You don’t know what you’ve been missing all this time until you meet something for the first time. We did. We introduced 100 walkers to their new favorite kind of walking shoe. Their verdict.
It happened. The world is ready to embrace active walking shoes. We got to see that for ourselves last weekend. We lured a hundred walkers to the Bourgoyen in Ghent with the bait: A nice walking route and a selection of our most comfortable active walking test models.
The question that has been burning on your lips for two paragraphs: what the … are active walking shoes?
They are the shoes that too few walkes realize they need. This combination of running shoes and traditional hiking boots scoreswith its cushioning properties, grip, breathability and lightweight.
No traditional hiking shoe can match the comfort of active walking shoes. Slip your foot in for the first time and you’ll have the same effect as sticking your knife into a new jar of choco. A moment of pleasure.
100 walkers took the test
One hundred enthusiastic walkers could choose from three test models: the New Balance Hierro, The New Balance Hierro Mid and the New Balance More Trail. We collected their feedback afterwards.
New Balance Hierro
This active walking shoe was a hit. Excellent cushioning and comfort were cited by all testers. Its lightness – barely 300g in the case of the men’s model – also made hikers dream of new trips. In nature? Can be perfect. The grip is there.
“What did you dislike about this shoe?” we also asked. The lack of a water-repellent membrane proved to be a shortcoming. Fortunately, the New Balance Hierro also exists in a GORE-TEX version, such as the ‘Mid’ version does.
New Balance Hierro Mid
This ‘Mid’ version has the added bonus of encasing the ankle for extra support. Although it is not a must for hikes on flat to rolling and easily walkable terrain, the average hiker likes to reach for this semi-high model.
Despite the extra firmness, the New Balance Hierro Mid was still considered very comfortable. Courtesy of its lightness, cushioning and fit. “They fit great! It was nice walking, had no pain and they look nice too,” said a brand new New Balance Hierro Mid fan.
New Balance More Trail
The most cushioned shoe of the three models. The soft sole provides pleasant shock absorption and a nice fit. The Vibram® wear outsole, made in part from recycled materials, ensures superior traction on any surface. “Very good grip. I should have tested this type of walking shoe much earlier,” it echoed.
On an easy course like the Bourgoyen, the Toe Protect technology could not prove its added value. But this technology, present in all three models, provides additional protection from rocks, roots and debris.
Experience yourself the benefits of active walking shoes
Want to be able to decide if this new type of active walking shoe is for you? Visit one of our six Runners’ lab stores to try them on. Want to know more about the New Balance test models? Then click the button below.
