As a basic running shoe for a casual runner, the New Balance 749 offers decent performance at a good price. Not only does the black and silver style of the shoe look great as pictured, but they are also comfortable, offering great impact resistance and moderate arch support. In fact, the good looks of the shoe really help you decide on this model.

The 749s are solid shoes, as well as the New Balance “wicking” foam, while not as comfortable as Saucony shoes, seems to last a long time. The mesh upper, the typical design of running shoes, is very light and breathable. For those New Balance believers who used to wear the 740 (the predecessor to this model), this shoe is a bit narrower than their old 740s. Plus, you can work and exercise in these and they’re a great shoe for everyone. Assuming you were a picky shoe user, I would recommend this shoe as well. Overall I would recommend these shoes to anyone who needs comfort.

Is it a good option for runners?

Yes, they are a great pair of running shoes. Even if you, who are not a huge fan of running and are 6’8″ and 250lbs or so, had sore feet and/or knees from running long distances, you could wear them for 12-14 miles per week and could not have any foot pain or blisters. Like most other running shoes, to be a bit stiff at first, they take a couple of days to break in. If you run or walk in them constantly, it will only take about a week to fully get used to it. In short, they are quite comfortable and very good running shoes at a very fair price.

Is it an excellent pair of work shoes?

If you were to wear them daily as work shoes, standing on your feet 8 hours a day, on concrete floors, you’d be satisfied with the 749. The only problem with wearing them daily, though, is the mesh material they’re made from. When it’s cold, cold air blows through them. If the slightest drop of water drips onto your shoe, it sinks through your sock although you avoid puddles at all costs. As a running shoe, they are not made for walking in snow and rain, but for running. Just live with it, to have comfortable feet!

Can I use them for hiking or walking?

For those who do strenuous hikes and hikes, these might be useful for you. No slipping on the rocks and good shock absorption! You can wear them for walking, 12-15 miles a week and they are perfect for that. One important note: They’re well ventilated, which is necessary when running trails, but can be distracting if they’re just for fashion, or if you’re walking through wet grass while taking out the trash.

Runs a half size small.

They probably run a half size small. If your normal size is 13/13.5, go for 14 and it fits you perfectly, because New Balance has become the shoemaker that believes running shoes should hit somewhere in the middle like women’s dress shoes. With heels. So if you don’t want to break your big toe, buy this shoe a size or a half size larger.

They are noisy?

In fact, they do squeak a bit on hard floors when you take them out of the box.

How about performance for the overpronator?

Not Enough Stability – For a moderate overpronator I would have to say that while these shoes look great and fit great, the stability is not enough for your feet as you can feel yourself rolling to the inside of this shoe.

Shopping tip:

• Model Number: MR749 (Men); WR749 (Women).
• Surname: PL-1 Surname.
• Made in EE.UU.
• Weight: 11.00 oz (men); 10.00oz (Women).
• Size: Half a size smaller.
• Lacing: The laces are a bit too short.
• For orthotics: You have to replace the insoles with orthotics.
• Filming period: 1 week.