My Mom With Plantar Fasciitis Recommended These New Balance Sneakers—and Now I Won't Travel Without Them

Travel + Leisure

08-07-2025

As a travel writer and new mom of twins, I'm almost always on the move—whether for work or with my family in tow. That means I'm constantly searching for comfortable, versatile shoes that feel as cushioned as my favorite sneakers but can still pass for something more polished when needed. These days, comfort tends to win out over style. So when I find something that actually strikes the perfect balance, I don't take it for granted—and my New Balance 327 Sneakers do just that.
Additionally, I have an admittedly low pain tolerance when it comes to footwear (one blister and I'm out), so I've become ruthless about what earns a spot in my suitcase. These shoes make the cut every time: they're supportive enough for long travel days, stylish enough for casual meetings or dinners, and lightweight enough to pack without a second thought. More often than not, though, I opt to wear them while in transit, for precisely the reasons listed above.
I first discovered these New Balance sneakers through my mother, who, with plantar fasciitis and small fiber neuropathy, requires ultra-supportive footwear that doesn't compromise comfort. So, when they won her seal of approval, I immediately ordered a pair for myself.
They say not to judge a book—or, in this case, a pair of shoes—by its cover, but I was instantly impressed by the sneakers' sleek silhouette and retro-inspired, trend-forward design. They somehow feel sporty, elevated, and effortlessly cool all at once. The high-quality construction, which includes a suede and mesh upper, leather lining, and leather insole, only sealed the deal.
No detail was too small for New Balance: even the lace-up closure is designed for easy adjustability, especially helpful at TSA when juggling bins, shoes, and (in my case) a clunky double stroller loaded with twin babies.
Performance-wise, these New Balance sneakers hold up beautifully. The lugged rubber outsole offers solid grip on everything from slick sidewalks to airport terminals, while the lightweight cushioning and solid arch support keep my feet feeling fresh, even after long periods of standing or walking. Best of all, they're incredibly comfortable right out of the box. No breaking-in period, no painful hot spots—just instant ease. I also found the sneaker to run true to size; that said, if you have wide feet, it may be worth going up a half-size since the toe box may be a bit narrow.
And thanks to the easy slip-on/slip-off fit, I don't even need to fully bend down to get them on. (However, the laces tend to come undone quickly, so I recommend a simple fix: double-knot before heading out the door.)
On most days, I pair my sneakers with leggings—or, if I'm feeling extra fancy, jeans—usually styled with a casual tee or tank, layered under a scuba or denim jacket. But of course, they look great with more polished pieces, too. For example, when I was in Florida this spring and the weather was warm, I slipped them on with flowy maxi dresses instead, and they worked just as well.
I personally own the New Balance 327s in two hues, but they're also available in over 10 other color combinations, so there's something to match just about every wardrobe. I'm especially fond of my black pair, which features the brand's signature oversized "N" logo in white leather—it adds a subtle elevated touch to an otherwise sporty silhouette.
Of course, don't just take my word for it: These sneakers have racked up hundreds of perfect ratings across Amazon, earning praise for their comfort, style, and everyday wearability. "This shoe is both stylish and [comfortable]...wore it while on a weekend in NYC with over 30,000 steps and my feet were great," raved one happy shopper.
Looking for more comfortable, travel-ready sneakers? Keep scrolling for the best sneaker deals I've spotted at Amazon from Adidas, Brooks, and New Balance.
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