Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for Dad. Forget about the traditional tie or gift card - this year, give your dad something he'll truly appreciate: a stylish and comfortable pair of New Balance dad shoes.
After being cooped up indoors for nearly two years due to the pandemic, people are ready to step out into the world again. With the lifting of restrictions, now is the perfect time to gift Dad a pair of shoes that will not only keep him comfortable but also make him look fashionable. Say goodbye to boring patent leather dress shoes and hello to trendy and practical footwear.
The Criteria for the Best New Balance Dad Shoes
When it comes to finding the perfect dad shoes, it's essential to consider both style and comfort. New Balance offers a wide range of shoes for various sports, but for simplicity, we will focus on their "lifestyle and walking" shoes. These shoes are versatile and forgiving in terms of fit, making them ideal for everyday use.
New Balance Shoes
Bottom Line Upfront: Two Shoes That Toe the Line
Every dad has his own style preferences, so the ultimate decision on which shoes to buy lies with you. However, as a "hip Dad" myself, I have selected two shoes from the walking line and five shoes from the lifestyle line to give you some excellent options.
The two walking shoes I recommend toe the line between casual and business casual, making them suitable for various workplaces. These shoes might be slightly outdated but are still comfortable and stylish.
The Top Two Walking Shoes
Men's 1100 Walking Shoe
New Balance Shoes
The Men's 1100 walking shoe is the perfect blend of "business casual" style and comfort. Made with dark brown full-grain leather and classic oxford-style construction, these shoes are perfect for pairing with slacks and a button-down shirt. The closed-cell polyurethane insole provides comfort and impact protection, while the rubber outsole cushions your steps and reduces slipping. These shoes are ideal for dads who spend long hours on their feet.
Pros
- Casual feel, Business Casual look
- Full-grain leather upper
Cons
- Phasing out the shiny leather for suede
- Tri-colored sole leans more towards casual
Men's 1200 Walking Shoe
New Balance Shoes
The Men's 1200 Walking Shoe combines the style of dock shoes and penny loafers, making them a versatile choice. These slip-on shoes feature a traditional boat shoe three-eyelet lacing system and a leather upper for durability. Whether onshore or offshore, these shoes will keep your dad comfortable and stylish. The non-marking rubber outsole provides excellent traction, and the shoe's mesh inserts allow water to drain, keeping feet dry.
Pros
- Very comfortable walking shoes
- Perfectly functional deck shoe (nonmarking)
Cons
- Higher price than other walking shoes
- White outer sole sometimes rules out "business casual" days
The Top Five Lifestyle Shoes
New Balance offers an extensive range of lifestyle shoes that are casual, comfortable, and perfect for dads who want to show off their fashion sense. While not suitable for formal or business casual situations, these shoes are perfect for everyday wear and play.
Men's 237 Lifestyle Shoes
New Balance Shoes
The Men's 237 lifestyle shoes are the epitome of modern comfort and fashion. Inspired by running shoes from the 70s, these shoes feature a suede and corduroy upper in various vibrant colors. They are perfect for dads who want to make a style statement while enjoying all-day comfort.
Pros
- Unique and fun color designs
- All-day comfort walking or jogging
Cons
- The rear sole extends slightly beyond the upper, looking accidental
- Designed from a retro running design but not built for modern runners
Men's 574 Multipurpose Shoes
New Balance Shoes
The Men's 574 shoes have been a fashion staple since their introduction in 1988. These versatile shoes are designed to be multifunctional, suitable for both trails and roads. With a rugged sole and a wide range of colors to choose from, these shoes are a go-to option for sneakerheads worldwide.
Pros
- Casual all-purpose shoe
- The color palette will please most sneakerheads
Cons
- Heel tab is reportedly too stiff for some, irritating the Achilles tendon
- The tongue is thinner now than in the original shoe, reducing padding from laces
Men's Fresh Foam 515 Sport v2
515 model
The Fresh Foam 515 Sport v2 shoes are the ultimate lightweight and comfortable option for dads. With a modern design and a no-sew upper, these shoes are perfect for the gym, daily activities, or lounging at home. The Fresh Foam technology provides support and cushioning for all-day comfort.
Pros
- Fresh Foam is lightweight and well-cushioned
- A lightweight cross-trainer style that provides lateral support
Cons
- Some customers complained that the white sole shows dirt too much
- Functional tread, but some customers found it dull with less grip than other shoes
Men's Fresh Foam Arishi Trail
Best New Balance Dad Shoes Guide
The Fresh Foam Arishi Trail shoes are designed to perform both on and off the trail, making them perfect for adventurous dads. The fully synthetic upper is stitch-free, providing lightweight comfort and durability. The Fresh Foam technology offers stability and cushioning without sacrificing perception of the terrain.
Pros
- Stylish for a casual night out or a run on the trail
- Straddles the line between a sneaker and trail runner
Cons
- Thinner heel cushioning means more trail sensation, including pebbles, which may be a deal-breaker for some
- The upper is too high for some customers, who either return the shoe or add an insole to raise their ankles
Unisex Center Lo
Best New Balance Dad Shoes Guide
The Unisex Center Lo is the ultimate all-around trendy shoe suitable for both men and women. With a simple design that complements various styles, these shoes are versatile and comfortable. Perfect for casual occasions, these shoes go well with any outfit.
Pros
- Simple design that can be worn with many different styles
- Tends to be more comfortable than the competition (Vans)
Cons
- Comfortable insole but lacks arch support
- Not everyone likes the vertical ribs at the toes
Conclusion: The Best New Balance Dad Shoes
If you're not familiar with New Balance, you'll be impressed by the brand's attention to detail and quality. And if you already know and love New Balance, you'll be pleased to discover the affordable prices at Joe's New Balance Outlet. They offer overstock shoes at discounted rates, making it the perfect place to find a gift for Dad. Whether he's a runner or simply looking for everyday comfort, New Balance has the perfect pair of shoes for him. So why wait? Start your Father's Day shopping and make this year extra special with the gift of New Balance dad shoes.
