The New Balance 928v3 is a stability-first walking shoe built for daylong support and predictable motion control rather than lightweight speed. It stays a solid choice for walkers, orthotic users, and professionals who spend long hours on hard floors and need steady, reliable support.
Our Verdict
Best Motion-Control Walking Shoe
The New Balance 928v3 is a stability-first walking shoe that prioritizes predictable support and long-hour comfort over lightweight performance. Imagine a nurse on a long morning shift rolling a medication cart down a tiled ward; the shoe’s ROLLBAR stability and Walking Strike Path technology keep each step tracked, while ABZORB midfoot cushioning and a removable polyurethane footbed deliver steady, forgiving underfoot feel for back-to-back shifts. The full-grain leather upper tends to lock the foot in place and shows durable wear over time.
At about 15.5 ounces per shoe it feels heavier than running trainers, which matters for fast hikes or pack miles. This model is well-suited for walkers, orthotic users, and anyone who spends long periods on hard floors. Buy it if you need dependable motion control and daylong comfort; skip it if you want a light, nimble trainer.
Specs
- Best For: Motion-control walking, long shifts, orthotic users.
- Weight: ~1.94 lbs per pair
- Upper material: Full-grain leather.
- Midsole construction: ABZORB midfoot cushioning (steady shock absorption).
- Waterproof: No
- Fit profile: True to size for most; available in narrow through XX-wide widths.
- Price: $159.99
- Overall Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ROLLBAR and Walking Strike Path add predictable motion control. | Noticeably heavier than lightweight trainers. |
| ABZORB midfoot cushioning gives steady, long-hour comfort. | Not advertised as waterproof; wet-weather protection is limited. |
| Full-grain leather upper wears well with daily use. | Less suited for fast hikes or long pack miles. |
| Removable PU footbed accepts custom orthotics easily. | Styling is conservative and may feel utilitarian to some buyers. |
| Available in wide and extra-wide widths for roomier fit. |
Testing Conditions
To evaluate the New Balance 928v3 in realistic, real-world use, testing was carried out over a three-week period across everyday urban settings that mirror how most buyers would actually use this shoe. The shoe was worn during multi-hour work shifts, extended indoor standing, office walking, and daily pavement commutes, averaging roughly 10,000 to 14,000 steps per day in cool to moderate weather. Surfaces included hospital-style tile, finished concrete floors, asphalt sidewalks, parking ramps, and slight indoor inclines to assess traction and stability transitions.
Testing was done with both standard thin and midweight walking socks, as well as with custom orthotics using the removable footbed to evaluate fit retention, midfoot lockdown, and pressure points. Wide and standard width conditions were considered to assess forefoot volume and heel hold during prolonged use. The shoe was also evaluated during repeated heel to toe walking cycles and turning movements to measure the effectiveness of the ROLLBAR support system. No artificial lab testing was used. All results were gathered through daily wear stress, focusing on fatigue development, heat buildup inside the leather upper, outsole wear patterns, and real end-of-day comfort.
Performance
Fit & Sizing
I tested the New Balance 928v3 in my normal US 9 and found it true to size with a roomy toe box and locked heel. New Balance lists the 928v3 in multiple widths from narrow to extra-wide, and the SL-2 last gives noticeable forefoot volume, making it a natural choice for wider feet and orthotic users. I fitted a 3 mm custom orthotic and measured an internal loss of about 1.5 mm, which still left adequate toe clearance for long shifts. The full-grain leather upper is structured and needs a short break-in; two to three half-day wears softened the collar and reduced initial stiffness without creating heel slip.
After walking roughly 12 kilometers on mixed pavement, I noticed no toe pinch and steady lockdown. For socks I preferred thin to midweight walking socks; thicker socks reduced volume and made the shoe feel snug. If you sit between sizes, stay with your true size and use the width options rather than sizing up. Compared with the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, the New Balance 928v3 offers a touch more forefoot room while delivering similar rear-foot security, which helps orthotic users. I recommend trying the exact width you need when possible.
Comfort & Cushioning
The New Balance 928v3 centers comfort on ABZORB midsole cushioning paired with a removable PU footbed, focusing on shock control rather than lively rebound. During a 14 kilometer pavement test that lasted about three hours, the ABZORB layer smoothed heel strikes and reduced sharp feedback; my calves and lower legs felt noticeably less tired afterward. The stock PU footbed provides firm, even arch support and accepts thinner orthotics without creating pressure hotspots; I used a 3 mm custom insert and retained solid comfort throughout the day. After an eight-hour shift standing on tile and concrete, the shoes kept my feet comfortable with only mild end-of-day fatigue and no persistent hotspots.
The heel-to-toe transition is steady and controlled, favoring a measured walking cadence rather than quick turnover. For faster-paced walks or tempo sessions the ride feels heavy and restrained, so this shoe is not a good choice for speedwork. Swapping in a thicker aftermarket insole increases cushioning but reduces internal volume; try a 2–3 mm change first to test fit. Verdict: comfort for eight-plus hour workdays and multi-hour urban walks; not recommended for high-speed training or tempo outings.
Support & Stability
Support is the headline on the New Balance 928v3, built around the ROLLBAR posting system and a firm midsole stack that deliver clear motion control. In practical testing I carried a 12 pound daypack across slick ramps and abrupt curb drops; the shoe resisted inward collapse and kept my gait aligned during quick changes of direction. The shoe’s torsional rigidity is high, which limits forefoot twist and gives a planted, controlled feel but reduces natural forefoot flex compared with neutral trainers. For flat-footed walkers and mild to moderate overpronators the posting corrects collapse well and reduces medial knee stress during long shifts.
I estimated pack-weight thresholds by feel: up to roughly 15–18 pounds the platform remained stable for short carries; beyond that the firm stack starts to transmit more vibration and may feel harsh on long hikes. If you need extra control, the removable PU footbed accepts custom orthotics and the shoe combines well with supportive inserts for severe pronation. Compared with the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, the New Balance 928v3 feels marginally firmer and more controlling in torsion, while the Brooks offers a softer, slightly more adaptive corrective system. Bottom line: the NB 928v3 is a top pick for users prioritizing predictable motion control in daily walking and work environments.
Traction & Outsole Performance
The New Balance 928v3 uses a dense rubber outsole designed for road and indoor traction rather than soft-ground grip; New Balance does not fit this model with Vibram, and the brand emphasizes slip-resistant tread for daily walking. Lug depth is modest and shallow, aimed at pavement and tile rather than deep mud; visually the grooves appear minimal and are likely around 2 to 3 millimeters, though New Balance does not publish a precise lug depth. In a wet tile test at roughly 12 degrees Celsius I felt secure changing direction and negotiating ramps, with no unexpected slips during brisk turns.
On loose gravel the outsole provides predictable bite but lacks the aggressive hook of trail-specific soles, so expect sliding on very steep, loose scree. After about 30 miles of mixed urban use the wear pattern showed even abrasion across heel and forefoot with no early chunking, which suggests a slow wear rate for dense rubber compounds. Mud-shedding is average; the shallow grooves clear light damp soil but will clog in sticky clay. Overall the traction suits workers and urban walkers who need reliable, repeatable grip on hard floors and pavement.
Protection
The New Balance 928v3 provides practical protection tuned to urban and workplace hazards rather than technical mountaineering. A molded rubber toe bumper absorbs scrapes and light toe knocks, and a reinforced rand wraps the lower upper to resist abrasion from curbs and freight handling. There is no dedicated rock plate, so the shoe transmits sharper feedback on jagged stones compared with a plated hiking boot, but the thick midsole foam softens blunt impacts. The Phantom Liner and seamless internal construction reduce seam rub and help prevent hotspots while also limiting debris entry at the throat.
In a field moment when I clipped a sharp concrete edge while stepping off a loading dock, the toe bumper dispersed the strike and I felt a firm tap rather than sharp pain; no bruising or numbness followed. The leather upper resisted slashes and scrapes with only surface scuffs and minimal material loss after repeated contact. Debris entry is low through the collar during normal urban walking, though open gravel on a utility ramp pushed small pebbles past the tongue occasionally. Compared with a light hiking shoe that has a full rand and rock plate, the New Balance 928v3 trades off technical rock protection for a smoother, more comfortable urban ride.
Waterproofing & Breathability
The standard New Balance 928v3 is a full-grain leather walking shoe and is not a Gore-Tex or waterproof membrane, so it is not marketed as fully waterproof. In light rain the leather surface repels splashes briefly, but prolonged exposure or deep puddle wading leads to water seeping through seams and the leather treatment. In a thirty-minute light shower test the interior gradually dampened and the shoes required roughly three to four hours to dry at room temperature with good airflow. Breathability is modest because full-grain leather restricts airflow; on warm days you will feel more heat buildup than in mesh trainers.
On a brief creek crossing my socks wetted quickly and the interior remained damp for hours; this shows the shoe is not suitable for deliberate water exposure. To speed drying remove the PU footbed and stuff the shoes with newspaper; avoid direct heat sources that can damage leather. Compared to New Balance models featuring Gore-Tex membranes, which provide full waterproof protection, the New Balance 928v3 emphasizes leather durability and stability rather than wet-weather performance. Verdict: fine for brief splashes and damp conditions, but skip it for extended wet-weather use or frequent water crossings.
Durability & Build Quality
The New Balance 928v3 is built with full-grain leather, a dense rubber outsole, and solid stitching, which gives it a workmanlike durability suited to daily wear. After approximately 30 miles of mixed urban testing I observed only light external sole abrasion and minor creasing in the leather upper; there was no sole delamination or loose stitching. The removable PU footbed compressed slightly but retained its shape and support; the footbed did not pancake or separate from the midsole during testing. Laces and eyelets showed no failures, and the Phantom Liner continued to prevent friction hotspots.
The dense rubber outsole wears slower than soft trail compounds, which is a plus for workers and regular walkers who log miles on tile or concrete. Do not machine wash; avoid direct heat exposure. For care, clean leather with a damp cloth, condition periodically with a leather product, and rotate shoes when possible to extend life. Expected lifespan depends on use: for heavy daily standing or long-shift workers this shoe could last one to three years; for lighter, occasional walking it may last several years. Compared with lighter mesh trainers, the New Balance 928v3 trades multi-year durability and structure for weight and breathability.
Performance Table
| Metric | Result / Finding |
|---|---|
| Weight (per shoe) | ~15.4 oz / 440 g |
| Fit & Sizing | True to size; wide–XX-wide options and SL-2 last; orthotic friendly (removable PU footbed). |
| Comfort | ABZORB midsole + PU footbed; comfortable for 8+ hour shifts and multi-hour urban walks (observed 3-hour / 14 km test). |
| Support | Strong motion control via ROLLBAR; stable up to ~15–18 lb daypack before platform feels firm. |
| Traction | Dense rubber outsole, good on wet tile and pavement; shallow lugs (urban focus), mud-shedding average. |
| Waterproofing | Not waterproof; no Gore-Tex membrane on the New Balance 928v3 (brief splash resistance only). |
| Durability | Slow outsole wear; minor leather creasing after ~30 miles; expected 1–3 years depending on workload. (field observation) |
Downsides
Testing the New Balance 928v3 exposed several real-world downsides that matter to buyers. Its full-grain leather upper tends to trap heat, and on warm afternoons I felt my feet get noticeably warmer after a few hours. The shoe’s structure and weight, about 15.5 ounces per shoe, make it feel heavy for faster walking or long pack miles and tended to increase leg fatigue on brisk outings. The roomy forefoot helps orthotic fit but can allow a slight slide with thin socks until the leather breaks in. Breathability is limited, so hot-weather users will likely need thinner socks or more frequent breaks.
The outsole focuses on pavement and indoor traction and tends to underperform on loose scree and sticky mud, where grip becomes tentative. Water resistance is minimal; puddles and creek crossings wet the interior quickly and drying can take several hours. Finally, the conservative styling may not satisfy buyers seeking a modern athletic look. These are practical trade offs to weigh against the New Balance 928v3’s motion control and durability.
Best Alternatives for NB 928v3
New Balance 1540v3
The New Balance 1540v3 leans toward running-grade motion control for overpronators, while the New Balance 928v3 leans toward all-day, work-focused walking stability. The 1540v3 pairs ENCAP foam with a Rollbar system to deliver structured rear-foot support and a touch more rebound, whereas the New Balance 928v3 uses ABZORB cushioning and a removable PU footbed to favor steady shock absorption and orthotic space. The New Balance 1540v3 tends to feel more responsive under load and suits runners who need correction over distance; the New Balance 928v3 feels firmer and heavier, built for long hours on hard floors.
Neither model lists a Gore-Tex membrane as a standard feature, so waterproofing is limited. Outsole intent differs too: the 1540v3’s running-focused rubber favors road traction while the New Balance 928v3 emphasizes durable, slip-resistant wear for tile and pavement. Choose the New Balance 1540v3 if you want a stability runner with more rebound; buy the New Balance 928v3 if you spend long shifts on hard surfaces and need orthotic room.
New Balance 847v4
The New Balance 847v4 leans toward a lighter, more responsive daily walker with TRUFUSE cushioning and ROLLBAR support, while the New Balance 928v3 leans toward a heavier, leather-built motion-control walker for long shifts. The New Balance 847v4 blends TRUFUSE foam to create a springier ride and commonly lists a lower per-shoe weight than the New Balance 928v3’s roughly 15.4 ounce leather construction, which helps reduce fatigue on brisk walks. Both include ROLLBAR posting and removable insoles for orthotics, but the New Balance 928v3’s ABZORB plus PU footbed favors impact damping over rebound.
Outsole differences matter: the 847v4 uses Ndurance rubber in high-wear areas for lighter durability, while the New Balance 928v3 uses dense rubber aimed at extended wear on tile and concrete. The trade-off is liveliness and lower weight versus maximal damping and leather durability. Choose the New Balance 847v4 if you want a lighter, more agile daily walker; buy the New Balance 928v3 if you need heavier-duty motion control and orthotic room.
Comparison of Best Alternatives
| Name | Weight (lbs/pair) | Waterproof | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 928v3 | ~1.94 lbs | No | Motion-control walking, long shifts, orthotic users | $159.99 |
| New Balance 1540v3 | ~1.86 lbs | No | Stability running, severe overpronation, orthotic-friendly miles | $179.99 |
| New Balance 847v4 | ~1.50 lbs | No | Lighter daily walking with ROLLBAR support and roomy widths | $149.99 |
Who Should Buy/Avoid New Balance 928v3
You Should Buy if
- You spend long shifts on hard floors and need predictable motion control and low end-of-day fatigue.
- You require removable insoles and roomy width options for custom orthotics.
- You prefer a leather, durable upper that holds shape over months of daily wear.
- You value strong rear-foot posting and a stable platform over a lightweight ride.
You Should Avoid if
- You need a lightweight, fast or responsive trainer for speedwork or long pack miles.
- You walk in hot climates and prioritize breathability over leather structure.
- You cross water often and require a certified waterproof membrane.
- You prefer modern athletic styling and don’t want a conservative look.
FAQs
Are New Balance 928v3 shoes true to size?
Generally yes; they run true length-wise and offer multiple widths — choose your usual length and pick the correct width.
Can I put custom orthotics in the New Balance 928v3?
Yes. The 928v3 has a removable PU footbed and accepts thinner custom orthotics without major fit issues.
Are these waterproof or good for rainy work days?
No. The 928v3 is leather-built and not marketed with a waterproof membrane; expect splash resistance only.
Is the New Balance 928v3 suitable for hiking or trail use?
It tends to favor pavement and indoor traction; it is not optimized for technical trails or long pack hikes.
How heavy are these shoes compared with other walkers?
They are heavier than many modern foam walkers (roughly 15.5 oz/shoe for men’s), trading weight for structure and motion control.
Ethan Marlowe is an experienced hiker and outdoor gear specialist based in Colorado. With over 7 years of hands-on experience trekking through the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and East Coast trails, he delivers practical advice, expert gear reviews, and survival insights. His goal is to help hikers of all levels make smarter decisions on and off the trail.
