New Balance 877 V1- Women's Review

The standout feature of the New Balance 877 V1 is its impressive width customization range, offering sizes from Narrow to Extra Wide to ensure nearly any walker can find their perfect fit. The shoe's excellent traction on concrete surprised us, with its rubber compound providing reliable grip even in damp conditions, making it a dependable choice for urban walks and daily errands. Despite its basic appearance, we were impressed by the shoe's high-quality materials and construction, suggesting it will maintain its structural integrity long after more fashionable options might need replacement.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Right out of the box, I noticed that these are a very sturdy shoe. They didn't cause any blisters during initial testing, but with the rigid design I recommend a gradual break in period. Throughout my 10,000-step walking test, I found the New Balance 877 V1 delivered mixed results in the comfort department. The wide toe box design immediately stood out as a positive feature, allowing natural toe splay and eliminating any side-of-foot rubbing that often plagues narrower shoes. However, the minimal underfoot padding became noticeable after extended wear, with noticable foot fatigue around the 8,000-step mark.

The fit options impressed me, with sizes ranging from Narrow to Extra Wide – a standout feature in the walking shoe category. This shoe runs true to size, though you'll need to manage expectations about convenience; these aren't slip-ons, requiring traditional lacing each time. The standard lacing system provides good adjustment options but lacks the quick-entry convenience of elastic laces or slip-on designs we have tested.

Support

Support testing revealed both strengths and limitations of the 877 V1. In our rigidity test, the shoe demonstrated good stiffness through the midfoot while maintaining appropriate flex at the toe – a positive indicator for basic support. The shoe passed our twist test with moderate resistance, showing adequate torsional stability without being overly rigid.

The lacing system allows for a secure fit, particularly in the midfoot area. However, the minimal arch support became evident during longer walks. While adequate for neutral feet during shorter distances, we wouldn't recommend these for overpronators or those requiring significant arch support.

The support characteristics make these shoes best suited for those with neutral pronation who prefer a more natural walking experience. Compared to stability-focused options, the 877 V1 offers more basic support features.

Traction

Sometimes simple solutions work best, and that's exactly what I found with the 877 V1's traction design. While the outsole pattern looks almost pedestrian compared to the elaborate designs of other shoes I've used, my testing revealed some surprising capabilities.

The 877 features a traditional flat rubber outsole with minimal lugs - a design that initially had me skeptical. However, New Balance's choice of rubber compound proves more important than pattern complexity. The dense, grippy rubber material offers excellent surface contact and impressive durability.

On indoor surfaces, the performance is adequate but not outstanding. While the shoe handles dry tile floors competently, we noticed some slippage on highly polished or wet surfaces. Despite not being marketed for off-pavement use, the 877 V1 handles occasional gravel surprisingly well. The shoe's wide platform and flat outsole provide good surface contact, though it doesn't match the confidence-inspiring grip of more outdoor-oriented options.

During my daily testing routine, I found the traction particularly reassuring during urban walks and daily errands. The shoe transitions well between outdoor and indoor surfaces, though I'd recommend extra caution when moving from wet outdoor conditions to smooth indoor flooring.

Weight

The 877 V1s are on the heavier end of the spectrum, weighing 9.45 ounces per shoe (US 6.5). This isn't surprising considering the dense, rigid design. Overall, though, they feel pretty well balanced and I didn't have any issues where weight was concerned.

Durability

After extensive testing, I'm impressed with the 877 V1's build quality. The suede and mesh upper shows minimal wear, while the rubber outsole maintains its integrity. Reinforced eyelets and quality stitching suggest these shoes will provide long-term service. Care is straightforward – spot cleaning with soap and water suffices, though the suede portions require extra attention to prevent water staining.

Should You Buy the New Balance 877 V1?

The New Balance 877 V1 is an excellent choice for walkers seeking a reliable, lightweight shoe with width customization options. Its superior traction on concrete and durable construction make it well-suited for urban walking environments. While the minimal cushioning might not suit everyone, those preferring a more natural feel and stable platform will appreciate this shoe's straightforward approach. The multiple width options make it particularly valuable for those struggling to find properly fitting walking shoes.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you need more cushioning, we recommend the Brooks Ghost Max, which offers superior impact absorption for longer walks. The On Cloud 5 provides a more modern design with similar weight benefits but better arch support. For those seeking maximum convenience, the Kizik Athens offers hands-free entry while maintaining good walking performance. The Skechers GO WALK Joy provides similar lightweight benefits with more cushioning at a comparable price point.