Research-based review
Short version: unlike most shoes recommended for flat feet, the 928 was actually designed from the ground up as a walking shoe, not a repurposed runner — and it shows in how stable it feels underfoot.
Most shoes recommended for flat feet — the Adrenaline GTS, Gel-Kayano, even the 990 — are running or lifestyle shoes pressed into service for walking and standing. The 928 is different: New Balance built it specifically as a walking shoe, with a firmer, less flexible sole designed around walking gait mechanics rather than a running stride. That distinction matters because walking and running put stress through the foot differently, and a shoe optimized for one isn't automatically optimal for the other.
The 928's defining feature is its rollbar heel stabilizer — a firm plastic structure built into the heel counter that resists excess side-to-side motion during the heel-strike phase of a walking stride. For flat feet, where the heel and ankle often roll inward more than they should, this is a targeted piece of engineering rather than generic cushioning.
Like the 990 series, New Balance sells the 928 across an unusually broad width range, which matters given how often flat feet come with a wider forefoot. This combination of true walking-shoe design and wide sizing is the core reason it holds up as a recommendation.
Anyone prioritizing genuine walking-shoe stability and width over lifestyle-sneaker looks.
You want maximum cushioning for hard-floor standing — see our Hoka Bondi review instead.
The 928 isn't trying to be a fashion statement, and buyers who choose it generally aren't looking for one. As a purpose-built walking shoe with genuine stability engineering and real width options, it holds up as a strong, if plain-looking, choice for flat feet.
Yes, its firm, wide base and rollbar heel stabilizer are specifically designed for the kind of stability that helps with long periods of standing or walking on hard floors.
No, it's purpose-built as a walking shoe, not a running shoe. Its firmer, less flexible sole is designed for walking mechanics rather than running gait.
I'm 32, based in Yerevan, Armenia, and I have grade 2 flat feet myself. This review is based on manufacturer specifications and aggregated, verified buyer feedback rather than personal wear-testing of this specific shoe. Read more about my approach, or see my medical disclaimer.
