Workwear Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
New Balance is an American footwear company that has been operating since 1906. The company primarily focuses on sports shoes and has also launched a line of work shoes designed by taking work and safety needs into account. The shoe line consists of many different work shoe and boot models. It also offers an extensive range of choices in the features that different models offer, so keep reading our New Balance Work review to learn what exactly these shoes bring to the table.
New Balance Work Shoes Overview
New Balance work shoes are unique and innovative workwear that combines the flexibility and lightweight of sports shoes with the protection and durability of work shoes. The shoes make extensive use of synthetic materials and foams to increase comfort and protection and lighten the weight of the shoes. They also make use of workwear protection measures such as a steel toe, rubber sole to improve anti-slipping capability, and a gusseted tongue to keep out debris. Moreover, they’re an excellent solution for workers looking for an alternative to classic heavy work boots. Thanks to their comfortable insole, sportive look, and lightweight, they’re innovative products that we recommend you check out.
New Balance Work Shoes Key Features
New Balance’s work boots tend to have a unique design that sets them apart from other types of work boots. Because New Balance is a company that primarily makes sports shoes, their boots have also been influenced by the brand’s athletic design and features. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features they offer.
Sportive design
The first and the most distinctive feature of New Balance’s work boots is their sportive design, resembling those of New Balance’s sports shoes. The shoes have a narrow and long structure with a high toe section and a curved rubber sole. Moreover, they’re designed for a tight and comfortable fit that offers flexibility while working.
Safety
Besides being a comfortable and rugged pair of boots, the New Balance also offers waterproof and electric shock protection features to ensure the boots are entirely safe for work. The boots also offer a slip-resistant outsole and various toe protection such as steel or composite protection.
Material
Another unique feature of New Balance’s work shoe is the use of high-tech synthetic materials and foams that help with the shoe’s flexibility. These materials ensure more comfortable and flexible use of the work shoes compared to boots that use traditional rugged materials; even though they offer good protection, they restrain the shoes in comfort and flexibility.
What We Like and Dislike About New Balance Work Boots
Just like any other product, these boots have their advantages and disadvantages. To make it easier for you to understand where the product excels and where it lacks, we count down some of the things we like about these boots and aspects where they could improve.
What we like about New Balance boots:
- Sportive look. If you’re not a big fan of old-school-looking boots and prefer a more sportive look at your work, New Balance is ideal for you. The old classic look of big work boots may not be attractive for many people; therefore, New Balance went with the sports shoe look to give workers a more fashionable alternative for heavy-duty work.
- Use of advanced materials. Similar to New Balance sneakers, the company applied synthetic materials to their boots, giving them more advanced features than boots that use older materials.
What we don’t like about New Balance boots:
- Non-standard size number. These shoes are unfortunately not for all foot shapes. The narrow shape of the standard model shoe doesn’t seem to be very comfortable for people with wide feet, which is a red flag for a work boot. However, there are other models made specifically for wider feet.
New Balance Work Boots: A Buyer’s Guide
If you’re considering buying these shoes, you should also consider some key factors about these shoes, as they will help you make your decision.
Who Are New Balance Work Boots For?
These work boots have been designed for heavy-duty indoor work, with their features being suitable for this particular job. The light and well-protected shoe will enable you to do your job more efficiently and safely while also providing similar comfort to sports shoes. However, if you’re looking for general-purpose boots with which you plan to do outdoor activities and hiking, this might not be the right shoe for you as its sole and upper leather aren’t the most suitable for such activities. Nevertheless, the shoe will still be suitable for general indoor use.
Are New Balance Work Boots Safe Enough?
The steel toe, anti-slip sole, and waterproof capability have all been noted to do well in all indoor work activities, and we’ve found them to be safe enough. If you work in a particularly dangerous profession, you might want to get some special hardcore workboots; however, New Balance is more than safe for most professions.
New Balance Work Boots Alternatives
If you don’t think that New Balance meets your needs for the perfect work boot, here are some alternatives which might interest you.
Carhartt Men’s 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
Take New Balance shoes, and make them tougher. That’s what these boots are. A more rugged and better protected alternative, Carhartt offers better protection, waterproof ability and outdoor durability, making these boots capable of handling whatever you throw at them.
These boots have more features, and let us tell you more about them.
- Rubber sole
- Composite safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- FastDry technology lining
- Oil, chemical, and slip-resistant
WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite-Toe Boot
A high-quality shoe, Wolverine offers excellent waterproof capability with premium leather, composite toe protection, and an outsole that is slip-resistant to all fluids and chemicals. The boot also comes with a removable Ortholite insole which provides comfort and arch support throughout the day.
Other features include:
- Rubber sole
- 100% Leather and Textile
- Slip-resistant
- Chemical-resistant
- Flexible
Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Composite Safety Toe
Another heavily-protected work shoe, Timberland PRO Men, is a good choice if you want a good old heavy work boot. Besides being durable, these boots also have an anti-fatigue feature and deep lugs for increased traction, allowing you to use them in mud and rain.
Additionally, features of Timberland PRO Men’s boots include:
- Synthetic sole
- 100% Leather
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Slip-resistant
- abrasion-resistant
The Final Verdict
Since work boots are increasing in demand, many major shoe companies are chiming into providing a work shoe solution. Because of this, new and exciting products are being introduced, and that’s what New Balance also did. Their work shoes provide a fresh breath of air to the industry with unique characteristics such as lightweight, comfort, and flexibility. They offer an alternative to classic work shoes and contribute to the expansion of the range of choices you get. So, if you have found the New Balance work shoes attractive enough, we recommend you order them and try this innovative product right away.
