New Balance - MW558 Walking Shoes Review

I've had pretty good luck with New Balance athletic shoes and decided to get another pair when my old walking shoes bit the dust. This time I purchased New Balance MW558 walking shoes in the mesh format (they also come in leather).  I paid about $64 for these athletic walking shoes, which is on the lower end of the price range for New Balance products.

The New Balance MW558 walking shoes are designed for walking on pavement or level packed gravel trails. They are very lightweight (less than 13 ounces), well cushioned, and feature a leather upper.  According to the manufacturer this New Balance shoes has ABZORB heel technology which is designed to absorb the impact of your heel on the ground.  It does seem to work too, as I feel a cushioned impact while walking without being mushy.

The interior padding is also absorbent and comfortable. One reason I chose this shoe is that it is sold in a Wide Width format (4E) which I need due to a high arch.  So is there enough arch support?  I would say it is above average (many shoes have poor arch support in my opinion) although it is not 5 of 5 stars in this department.

The exterior is a nice combination of light gray, white, and dark blue. No oddball colors here. The front of the toecap is leather, which prevents wear. Although this is good I think the toe box is just a little too small in these athletic shoes and there is a corny-looking tiny letter N on toe. Whose idea was that? The sole has sufficient tread for gripping on common walking surfaces like a sidewalk or a level trail through a park. However, I don't recommend these for gravel hiking travels where there are any considerable ups and downs; there is insufficient tread or ankle support for serious hiking.

Overall I highly recommend the New Balance MW558 walking shoes for everyday walking routines or moderate distances (a few miles).  The support is very good, the comfort is excellent, the styling is nice, and the mesh provides some breathability.  The slightly small toe box is noticeable to me but only enough to lower the overall rating to 4 of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a reasonably priced walking shoe, New Balance is one of the best walking shoe values and should be a satisfactory choice.