New Balance Sneakers Allow Me to Walk Miles on Pavement Without Foot Fatigue

My relationship with sneakers underwent a dramatic transformation after my sister gifted me the New Balance 574 Core Nimbus Clouds in December. Until then, my athletic shoe collection had been limited to sporty-looking and feeling footwear, such as Nike and Asics running shoes. While my go-to sneakers were perfect for workouts, they lacked the stylish flair of the walking sneakers I had seen on fashion-forward individuals and celebrities.

My sister, who is an avid runner and workout fan, and also the most fashion-forward individual I know, spent "multiple hours" researching the best walking sneakers to gift me for the holidays. Her search was inspired by the absence of "a cool, casual, comfortable walking shoe" she saw in New York City when she visited me.

From the moment I laced them up and felt their cloud-like comfort, I fell in love with the New Balance 574 sneakers. In the months that followed, I wore them numerous times, making them one of the most frequently worn items in my wardrobe. I also discovered that the Nimbus 574 style is a go-to for celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Olivia Wilde.

Testing the sneakers with various outfits, including athleisure and casual denim looks, and in different weather conditions, proved their versatility. I also took them on long walks in New York City, medium-impact hikes, and long road trips.

The New Balance 574 Core Nimbus Clouds are perfect for walking-heavy days, such as when running errands or exploring new places on vacation. Their soft and cushy feel makes them ideal for travel, especially if your feet tend to swell during flights and long car rides. They can also be easily paired with different outfits and activities.

It's worth noting that, while comfortable for walking, the shoes are not suitable for running or other high-impact activities due to their softness and roomier fit. For running, one should consider New Balance's Fresh Foam sneakers, which were named the best cushioned running sneaker in Shape's 2023 Sneaker Awards.

At $85, the New Balance 574 Core Nimbus Clouds are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. They provide ample support and cushioning for my feet, even on long walks through the city. Unlike other shoes that require breaking in, these sneakers come ready to wear fresh out of the box and cause no rubbing or blisters.

The shoes come in several colors, but the neutral white and beige pair I own is stylish and versatile enough to be worn with anything. In fact, I call them my "no-brainer" shoes since I can easily pair them with any outfit and still look put-together. This saves me time in the morning and reduces stress. Their roomy design makes them perfect for long travel days where I don't want my feet to feel constricted.

The shoes feature suede on the outside with a subtle white meshing for added comfort and airflow. The rubber sole is thick for a shock-absorbing effect and a flattering, leg-elongating look. The black sole bottoms are also visible from the side, adding an interesting design detail.

If you're in the market for stylish, celebrity-approved, and ultra-comfortable walking sneakers, consider the New Balance 574 Nimbus Cloud for $85 from Amazon, Zappos, Nordstrom, or New Balance's website.