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New Balance 530 Review: At a Glance
- Best for: Flat feet, long walking days, travel
- Comfort: Excellent (no break-in required)
- Arch support: Moderate but supportive with cushioning
- Sizing: True to size for most; may feel wide on narrow feet
- Style: Retro “dad sneaker,” easy to dress up or down
- Worth it? Yes, especially if you walk 10,000+ steps regularly
As someone with flat feet, I’ve always struggled to find shoes that are actually comfortable and provide ample arch support. On days when I’m on my feet a lot, I’m prone to experiencing a lot of foot soreness and pain that can sometimes be debilitating, especially after long travel days full of walking and sightseeing. But recently, I put my feet to the ultimate test: I traveled to New York City for nine days, which means a lot of steps.
In fact, my step count in New York put everyday-me to shame. The first few days, I consistently hit around 20,000 steps – while I sometimes struggle to hit 5,000 at home (I know, it’s bad!). But out of all the shoes I tried, there was only one that truly made my feet feel comfortable, even after days of walking all day: the New Balance 530 sneakers.
We like
- Comfortable after 15,000+ steps
- Flat-foot friendly
- Stylish, “dad shoe” vibe
- No “breaking in” period
- Versatility in colors
We don't like
- It may be pricey compared to other comparable sneakers
- Reviewers note sizing can be inconsistent
- It may be too wide for people with narrow feet
One evening, I put on a pair of healed boots that only lasted 30 minutes before I had to go back to the hotel and change because I was in so much pain. While I thought the pain was set in, and it would take a few days to get better, the second I put on these sneakers, I felt instant relief. My foot pain was completely gone.
The instant comfort I felt was thanks to New Balance’s ABZORB technology in the midsoles, which adds a durable layer of support and cushioning and aids in shock absorption. And because I have flat feet, my feet are also wider than most, which means finding shoes that aren't too narrow can be difficult. However, even with the regular-width shoes (they also come in a wide-width), I found my feet had plenty of room to spread out, and were even spacious in the toe area.
The truth is, when I first bought these shoes back in September, I knew they were different. There was no “breaking in” period for me; these shoes were comfortable right out of the box.
Even after days with 15,000+ steps — navigating the subway, walking down Fifth Avenue, touring new neighborhoods — I was amazed when the usual foot pain never set in.
And I’m not the only one loving these sneakers. One shopper shared on the New Balance website, “These are the most comfortable sneakers EVER! Feels like I’m walking in clouds ☁️ I really under estimated new balances!” Another said, “I have plantar fasciitis and these shoes have been so comfortable for me. Im not in pain as much like I was last month.”
They are also loved by celebs: Adele hilariously put them on mid-concert, and Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have also been seen wearing them.
One of my favorite things about these sneakers is that they don't sacrifice style for comfort. They are versatile and look just as good with leggings and a t-shirt as they do with a maxi skirt and a sweater (one of my favorite ways to style sneakers in the winter!). They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose something more neutral or go for a pop of color.
The Bottom Line
If you love your feet and are looking for a shoe that delivers on both style and comfort, these sneakers are for you. I was totally skeptical, but ended up being pleasantly surprised by just how much they lived up to the hype. Not only did they hold up to a nine-day trip to New York City, but they also make me feel supported on everyday jaunts around my neighborhood. I’m thrilled to have finally found a staple pair of sneakers that I will no doubt be purchasing again in the future.
With over 3,000 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the New Balance 530 is consistently praised for comfort, especially by people with plantar fasciitis and foot pain. It’s a safe bet to say you’ll love these shoes, too. Shop New Balance 530 sneakers here.
FAQs
Are New Balance 530 sneakers good for walking long distances?
Yes. Based on nine days of walking up to 20,000 steps a day in New York City, the New Balance 530 remained comfortable with no foot pain, even for flat feet.
Are New Balance 530 good for flat feet?
They can be. The ABZORB midsole provides shock absorption, and the wider toe box allows feet to spread naturally, helpful for flat-footed walkers.
Do New Balance 530 sneakers need breaking in?
No. In my experience, they were comfortable straight out of the box.
How do New Balance 530 fit?
They generally fit true to size, but some reviewers note inconsistent sizing. People with narrow feet may find them too wide.
