials, which can reduce fatigue on long hikes. The New Balance Fresh Foam midsoles, for instance, are known for providing a plush, comfortable ride. This makes them an excellent choice for people who prioritize comfort over rugged durability.
The fit is also a strong point for New Balance, as the brand offers shoes in multiple widths, accommodating hikers with wider or narrower feet. The customizable fit ensures that hikers can find a pair that suits their foot shape, which is essential for avoiding blisters and discomfort over long distances.
However, for more technical hikes, where durability and support take precedence over comfort, dedicated hiking shoes may be a better option. While New Balance shoes can keep your feet comfortable for shorter or moderate hikes, they may not offer the same level of protection and durability as shoes specifically designed for long-distance or challenging hikes.
6. Weight
One of the key advantages of New Balance shoes is their lightweight construction. Traditional hiking boots can be heavy and cumbersome, which can make longer hikes more tiring. New Balance shoes, especially their running and walking models, are much lighter, which helps conserve energy on longer treks.
For hikers looking to move quickly over moderate terrain, the lightweight design of New Balance shoes can be a big plus. Trail running shoes like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro strike a good balance between weight and protection, offering a lightweight option without sacrificing too much in terms of grip or durability.
However, for hikes that involve carrying heavy backpacks or tackling rough, uneven terrain, the added protection of a more robust hiking shoe might be worth the extra weight.
SEE ALSO: Are Skechers Hiking Boots Any Good?
Pros and Cons of Using New Balance Shoes for Hiking
Pros:
Lightweight, making them suitable for less strenuous hikes.
Excellent comfort, especially for people with specific foot shapes.
Cushioned insoles reduce fatigue during long walks.
Trail running models offer better grip and durability than standard New Balance shoes.
Customizable fit with different width options.
Cons:
Limited ankle support compared to traditional hiking boots.
Lack of water resistance in most models.
Not as durable as dedicated hiking shoes.
Traction may not be sufficient for challenging terrains.
Not ideal for long or multi-day hikes.
Conclusion
In summary, New Balance shoes can be a good option for light hiking, especially if comfort and fit are your top priorities. Their trail running models, such as the Fresh Foam Hierro, offer better traction, durability, and water resistance compared to their standard running and walking shoes. However, for more strenuous hikes, rugged terrains, or wet conditions, traditional hiking shoes or boots from specialized outdoor brands are a better choice.
New Balance shoes excel in comfort and versatility, making them suitable for casual hikes on well-maintained trails. However, they may not provide the level of support, durability, or water protection needed for more serious hiking adventures.