REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Width options in wide and double wide
Decent traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Wide fit
Not the most stylish
Lacking arch support
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe Review
This classic style walking shoe is best for those with a wide foot wanting minimum cushion
Credit: Travis Reddinger
By Travis Reddinger ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 28, 2025
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
Often praised for their supportive walking and running footwear, the New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe didn't quite jive with our tester's anatomy. Offering adequate support and cushion, the regular width was too wide and allowed for excessive heel and foot slippage. A combination of suede and mesh upper with rubber sole creates a durable combination with good traction, and the roomy toe box lets the toes spread naturally. The 877 should be reserved for someone looking for a no-nonsense, durable shoe that requires more volume for a wide foot.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe provides comfort and support for those with a wider foot. The shoe supplies enough cushioning to absorb impact without being too tall or squishy and the sole ensures more rubber on the ground for traction. Suede protects all the high wear areas on the upper and a padded tongue and heel collar add to overall comfort.
No problems on pavement with the 877.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Comfort
The New Balance 877 is a comfortable enough shoe, but it lacks the soft cushioning found in many others in the testing group, instead offering a firmer and more supportive feel. Measuring a 34mm heel stack with 12mm drop, the shoe transitions easily enough from heel strike to toe, but does not propel you forward like the rocker models. Made with a combination of suede and mesh upper, the toe box is spacious and accommodates toe splay or foot swelling with prolonged wear. The tongue is padded, and the heel collar features a ring of padding for added comfort. During testing, we felt some leg fatigue and knee pain, and after longer use, we noticed a lack of arch support and plantar discomfort.
We struggled to find a snug fit with the 877.
At first glance, the shoe did not fit true to size, and I experienced some issues as a result. The length of the shoe feels true to size, but the width is wider than a regular shoe. The 877 is available in regular, wide, and extra wide if the foot requires a higher volume. The shoe feels large and loose, even after tightening the laces or using the additional eyelets. The heel did not seem secure, and when the laces were tightened, they placed uncomfortable pressure on the instep. During testing, I noted lateral movement and foot slide, which could lead to a rolled ankle. When ascending or descending hills, my foot slid from front to back was even more pronounced. The shoe also feels like it has a larger footprint and a firmer feel when stepping. The sole striking the ground is more pronounced than in the other shoes in this testing group. Users have reported issues with poor or low cushioning quality and poor fit, and I have experienced the latter of these complaints.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
We cut these shoes in half in our lab to get precise measurements of the support, cushion, and features.
The shoes are easy to put on and take off, but I had problems getting them to feel snug enough for regular use. Not designed for hands-free or slip-on wear, the laces require untying and retying each time you use the shoes.
Simple traditional lacing on the New Balance 877.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Support
The 877 Walking Shoe has a firmer feel than other shoes I tested, especially on hard surfaces, and its wide, flat sole disperses weight over a larger area. The sole is moderately rigid in the twist test and has flexion near the toe box, which is preferred for walking shoes. Side-to-side motion does not give the most confidence in lateral support, and I was concerned about ankle stability. On longer walks, I noted the lack of arch support and some foot discomfort. Designed for individuals with a neutral gait, I don't recommend them for those with high arches or pronation issues. Users with wider feet may find this shoe provides a more stable feel.
Flexible at the toes with moderate twist with torsion.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The five standard eyelets are reinforced, and a sixth eyelet is for an additional heel lock. I experienced a loose fit and attempted to use the additional eyelet, but it did not provide additional tension. Instead, the laces pressed uncomfortably on the instep and had to be loosened for regular use.
Leather outer with reinforced inner eyelets prevent excessive lace wear.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Traction
The 877 V1 has a 4.6-inch measured width and has good grip in multiple environments, scoring average for gravel, pavement, and tile. The rubber sole features smaller traction bars and fewer gaps, resulting in increased contact with the ground and enhanced friction. The rubber was slightly tacky or sticky at first use, but it improved over time.
The New Balance 877 V1 had decent traction throughout our testing but nothing overly impressive.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
Weighing in at just over 13 ounces per shoe for a men's size 10.5, the 877 V1 is slightly heavier than the average in our testing group. During the testing period, some leg fatigue and knee discomfort were noted. Though the shoe is not the heaviest, it does have a noticeable width and feels bulky.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Durability
The New Balance 877 V1 passed the testing process and retained its original appearance, just as it did when first taken out of the box. The thick mesh on the upper showed no signs of wear or fraying. The lower section of the upper, the lace area, and the heel are all made of suede, a material known for its durability. Again, I saw no wear or tear in those areas, and the stitching is all solid. The EVA foam midsole shows no cracks or wrinkling, and the rubber sole exhibits no deterioration or wear. Some users have questioned the quality and longevity of the 877, but our testing did not reveal any problem areas. When the shoes become soiled, they should be hand-washed with a mild detergent and suede cleaner and be allowed to air dry.
I noted no significant wear after the testing process.
Should You Buy the New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe?
The 877 V1 provides average comfort and support in a very durable shoe. If you seek these traits with a no-frills approach, then this is the shoe for you. Much of the problems I experienced were due to a poor fit, as the inner volume of the regular width did not match our foot. A person with a wider foot who requires more inner volume would likely have a different experience than our testers and find this shoe to be more enjoyable.
What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you need a show for off-trail walking, the Hoka Transport will deliver the necessary comfort and traction to get you there. If durability and budget are on your mind, the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a solid choice. Also, be sure to look over the comfortable, convenient, and hands-free Kizik Lima for a different kind of walking shoe.
We felt fairly confident in tackling the pavement in these walking shoes, though our feet tended to slide around.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe versus top competing products:
—Travis Reddinger
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