Nurses have hailed a pair of New Balance trainers as their secret to enduring walking ‘miles on end’ during gruelling shifts, with some even ditching traditional boots on long hikes in favour of the comfy shoes. In a Reddit thread where nurses shone a light on their preferred footwear, advising each other on the best options to get through long shifts, the US-based trainer brand was repeatedly recommended, with staff waxing lyrical about their preferred style from the brand.
One user shared: “I am a nurse and I probably walk like 7-9 miles per shift,” adding, “I am also on the heavier side (270 lbs) and I absolutely love my New Balance 9060s. Probably the only pair of shoes I will be using going forward.”
The praised shoes come in a unisex design with a standard width and are available in navy across most sizes. Their Abzorb midsole is designed to cushion impact while resisting compression, ensuring both comfort and durability. For those who prefer a different hue, the 9060s also come in black.
Another Reddit user chimed in with their recommendation, stating: “I found most success with the 993s and the 990v6. If you want a little more firmness go with the 993 and if you want a little bit more cushion/softness go with the v6. This is wearing them for a full 12h shift not really ever sitting and walking like 9-13 miles in a shift on average.”
These American-made trainers boast a classic aesthetic and blend the 9060s’ Abzorb materials with extra Acteva cushioning for enhanced flexible support. The outsole is crafted from Ndurance rubber for added durability, reports the Manchester Evening News.
For those who favour a more vibrant look, the 993s are also available in white.
While many of the styles mentioned have a premium price tag, with the 9060s starting at £160, shoppers on a budget can snag some of its top-rated trainers on sale – such as the 410v7 Shoes, which have a five-star rating on the website.
Available in two colours – grey with pink and orange, and camo green with orange – both are currently discounted from £70 to £42. One review reads: “Bought as an alternative to walking shoes and so far they have been fab! Really comfortable and lightweight. Worn on both trails and roads and had no issues.”
Another states: “Great look and fit perfectly . Comfortable. I don’t run but walk a lot for my job so need for comfort.”
Meanwhile, the 9060s have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 120 reviews on New Balance’s site. One satisfied customer said: “I’m in love with these shoes! They are a lighter tan than shown in the picture which I wanted, and they are super comfy! ” Another five-star review read: “Great shoes, very comfortable, true to size, no need to break them in. Love the colour, I just want to wear them everywhere, but most importantly, it’s gym approved.”
However, shoes can be a very personal choice and some customers have voiced their criticisms. “Honestly, these felt cheap and uncomfortable. I tried them on a few times and ended up returning them,” said one 9060s customer.
Another was less thrilled with the unique sole design when seen in person: “I was excited about a pink pair of shoes. However, in person I did not like the cloven hoof, the heel bumper, or the black on the bottom of the sole.”
If you’re keen to compare New Balances with other brands, Nike is a fantastic choice for comfort and you can currently grab a pair of Air Monarch IVs for £69.99. Meanwhile, Puma has unveiled a mid-season sale including many of its most popular trainer options.