New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe Review

The New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe provides comfort and support for those with a wider foot. The shoe supplies enough cushioning to absorb impact without being too tall or squishy and the sole ensures more rubber on the ground for traction. Suede protects all the high wear areas on the upper and a padded tongue and heel collar add to overall comfort.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The New Balance 877 is a comfortable enough shoe but does not have the soft cushioning like many others in the testing group, but instead have a firmer and more supportive feel. Measuring a 34mm heel stack with 12mm drop, the shoe transitions easily enough from heel strike to toe but does not propel you forward like the rocker models. Made with a combination of suede and mesh upper, the toe box is roomy and allows for toe splay or foot swelling with prolonged wear. The tongue is padded, and the heel collar also has a ring of padding for additional comfort. During testing we felt some leg fatigue and knee pain, and longer use noticed a lack of arch support and plantar discomfort.

On initial impression, the shoe did not fit true to size, and I experienced some issues because of it. The length of the shoe feels true to size, but the width is wider than a regular shoe. The 877 is available in regular, wide, and extra wide if the foot requires a higher volume. The shoe feels large and loose despite tightening the laces or using the additional eyelets. The heel did not seem secure, and when the laces were tightened, they placed uncomfortable pressure on the instep. During testing, I noted lateral movement and foot slide, which could lead to a rolled ankle. When ascending or descending hills, my foot slide from front to back was even more pronounced. The shoe also feels like it has a larger footprint and firmness when stepping. The sole striking the ground is more pronounced than the other shoes in this testing group. Users have reported issues with poor or low cushioning quality and poor fit, and I have experienced the latter of the complaints.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The shoes are easy to put on and take off, but I had problems getting them to feel snug enough for regular use. Not designed to be a hands-free or slip-on design, the laces require untying and tying each time you use the shoes.

Support

The 877 Walking Shoe has a firmer feel than other shoes I tested, especially on hard surfaces, and the wide flat sole disperses weight in a larger area. The sole is moderately rigid in the twist test and had flexion near the toe box which is preferred for walking shoes. Side-to-side motion does not give the most confidence in lateral support, and I was concerned about ankle stability. On longer walks I noted the lack of arch support and some foot discomfort. Designed for those who have a neutral gait, I don't recommend them for a high arch or pronation changes. Users with a wider foot may experience a more stable feel from this shoe.

The five standard eyelets are reinforced, and a sixth eyelet is for an additional heel lock. I experienced a loose fit and attempted to use the additional eyelet, but it did not provide additional tension. Instead, the laces pressured uncomfortably on the instep and had to be loosened for regular use.

Traction

The 877 V1 has a 4.6 inch measured width and has good grip in multiple environments scoring average for gravel, pavement, and tile. The rubber sole has smaller traction bars and not many gaps which means more contact with the ground and more friction. During testing, I noticed the rubber was a little tacky or sticky at first use but did improve over time.

Weight

Weighing in at just over 13 ounces per shoe for a men's size 10.5, the 877 V1 is slightly towards the heavier side of our testing group. During the testing period some leg fatigue and knee discomfort was noted. Though the shoe is not the heaviest, it does have a noticeable width and feels bulky.

Durability

The New Balance 877 V1 made it through the testing process and looked the same as the first time out of the box. The thick mesh on the upper showed no signs of wear or fraying. The lower section of the upper, the lace area, and the heel are all made of suede, which is known to be a very durable material. Again, I saw no wear or tear in those areas, and the stitching is all solid. The EVA foam midsole has no cracks or wrinkling, and the rubber sole did not show any deterioration or wear. Some users have questioned the quality and longevity of the 877, but our testing did not reveal any problem areas. When the shoes become soiled they should be hand washed with a mild detergent and suede cleaner and be allowed to air dry.

Should You Buy the New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe?

The 877 V1 provides average comfort and support in a very durable shoe, if you seek these traits with a no frills approach then this is the shoe for you. Much of the problems I experienced were from a poor fit due to the inner volume of the regular width not matching our foot. A person with a wider foot who requires more inner volume would likely have a different experience than our testers and find this shoe to be more enjoyable.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you need a show for off-trail walking, the Hoka Transport will deliver the necessary comfort and traction to get you there. If durability and budget are on your mind the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a solid choice. Also, be sure to look over the comfortable, convenient, and hands-free Kizik Lima for a different kind of walking shoe.