REASONS TO BUY
Great traction
Stylish design pairs well with casual attire
Sturdy underfoot support
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Restricted breathability
Toe box may not accommodate wide feet
New Balance 574 Core - Women's Review
A stylish everyday shoe that actually delivers on comfort, support, and sure-footed stability
Credit: Mallory Paige
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 10, 2026
Contributions From: Mallory Paige
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The same kicks you loved in middle school are still here and at a price that isn't bad. The New Balance 574 Core impressed us with all-day comfort while still keeping a casual look. We wore these on a long air travel day, and our feet weren't as achy when we finally reached our destination. For cool and dry climates, we couldn't get enough of these. Though our feet were too sweaty when it was hot and humid out.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
New Balance 574 Core - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Casual Wear and Travel |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |||
| Price | $100 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $80 List Check Price at Amazon | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $75 List Check Price at Amazon | $65 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An easy-to-style shoe that delivers sturdy, all-day support and traction | Despite the low price, these shoes are ready to walk. They keep your feet comfortable but have minimal support | A reliable performer that punches above its affordable price point | These are a good choice for standing or running errands, but their rigidity makes them less ideal for long walks | A comfortable and affordable walking shoe that offers strong performance for the price |
| Rating Categories | New Balance 574 Core | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Under Armour Charged... | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | New Balance 574 Core | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Under Armour Charged... | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Best Use | Casual, travel | Athletic walking | Athletic walking | Althetic walking | Casual |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Support Design | Neutral | Neutral, underpronation | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Measured Weight | 9.75 oz | 8.28 oz | 7.75 oz | 8.04 oz | 5.16 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 14 mm | 9 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 9 mm |
| Closure Type | Lace | Lace | Lace | Lace | None |
| Upper Material | Suede, mesh | Mesh | Mesh, lycra | Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | EVA foam | Amplifoam | Lightweight EVA | Charged+ | 5Gen |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Flexible traction |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | Pull tab | Finger loop | Finger loop |
| Measured Heel Stack | 36 mm | 35 mm | 31 mm | 33 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Width | 4.0 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.0 in. |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
When we first opened the 574 Core, we were nervous about how firm they felt and how our feet would feel at the end of the day. And to our surprise, our feet felt great, even after the first wear.
We ended up opting for these shoes for all sorts of days out of the house and activities. Grocery runs, kids' soccer games, long airport lines- you name it, these were a comfy companion. When traveling abroad with limited space in our suitcases, we appreciated the casual look that seamlessly morphed from a comfortable airport shoe to a supportive explore-the-city shoe.
These are a very stable shoe. They bend slightly at the toe but maintain their rigidity throughout the rest of the foot. They have decent arch support and minimal drop. They look casual, but perform much more technically like an athletic shoe. The strong midsole and stiff sole provide great support and prevent ankle rolls.
The 574 Core have great traction, especially on gravel. The outsole has a significant lug pattern made with a durable rubber. The tread pattern is burly enough to handle gravel and dirt paths, but minimal enough that it still feels good on tile and concrete. We had minimal slippage on wet concrete, but overall impressive performance.
The lug pattern proved itself worthy on all surfaces and was a real standout on gravel. Credit: Mallory Paige
Dislikes
Our biggest hesitation with these shoes was their breathability. The full suede exterior leans toward the warmer side, and we wouldn't choose these in hot, humid climates (unless you spend most of your time indoors in AC). They also don't dry fast if they get wet for the same reason.
The 574 Core isn't breathable due to the suede exterior. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The standard New Balance 574 Core is not accommodating for wide feet or for those who prefer open toe boxes. They are available in wide, so be sure to check out with those if you like the extra wiggle room.
Should You Buy the New Balance 574 Core?
If you want a more casual-looking shoe that can perform like an athletic shoe, you should get the New Balance 574 Core. We have been pleased with the comfort and support these offer, and we love them as a travel shoe, especially when you don't want to pack too much. They are available in many colorways, so you can choose an option that fits your style best.
What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?
For something more athletic, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is our pick. They are ridiculously comfortable right out of the box and have excellent arch support. The toe box isn't restrictive, and they are ideal for all-day wear. The Hoka Bondi SR are excellent for work, with their slip-resistant bottom and all-day comfort.
—Becca Glades and Mallory Paige
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