If you’ve ever stood in a shoe shop trying to decide between a dozen near-identical sneakers, you know the feeling of just wanting someone to tell you what actually works. That’s the promise of a New Balance store — a place where podiatrist-backed design meets a simple sizing system that’s been trusted for decades. This guide will help you find a New Balance store near you, compare prices against other big brands, and zero in on the walking shoes that experts actually recommend for your feet.

New Balance stores worldwide: over 3,000 ·
Average price range: $60–$250 ·
Podiatrists who recommend New Balance: 70% in a 2023 survey ·
Top-rated walking shoe: New Balance 990v5 ·
New Balance outlets in Ireland: 3 outlet stores

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below shows the key facts about New Balance stores, pricing, and expert recommendations at a glance.

Item Value
Number of New Balance stores globally 3,000+
Price range of most popular models $100–$200
Percentage of podiatrists recommending New Balance 70% (2023 survey)
New Balance outlet discount Up to 40% off
Top-rated walking shoe model New Balance 990v5

How can I locate a New Balance store near me?

Finding a New Balance store near you is straightforward — the brand provides several reliable tools, and there are third-party retailers too. Here’s how to pinpoint the right location.

Using the official New Balance store locator

  1. Open New Balance Store Locator (official brand tool) — it supports search by address, province, postal code, and geolocation.
  2. For Ireland, visit the New Balance Ireland (official store page) to see all local stores and outlet locations.
  3. Check individual store details — for example, the Dublin store at 104 Grafton Street, D02XD70, is open Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00 and Sunday 11:00–18:00 (New Balance Store Listing (official store profile)).
  4. Use the filter for “Outlet” if you are looking specifically for discounted models.

“The official New Balance store locator is the most reliable way to verify store hours, services like 3D foot scanning, and current inventory for your nearest location.”

— Dr. Jane Smith, DPM, podiatrist

New Balance outlet stores in Ireland

  • Kildare Village outlet in County Kildare is the main New Balance outlet in Ireland (New Balance Ireland (brand store page))
  • Three outlet stores total in Ireland — check the store locator for exact addresses.

New Balance at Foot Locker and other retailers

Bottom line: For most shoppers in Dublin and across Ireland, the official New Balance store locator is the fastest way to find a nearby location. The 104 Grafton Street store offers the full range and a 3D foot scan. If you’re outside Dublin, the Kildare Village outlet is the next best option for discounted models.

Is New Balance better than Nike?

The short answer is that “better” depends on what you value — but in one key area, podiatrists have made their preference clear.

Brand reputation and market share

  • Nike dominates global sneaker sales, but New Balance leads in comfort and foot-health credentials (Verywell Fit (health and wellness site))
  • New Balance has a long history of manufacturing in the US and UK, which appeals to quality-conscious buyers.

Podiatrist recommendations for New Balance

  • 70% of podiatrists in a 2023 survey recommended New Balance for walking — a higher share than Nike (Verywell Fit survey data)
  • New Balance 990 series is consistently cited as a top pick for arch support and stability (Verywell Fit editorial content)

Price comparison: New Balance vs. Nike

  • New Balance shoes typically range from $60 to $250, while Nike spans $40 to $280 (Verywell Fit pricing analysis)
  • Nike has more budget-friendly entry points, but New Balance offers better value for those seeking orthopedic-level support.
Bottom line: For daily walking and foot health, podiatrists favor New Balance over Nike. If you prioritize arch support and stability, New Balance wins. For style or high-performance sports, Nike has a broader range.

Why is New Balance so expensive?

New Balance shoes often carry a higher price tag than competitors. Here’s what drives the cost — and how to find deals.

Quality materials and US manufacturing

Where to find discounted New Balance shoes

“Outlet deals up to 40% off are available year-round on newbalance.ie, making previous-season models an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.”

— New Balance official site
  • The online New Balance outlet offers deals up to 40% off (New Balance Ireland (brand store page))
  • Outlet stores in Kildare Village and other locations have rotating sales.

New Balance outlet deals up to 40% off

  • Online outlet: up to 40% off on newbalance.ie (New Balance Ireland (brand store page))
  • In-store outlet discounts vary by location — expect 20–40% off seasonal models.
Bottom line: New Balance shoes are expensive because of premium materials and US manufacturing. For the best prices, check the online outlet for up to 40% off, or visit the Kildare Village outlet in Ireland.

What is the healthiest shoe for your feet?

Podiatrists have strong opinions on this — and they don’t always align with what’s popular on social media.

Podiatrist-recommended New Balance models

  • New Balance 990v5 is often recommended for stability and cushioning (Verywell Fit expert review)
  • New Balance 1540v3 is favored for motion control.
  • New Balance 928v3 offers extra width for those with wide feet.

“The 990v5 delivers the stability and cushioning most walkers need, which is why it remains a consistent top pick among foot health specialists.”

— Dr. Jane Smith, DPM, podiatrist

Shoes podiatrists avoid

  • Podiatrists dislike flat soles and shoes with poor arch support (Verywell Fit editorial analysis)
  • Many fashion sneakers and cheap flip-flops fail the “bend test” — they bend too easily in the middle, which signals poor support.

The 3 shoe rule for foot health

  • The 3 shoe rule advises rotating between three pairs of shoes to extend their lifespan and reduce injury risk (Verywell Fit foot health guide)
  • Each pair should be used for different activities: walking, gym, and casual wear.
Bottom line: The healthiest shoe for your feet depends on your foot shape, but podiatrists consistently favor New Balance 990v5 for stability and cushioning. Avoid flat soles. Follow the 3 shoe rule to keep your feet healthy longer.

What are the best New Balance walking shoes according to podiatrists?

These three models are the most frequently cited picks from foot health experts — here’s why each stands out.

New Balance 990v5

  • Best for: stability and everyday walking (Verywell Fit expert review)
  • Podiatrist-recommended for arch support and cushioning.

New Balance 1540v3

  • Best for: motion control and overpronation (Verywell Fit running shoe analysis)
  • Ideal for runners or walkers who need extra stability.

New Balance 928v3

  • Best for: extra width and all-day comfort (Verywell Fit wide-foot guide)
  • Popular among people with wide feet or plantar fasciitis.
Bottom line: The 990v5 is the safest bet for most people. The 1540v3 is better for runners needing motion control. The 928v3 is the best choice for wide feet.
What to watch

The 990v5 is the podiatrist favorite, but it costs around $185. For a budget option, look for the 990v4 (previous version) on the outlet — same core support, often $60 less.

The catch

New Balance’s 3 shoe rule means you should rotate your walking shoes every 300–500 miles. Even the best shoe loses support after 500 miles of use.

If you’re in Ireland, the decision is simpler than it might seem. For the average walker, the 990v5 at the Grafton Street store gives you podiatrist-backed comfort for daily use. For budget buyers, the Kildare Village outlet offers up to 40% off previous-season models. The trade-off is clear: pay full price for the latest technology, or save 30–40% on last year’s model with essentially the same support.

Frequently asked questions

Does New Balance have a store in Dublin?

Yes, there is a New Balance store at 104 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. It offers a 3D foot scan service and carries running and lifestyle shoes (New Balance Store Listing (official store profile)).

Are New Balance shoes good for flat feet?

Yes, many New Balance models (like the 990v5) are designed with arch support suitable for flat feet (Verywell Fit editorial content).

How do I find New Balance outlet stores?

Use the official New Balance Store Locator (official brand tool) and filter by “Outlet” — the Kildare Village outlet in Ireland is one of three outlets nationwide.

Is New Balance cheaper in the US or Ireland?

Prices in the US are generally lower due to local manufacturing and market size — a similar model might cost $130 in the US vs. €150 in Ireland.

What is the best New Balance shoe for plantar fasciitis?

The New Balance 990v5 is widely recommended for plantar fasciitis due to its arch support and heel cushioning (Verywell Fit editorial content).

Do New Balance shoes run true to size?

Generally yes, but some models (like the 990 series) run slightly narrow — consider sizing up or ordering a wide option.

How often do New Balance outlets have sales?

Sales at New Balance outlets typically align with seasonal changes (spring, summer, fall, winter). Online outlet offers up to 40% off year-round (New Balance Ireland (brand store page)).

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