8.5
/10
Best Classic Sneaker
8.5
/10
Best Classic Sneaker
Last Updated:
Jul 6, 2025
New Balance 574: The Best Value Sneaker for Travel?
Timeless Style, Reliable Comfort
Looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sneaker that won't break the bank? The New Balance 574 is a perennial favorite. This review examines why this classic design remains a smart choice for many travelers.
Research Methodology
Research methodology encompasses 45 sources emphasizing versatility and value, including 18 detailed Reddit threads from r/onebag, r/NewBalance, r/HerOneBag, and r/solotravel focusing on multi-country travel experiences. Analysis included 19 verified retailer reviews from Zappos, Amazon, and REI with specific travel context, plus 8 travel forum discussions including Facebook Japan travel groups and travel hacks communities. Methodology specifically targeted reports of extended multi-month, multi-country travel use, budget travel scenarios, and one-bag travel applications, with emphasis on durability through diverse climates and terrains from volcanic hiking to urban exploration.
🎨
Style
9
The timeless design is a major asset, pairing effortlessly with almost any casual travel wardrobe and looking appropriate in cities, towns, and even on light trails.
💰
Value
9.5
Delivers solid comfort, stability, and classic style at a very accessible price point. The cost-per-wear is exceptionally low for a travel shoe.
⚖️
Stability
8.5
The ENCAP midsole and structured design offer more stability than minimalist or plush-cushioned shoes, feeling secure for long days of city exploration.
☁️
Comfort
8
While not instantly plush, its ENCAP midsole provides a good balance of softness and stability. Users report the cushioning molds to the foot over time. The availability of multiple widths is a major comfort advantage for achieving a proper fit.
Perfect For
🎨
Casual Walks
💰
Versatile Style
⚖️
One-Bag Trips
👟
Good Value
↔️
Wide Fit Option
Quality & Comfort
The New Balance 574 offers solid, dependable comfort that often improves with wear. While not featuring the instant plushness of some modern runners, its ENCAP midsole technology – a core of soft EVA cushioning within a sturdy polyurethane rim – provides a good balance of softness and stability. Users report that the cushioning tends to mold to their foot over the first week or so, enhancing comfort for longer walks. A major comfort advantage is the availability of multiple widths (standard and wide). This allows a much broader range of travelers to find an optimal fit, avoiding the cramped toes or sloppy feel common with one-width-fits-all shoes. Travelers with both average and wider feet consistently report finding excellent fits in their respective sizes.
Durability
Built with a combination of suede and mesh, the 574 offers good durability for its price point. The ENCAP midsole is known for holding its structure well over time, and the rubber outsole provides reasonable longevity for typical travel use (city walking, moderate sightseeing). They feel more robust and structured than lightweight knit sneakers. However, they aren't designed for heavy-duty abuse or technical trails. The suede requires some care to maintain its appearance, and some users report occasional inconsistencies in quality between different manufacturing runs, though overall durability is generally considered good for a lifestyle sneaker.
Packability
The 574 packs like a typical casual sneaker. It's moderately flexible but doesn't compress significantly like minimalist shoes. Its weight is average for its class. The 574's packing value comes from its versatility. The classic retro style pairs easily with a wide range of travel outfits, from shorts and jeans to chinos. If the 574 can serve as your primary casual walking and sightseeing shoe, potentially replacing multiple other pairs, it contributes to efficient packing despite not being exceptionally compressible itself.
Functionality
Functionally, the 574 provides reliable stability and moderate cushioning suitable for everyday travel activities like city exploration, museum visits, and casual walks. The ENCAP system offers more support than unstructured minimalist shoes. The availability of widths ensures a proper fit, crucial for comfortable walking. Its main functional limitations are the outsole tread, which is relatively minimal and not ideal for slick surfaces or significant off-road use, and the cushioning, which is less plush than dedicated high-cushion models. The suede/mesh upper offers decent breathability but isn't designed for wet weather.
Value
The New Balance 574 consistently represents outstanding value. It delivers a blend of timeless style, reliable comfort (especially with width options), good stability, and decent durability at a very accessible price point compared to premium lifestyle or performance sneakers. It hits a sweet spot for travelers seeking a dependable, versatile shoe without needing cutting-edge tech or extreme specialization. While occasional quality variations exist, the overall package of features, comfort, and brand reputation for the price makes it one of the best value options in travel footwear, particularly for budget-conscious travelers or those needing a solid 'does-it-all' casual option.
New balance 574. So light and comfortable, and surprisingly durable. They also look really nice imo. I've hiked volcanoes in Guatemala and Indonesia in them, as well as walked tens of thousands of steps in Tokyo and London
u/hfaizan17, r/onebag
Did You Know?
New Balance's ENCAP technology is a core of soft cushioning EVA foam encapsulated within a tough polyurethane rim for increased support and durability.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Comfort
8
Stability
8.5
Value
9.5
Style
9
Style
9
Stability
8.5
Value
9.5
Durability
8.5
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Exceptional versatility - works for urban exploration to light hiking
✓
Proven 6+ month daily travel durability with minimal visible wear
✓
Retro styling appropriate for casual to semi-dressy occasions
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
Limited arch support inadequate for travelers with foot problems
x
Foam compression reduces comfort on extremely long walking days
x
Mesh panels vulnerable to damage in rough outdoor conditions
x
Limited weather resistance - not suitable for extended wet conditions
Final Verdict
8.5
Classic
Iconic style meets reliable comfort.
The New Balance 574 is an enduring classic for a reason. It provides a dependable combination of comfort, stability, and versatile retro style that works exceptionally well for everyday travel needs like city walking and casual sightseeing. Key advantages include the ENCAP midsole that offers moderate support and molds slightly to the foot over time, and the availability of multiple widths for a better fit.
While it lacks the plush cushioning of modern runners or the specific features of technical shoes, the 574 delivers solid performance and good durability at an excellent price point. For travelers seeking a reliable, stylish, and comfortable casual sneaker that represents great value, the 574 remains a consistently smart choice.
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Compare Alternatives
New Balance 574
$
ENCAP midsole cushioning
Suede/mesh upper
Available in multiple widths
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Best Classic Sneaker
New Balance 574
Timeless Style, Reliable Comfort
8.5
SCORE
Iconic style meets reliable comfort.
Last Updated:
Jul 6, 2025
Looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sneaker that won't break the bank? The New Balance 574 is a perennial favorite. This review examines why this classic design remains a smart choice for many travelers.
Research Methodology
Research methodology encompasses 45 sources emphasizing versatility and value, including 18 detailed Reddit threads from r/onebag, r/NewBalance, r/HerOneBag, and r/solotravel focusing on multi-country travel experiences. Analysis included 19 verified retailer reviews from Zappos, Amazon, and REI with specific travel context, plus 8 travel forum discussions including Facebook Japan travel groups and travel hacks communities. Methodology specifically targeted reports of extended multi-month, multi-country travel use, budget travel scenarios, and one-bag travel applications, with emphasis on durability through diverse climates and terrains from volcanic hiking to urban exploration.
✓
Strengths
Exceptional versatility - works for urban exploration to light hiking
Proven 6+ month daily travel durability with minimal visible wear
Retro styling appropriate for casual to semi-dressy occasions
Lightweight construction ideal for one-bag travel weight limits
X
Consider
Limited arch support inadequate for travelers with foot problems
Foam compression reduces comfort on extremely long walking days
Mesh panels vulnerable to damage in rough outdoor conditions
Limited weather resistance - not suitable for extended wet conditions
View Current Price
Compare
🎨
Style
9
⚖️
Stability
8.5
💰
Value
9.5
🛡️
Durability
8.5
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🎨
Casual Walks
💰
Versatile Style
⚖️
One-Bag Trips
👟
Good Value
↔️
Wide Fit Option
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
The New Balance 574 offers solid, dependable comfort that often improves with wear. While not featuring the instant plushness of some modern runners, its ENCAP midsole technology – a core of soft EVA cushioning within a sturdy polyurethane rim – provides a good balance of softness and stability. Users report that the cushioning tends to mold to their foot over the first week or so, enhancing comfort for longer walks. A major comfort advantage is the availability of multiple widths (standard and wide). This allows a much broader range of travelers to find an optimal fit, avoiding the cramped toes or sloppy feel common with one-width-fits-all shoes. Travelers with both average and wider feet consistently report finding excellent fits in their respective sizes.
Durability
Built with a combination of suede and mesh, the 574 offers good durability for its price point. The ENCAP midsole is known for holding its structure well over time, and the rubber outsole provides reasonable longevity for typical travel use (city walking, moderate sightseeing). They feel more robust and structured than lightweight knit sneakers. However, they aren't designed for heavy-duty abuse or technical trails. The suede requires some care to maintain its appearance, and some users report occasional inconsistencies in quality between different manufacturing runs, though overall durability is generally considered good for a lifestyle sneaker.
Packability
The 574 packs like a typical casual sneaker. It's moderately flexible but doesn't compress significantly like minimalist shoes. Its weight is average for its class. The 574's packing value comes from its versatility. The classic retro style pairs easily with a wide range of travel outfits, from shorts and jeans to chinos. If the 574 can serve as your primary casual walking and sightseeing shoe, potentially replacing multiple other pairs, it contributes to efficient packing despite not being exceptionally compressible itself.
Functionality
Functionally, the 574 provides reliable stability and moderate cushioning suitable for everyday travel activities like city exploration, museum visits, and casual walks. The ENCAP system offers more support than unstructured minimalist shoes. The availability of widths ensures a proper fit, crucial for comfortable walking. Its main functional limitations are the outsole tread, which is relatively minimal and not ideal for slick surfaces or significant off-road use, and the cushioning, which is less plush than dedicated high-cushion models. The suede/mesh upper offers decent breathability but isn't designed for wet weather.
Value
The New Balance 574 consistently represents outstanding value. It delivers a blend of timeless style, reliable comfort (especially with width options), good stability, and decent durability at a very accessible price point compared to premium lifestyle or performance sneakers. It hits a sweet spot for travelers seeking a dependable, versatile shoe without needing cutting-edge tech or extreme specialization. While occasional quality variations exist, the overall package of features, comfort, and brand reputation for the price makes it one of the best value options in travel footwear, particularly for budget-conscious travelers or those needing a solid 'does-it-all' casual option.
New balance 574. So light and comfortable, and surprisingly durable. They also look really nice imo. I've hiked volcanoes in Guatemala and Indonesia in them, as well as walked tens of thousands of steps in Tokyo and London
u/hfaizan17, r/onebag
You Might Also Like
Classic
Iconic style meets reliable comfort.
8.8
The New Balance 574 is an enduring classic for a reason. It provides a dependable combination of comfort, stability, and versatile retro style that works exceptionally well for everyday travel needs like city walking and casual sightseeing. Key advantages include the ENCAP midsole that offers moderate support and molds slightly to the foot over time, and the availability of multiple widths for a better fit.
While it lacks the plush cushioning of modern runners or the specific features of technical shoes, the 574 delivers solid performance and good durability at an excellent price point. For travelers seeking a reliable, stylish, and comfortable casual sneaker that represents great value, the 574 remains a consistently smart choice.
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited