New Balance 574 Core - Women's Review

The New Balance 574 Core was an immediate standout for its retro good looks, but quickly earned a place among our favorites for its performance. While not the softest underfoot, we found this shoe still delivered all-day comfort and is a great option for anyone looking for a walking shoe to pair with everyday clothes.

Comfort

These felt firmer right out of the box, so we were a bit nervous about how our feet would feel after a long day, but they quickly proved themselves. After logging 8,000 steps on the first day, our feet still felt happy – a pleasant surprise given the shoe's retro-inspired construction. The 574 Core delivers solid support without the excessive cushioning that can make some walking shoes feel wobbly.

The fit is precise but not restrictive. We wore our usual size in the 574 and didn't have any issues with hot spots or squished toes. However, we have noticed user complaints about needing to size up due to the narrow toe box, so if your feet are very wide, you may prefer to go a bit bigger.

Compared to the ultra-cushioned options we tested the 574 Core takes a more minimalist approach to comfort. This makes them less suitable for those seeking maximum padding but ideal for walkers who prefer a more connected, responsive feel.

Support

The 574 Core shoes are impressively stable. They bend slightly at the toe – exactly where a shoe should bend – but that's it. The midsole remains firm through the arch, providing decent arch support that, combined with the minimal drop, creates a very small probability of ankle rolling. We felt confident navigating uneven sidewalks and curbs throughout testing.

The standard lacing system might seem basic compared to the quick-lace options, but it gets the job done. We were able to achieve a properly snug fit that stays locked in throughout the day. The traditional eyelets distribute pressure evenly across the foot, avoiding the hot spots that sometimes develop with speed lacing systems.

These may look like casual lifestyle shoes, but they perform much more technically. The strong midsole and stiff sole provide support that rivals dedicated walking shoes - there's virtually no twist at all. This rigidity translates to excellent lateral stability during side-to-side movements.

The support level sits comfortably in the middle of our test group – more structured than minimalist options, but less built-up than max-cushion models. They're ideal for walkers who want reliable support without feeling like they're wearing orthopedic devices.

Traction

The New Balance 574 Core features a rubber outsole with a tread pattern that immediately catches the eye. Though inspired by trail shoes with aggressive lugs, these lugs are optimized for urban environments rather than rugged terrain.

The asymmetrical pattern places gripping lugs around the perimeter with extra ones in the middle of the forefoot, plus a textured heel area to help prevent slips on concrete and cement surfaces.

This design proved to be a real standout on gravel paths. The tread pattern is burly enough to handle loose surfaces confidently, but minimal enough that it still feels good on tile and concrete. We experienced minimal slippage even on wet concrete – an impressive performance that exceeded my expectations for a lifestyle-oriented shoe.

Weight

At 9.75 ounces, the New Balance 574 Core sits squarely in the middle of our test group's weight range. For urban walking, the moderate weight strikes a practical balance. They're light enough to prevent fatigue during extended wear but substantial enough to provide protection and support.

The weight feels well-distributed thanks to the shoe's balanced construction. Unlike some shoes where all the weight sits in a thick midsole, the 574 Core spreads it between the durable outsole, supportive midsole, and quality upper materials. This creates a shoe that feels substantial without being clunky.

Durability

From the moment we unboxed these shoes, the quality was apparent. The real suede upper immediately sets them apart from the synthetic materials common in this price range. They did come with a warning note that the suede can transfer color to other clothing, although we never experienced any issues with color transfer during testing, even when wearing light-colored pants.

After several months of regular wear and well over 10,000 steps, these shoes show virtually no signs of wear. They've maintained their shape and appearance even after exposure to wet, variable conditions – a testament to the build quality. The suede has developed a nice patina that actually enhances the vintage aesthetic rather than looking worn out.

That said, some durability concerns have been raised by other users. A few have experienced the front edge tearing or the sole detaching after minimal activity. While we didn't encounter these issues, it's worth noting. The robust construction we observed suggests these might be isolated quality control issues rather than systematic problems.

Suede maintenance takes a little more TLC than some materials. Use a soft brush to remove dried dirt, which works well for routine cleaning. For deeper cleaning of the suede and leather components, New Balance recommends using specialty cleaners designed for these materials. Avoid machine washing, which can damage both the suede and the shoe's structural integrity.

Should You Buy the New Balance 574 Core?

The New Balance 574 Core excels as a versatile walking shoe that refuses to compromise style for function. They're ideal for urban dwellers who want reliable support and traction without looking like they're wearing athletic gear. The combination of heritage aesthetics and genuine walking performance makes them perfect for anyone whose daily routine involves significant time on foot but also requires a polished appearance. If you want a shoe that transitions seamlessly from morning errands to evening outings while keeping your feet happy, these deliver where it counts.

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