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Present day, New Balance is well-known for having a wide range of shoes, including modern stylish athletic shoes. But they also have a large selection of stability walkers and leather trainers. Sometimes these shoes are referred to as New Balance “Old Man” shoes or New Balance “Dad” shoes, and the classic style of these shoes has made a recent resurgence in popularity.
Below is a list of some of the most popular types of New Balance “Dad” shoes:
- New Balance 624 – Most famous New Balance Dad Shoe recently discontinued (click here to view)
- New Balance 608 – A leather gym trainer very similar to the 624 shoe above (click here to view)
- New Balance 840v3 – Breathable leather “Coach” shoe with athletic design (click here to view)
- New Balance 813 – A flexible leather walking shoe w/ ROLLBAR heel stability (click here to view)
- New Balance 990 – An athletic shoe w/ breathable suede upper made in USA (click here to view)
- New Balance 992 – Made in USA retro athletic shoe popularized by Steve Jobs (click here to view)
- New Balance 993 – Another Made in USA retro athletic shoe with soft cushioning (click here to view)
- New Balance 877 – A breathable suede walking shoe with cushioned midsole (click here to view)
- New Balance 928 – Leather walker with extra cushioning and ROLLBAR stability (click here to view)
- New Balance 577 – Leather walker with cushioning in midsole to reduce stress (click here to view)
- New Balance 1540 – A supportive running shoe with ROLLBAR heel stability (click here to view)
- New Balance 847 – A breathable walking shoe with ROLLBAR heel stability (click here to view)
New Balance is widely considered to be the best shoe company for creating supportive shoes that are also comfortable. Many of the shoes listed above have stability features to help prevent improper foot movement and also have cushioned midsoles to help reduce impact stress under the heel.
These shoes have a classic design that allows them to function both as a casual shoe or a work shoe. And many of the shoes have enough flexibility to also be used as athletic shoes, even if it’s for light exercise like walking.
Perhaps the most famous type of New Balance “Dad” shoe is the 624 leather trainer (pictured above). This has been a staple for a generation of weekend cookouts in the backyard. Unfortunately, the 624 has recently been discontinued. But, fret not, the New Balance 608 is very similar to the 624, and is a great replacement.
I recently put my hands on over 30 different types of New Balance shoes to compare them on many things, including weight, comfort, and design. In this article let’s take a closer look at these different types of New Balance “Dad” shoes to compare their pros and cons.
Classic New Balance Dad Shoes Explained
New Balance W840v3
The New Balance W840v3 is a leather walking/casual shoe built with breathable leather and I found it to be more flexible than many other New Balance classic shoes. This shoe has a sort of “Coach” shoe style.
The thing that jumps out the most about this shoe is how comfortable it is around the collar. There is noticeably more padding in this collar than many other types of classic shoes.
Here’s mine:
To give you an idea how they respond on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
The New Balance W840v3 is also much more flexible than many other types of New Balance “Dad” shoes (the 813 is also very flexible). In the videos below I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
This shoe is not built for stability and support as much as other options on this list. It does not have the New Balance ROLLBAR technology for heel stability. If that is something you need, the 813 or 928 will be the better option.
Regarding sizing, New Balance W840v3 shoes fit true to size. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about W840v3 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance W840v3 (right) compared to Adidas 2k Boost and Skechers Afterburn (version MW840v3):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance W840v3 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the W840v3 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the MW840 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is think of the 840v3 as a sort of hybrid between an athletic shoe and a walking shoe. It provides flexible comfort, and is also quite breathable for a walking shoe. The drawback? If you prioritize heel stability, there will be better options (like the 813).
New Balance 813
The New Balance 813v1 is a New Balance classic shoe that I found to be both supportive and flexible. The flexibility surprised me a little bit because this shoe has New Balance’s ROLLBAR heel stability for extra support, so I was expecting a stiffer design. But as you will see in the videos below, it is actually quite flexible and responsive.
Here’s mine:
To give you an idea how the 813 New Balance “Dad” shoe responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
As you can see, it does have the Rollbar technology along the heel, which helps prevent rearfoot movement for better balance control.
Again, what surprised me about these shoes were how flexible they were despite having the Rollbar technology and being made with leather. In the videos below I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
As you can see above, the shoe bends and twists very easily.
Regarding sizing, New Balance 813v1 shoes fit true to size for most people. However, some people find that the 813 fits just a little bit smaller than their normal shoe size regarding length. If you are in-between sizes, it may be best to size up.
This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about 813 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 813 (right) compared to Reebok Classics and Nike Air Max Excee (version 813v1):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance Dad shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 813 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 813v1 sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 813 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 813v1 provides a durable leather upper that is surprisingly flexible while also providing rearfoot stability (the 813 is very similar to the 577). The one drawback is breathability. If you prefer a more breathable shoe, the W840v3 we discussed first may be best (or the 877 we discuss next).
New Balance 877
The New Balance 877v1 is different than many other classic New Balance “Dad” shoes. The 877 is a walking shoe, but it incorporates mesh on the upper which not only helps improve breathability, it also helps reduce the weight of the shoe.
Here’s a look at mine:
To give you an idea how the 877 responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
These shoes are very flexible and responsive, and do not feel stiff. In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are so that you can judge for yourself:
These 877 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual sneakers. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about 877 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 877 (right) compared to Skechers Go Walk and Crocs sizing (version 877v1):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 877 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 877v1 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 877 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway this 877 suede New Balance leather walking shoe offers a breathable design with premium flexibility. If you are looking for all-leather, this shoe obviously won’t be the right option for you. But if you prioritize breathability, this will be perhaps the best option.
New Balance 928
The New Balance 928v3 is one of the most popular types of New Balance “Dad” shoes. This shoe is another all-leather shoe, and like the 813 we discussed earlier, this 928 shoe has the New Balance ROLLBAR technology for heel stability (813 vs 928 compared).
What separates this shoe from the 813 is it also has extra cushioning in the midsole to help reduce impact stress. Here’s a look at mine:
To give you an idea how the 928 responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
This is a very comfortable shoe to wear, however, I did not find this shoe to be quite as flexible as the 813v1 we discussed earlier. In the video below I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
These 928 New Balance “Dad” shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about 928 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 928 (right) compared to Skechers Afterburn and Nike Air Max Excee sizing (version 928v3):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 928 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 928v3 Sizing comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 928 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 928v3 is a durable leather walking shoe that not only has Rollbar stability but also offers extra impact absorption in the midsole. The one drawback is flexibility. If you prefer a more flexible leather shoe, the 813v1 or the W840v3 we discussed earlier may be the better option.
New Balance 608
The New Balance 608 is a leather gym training shoe. It is very similar to the 624, which was perhaps the most popular New Balance “Dad” shoe (the 624 has recently been discontinued). The 608 can be used as a casual shoe or an athletic shoe.
In my experience, the New Balance 608 shoes have a comfortable fit. To give you an idea how the 608 responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
Because these are gym trainers, they are built to provide both support and flexibility. However, these shoes won’t be as flexible as modern athletic shoes.
In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
These 608 New Balance “Dad” shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual sneakers. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
It is built using the MX-001 last, which is designed to create a standard fit in the forefoot and toe box. In my experience, New Balance 608 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 608 (right) compared to Nike Air Max Excee and Adidas 2k Boost:
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance Dad Shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 608 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 608 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 624 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 608 is a gym shoe, that can also be used for light exercise like walking. This might be particularly useful for you if you are looking for a shoe to use for both.
New Balance 847
The New Balance 847v4 is another New Balance athletic walking shoe.
What makes it stand out a bit from many other types of New Balance walking shoes is it is made with a breathable mesh upper (many other options are made with leather uppers). Here’s what my 847 looks like on foot:
To give you an idea how the 847v4 responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
Regarding Length: The New Balance 847v4 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a length that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Regarding Width: This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about 847 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 847 (right) compared to Skechers Afterburn and Nike Air Max Excee (version 847v4):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 847 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 847v4 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 847 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 847v4 provides a breathable upper, and will be one of the most breathable New Balance extra extra wide shoes (the 1540v3 is also breathable). The one drawback is flexibility. If you prefer a more flexible walking shoe, the 813v1 we discussed earlier may be the better option.
New Balance 1540
What makes the New Balance 1540v3 unique compared to other options on this list is New Balance actually markets this shoe as a running shoe. Don’t expect this shoe to feel like a lightweight, flimsy running shoe. It is built for support and stability and has a bulkier design similar to other types of New Balance “Dad” shoes.
Here’s a look at mine:
To give you an idea how the 1540 responds on a foot, here I am wearing mine:
As you can see, this New Balance extra extra wide shoe has ROLLBAR technology along the heel, which helps prevent rearfoot movement for better balance control. And it is designed with a much more breathable upper than the leather shoes on this list.
In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
Regarding Length: New Balance 1540 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Regarding Width: This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot area and a deeper toe box (learn more about 1540 width). However, the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 1540 (right) compared to Adidas 2k Boost and Nike Air Max Excee sizing (version 1540v3):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are, below is the width of the New Balance 1540 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 1540v3 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 1540 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 1540v3 is a bit unique from other New Balance classic shoes because this shoe is marketed as a running shoe. It has a breathable upper and provides both stability and support. However, because this shoe is built for support, it is not near as lightweight as modern running shoes.
New Balance 990v5
The New Balance 990v5 is part of New Balance’s Made in USA line. It has a retro 90’s-style design and is a very popular New Balance “Dad” shoe due to the combination of comfort and support it provides.
Here’s what the 990v5 looks like:
This shoe is a casual athletic “lifestyle” shoe that you can wear to the gym or easily pair it with jeans and a t-shirt. It has a more athletic design than many other types of New Balance “Dad” shoes.
This is how the New Balance 990v5 shoes respond on my foot:
In my experience, the New Balance 990 provides nice cushioning and compression under the toe pad area. This shoe has a more athletic design than many other types of New Balance extra extra wide shoes.
In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible these shoes are:
Regarding Length: New Balance 990v5 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Regarding Width: This shoe is built using the SL-1 last, which is designed to create a more regular fit in the forefoot area and toe box. However, it is available in wide sizes.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 990 (right) compared to Adidas 2k Boost and Brooks Adrenaline sizing (version 990v5):
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are in standard width, below is the width of the New Balance 990 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 990v5 Sizing comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 990 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 990v5 has a more athletic design than many other types of New Balance “Dad” shoes. However, the shoe is not designed to deliver as roomy of a fit as some of the other shoes on this list, so appropriate shoe sizing will be important.
New Balance 993
Just like the 990v5 above, the New Balance 993 is part of New Balance’s Made in USA line. It has a retro 90’s-style design and is a very popular New Balance “Dad” shoe due to the combination of comfort and support it provides.
I personally thought it was the most comfortable New Balance shoe in their Made in USA collection. It is very soft under the toe pad area. This is how the New Balance 993 shoes respond on my foot:
The 993 is also very flexible and responsive compared to other casual shoes on the market. In the videos below, I tried to capture how flexible this shoe is:
Again, think of this New Balance 993 shoe as a casual athletic shoe that you can use for occasional exercise or simply wear it with jeans and a t-shirt.
New Balance 993 shoes fit true to size for most people. I personally thought the 993 was a little roomier than the 990v5 from above.
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance 993 (right) compared to Adidas 2k Boost and Asics sizing:
To get a better idea of how wide these New Balance “Dad” shoes are in standard width, below is the width of the New Balance 993 shoes (in standard width) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 993 Sizing comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 993 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
The main takeaway is the 993 is another retro-style shoe, however, I thought it offered more cushioning under the toe pad than other options. It was my favorite New Balance Made in USA shoe.
FAQ About New Balance Dad Shoes
Do They Make Women’s New Balance “Dad” Shoes?
Yes, most of the styles discussed on this page are also offered in a women’s version. There may be small differences, but in general, the designs are very similar.
What is the Chunkiest New Balance “Dad” Shoe?
The bulkiest options on this list are the 1540, 928, 993, and 608. If you prefer bulkier New Balance shoe, visit our article about the best chunky New Balance shoes to see other options.
What is the New Balance “Dad” Shoe Style Number?
Although there is no single New Balance shoe truly called the “Dad” shoe, most people consider the New Balance 624 leather trainers to be the iconic “Dad” shoe. However, as we discussed in this article, the New Balance 624 shoes were recently discontinued.
The New Balance 608 leather trainers are built very similar to the 624, and are probably the truest definition of a New Balance “Dad” shoe available today.