I bought a pair of these New Balance 576s at a local sport store here exactly one year ago this month (Dec).  (Mine happen to be the laced version that is pictured in the search engine, not the velcro.  I would have preferred the velcro if they were available).  I did not have much of a choice of brands or models in the stores around here.  There are far more variety of running and workout shoes available in the big sport stores than walking shoes unfortunately.  I found the New Balance brand to be the most wide spread and available every place I looked.

Right off I must say that the New Balances,(NBs) are extremely comfortable, and were very reasonably priced when compared to other running shoes offered here on Amazon.  I immediately felt the difference on my first walk with them as compared to the regular sneakers I had been using for a couple of months.  Walking shoes aren't just made with better souls, they are also more anatomically designed to make each and every step as effortless and comfortable as possible. Minor differences that together add up to a whole lot less stress.  Like the toe being turned up to greatly reduce the chance of drag with each step.  The NBs made the difference between the end of my walk just being a tired experience, rather than a true aching one...

Unfortunately now that it has been a year of walking with them, I have to say I am a little disappointed in the wear and tear they are beginning to suffer.  Both shoes have some separation at the seams on the side of the shoe, and the back lip where the heel rides is torn quite badly on one of the shoes.  Finally, the rear of the souls is wearing in what it my opinion a little too quickly for just a years worth of use.  It could very well be that my idea of walking for exercise is a little more than what others reading this may do on a regular basis, or have in mind for a new exercise program.  I average 3 to 4 miles a day, (or about an hours brisk walking)6 days a week, on pavement and sidewalks.  I am of average height, and a little heavier than I should be, (that's why I'm walking), but definitely not so big that this type of wear after a year should be showing up.  Although I realize that the price of $52 I paid is not a fortune by any means in the price range of good walking shoes, I really am disappointed in these NBs starting to show considerable wear after just a years use.  Especially in the seams coming apart, and the large tear in the heel.  The soul wear may be average, but the other before mentioned trouble areas are simple poor quality in my opinion.

If your own walks or intentions for this shoe are less strenuous than my own, or plan on walking on grass or paths rather than a more abrasive street or sidewalk, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these shoes for light walking simply because they are so comfortable and well designed for it.  Their price is very reasonable as walking shoes go, and widely available everywhere, as well as here on Amazon.  However if your intended or present exercise program is similar to my own in intensity, I would recommend moving up to a higher price shoe that will hopefully hold up a little better than these have after just one year.