New Balance Women's 846 V1 Motion Control Walking Shoes (Style KBQZ)

Our review of the New Balance Women's 846 V1 Motion Control Walking Shoes finds them best for walkers and anyone who prioritizes cushioned, easy-to-wear footwear. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of lightweight, responsive 5Gen cushioning paired with a high-rebound insole that delivers all-day comfort without feeling bulky. These shoes present a simple, utilitarian look with breathable engineered mesh and a soft fabric lining that make them suitable for daily walks, errands, and low-impact activity.

Key Features

• 5Gen cushioning: Lightweight and responsive foam provides a springy feel that reduces fatigue on longer walks.
• Goga Max insole: High-rebound insole offers immediate comfort and noticeable cushion underfoot for standing and strolling.
• Engineered mesh upper: Breathable material helps keep feet cool during warm-weather wear and reduces pressure points.
• Soft fabric lining: Smooth interior reduces irritation and improves overall fit comfort for all-day use.
• Slip-on convenience: Low-profile design and forgiving opening let the shoe go on and off easily for quick outings.

Who It's For

These shoes work well for women who want a comfortable, lightweight walking shoe with responsive cushioning and a straightforward aesthetic. They suit casual walkers, shoppers, and anyone who spends long stretches on their feet and prefers a softer insole with a steady platform.

Shoppers seeking a narrow, fashion-forward trainer or a performance running shoe should look elsewhere, since the design emphasizes comfort and motion control over sleek styling or high-mileage running performance. Those needing maximum slip resistance for slick surfaces may want to test the tread first, as user feedback on slip grip is mixed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable cushioning from the 5Gen midsole and Goga Max insole makes long wear pleasant.
• Breathable engineered mesh upper keeps feet cooler than closed fabrics.
• Lightweight construction gives an easy, non-cumbersome feel for daily use.

Cons

• Fit can vary: some find the toe box snug while others appreciate a wide fit, so try before committing.
• Mixed reports on slip resistance mean it may not be the best choice for consistently slick conditions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

These walking shoes are a solid pick for anyone who needs cushioned, lightweight footwear for daily walking and standing. The 5Gen midsole and Goga Max insole combine for dependable comfort, and the breathable mesh helps with temperature control. They represent good value for shoppers prioritizing comfort and easy wear, though fit and tread grip should be checked if those are critical concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes true to size?
Fit varies by foot shape; many find them true to size, but some report a snug toe box while others like the wider fit.

Do they provide good arch support?
The Goga Max insole gives responsive cushioning and moderate support suitable for everyday walking rather than specialty orthotic needs.

Are they slip resistant?
Customer feedback is mixed on slip resistance, so they perform well on many surfaces but may not be ideal where maximum traction is required.