Drop foot, the condition where it is difficult to lift the front part of your foot, may be temporary or more permanent.
Though there are other methods to help with this condition, proper footwear can provide support and comfort while allowing you to walk more naturally and normally.
We have chosen a few of New Balance’s shoe models with features such as a more accommodating fit, proper arch support, stability, and comfortable cushioning to help control motion and properly align your feet for comfort and easy walking.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
Drop Foot Symptoms and Causes
Drop foot or Foot Drop is used when the front part of your foot drags on the ground when you walk and when you can almost no longer lift it.[1]
It is not quite a disease yet but rather a neurological, muscular, or anatomical issue, that may be temporary, or in some cases permanent.
Most individuals with drop feet need to wear a brace on their ankles to keep their feet in a normal position. Thus, we need to look for shoes that accommodate a brace or orthotic device.
- Symptoms – Drop foot can affect one or both feet. You may find it difficult to lift the front part of your foot, and it will drag on the floor when you walk. You will have to raise your hips and thighs when walking or climbing stairs, and you may slap your foot down on the floor with every step. Sometimes, the skin on the top of the affected foot will feel numb.
- Causes – Drop foot is mainly caused by muscle or nerve injuries and brain or spinal cord disorders.
- Risk Factors – You have a Peroneal nerve that controls the muscles which lift your feet. The nerve runs near the skin’s surface, on the sides of your knees; if this nerve is compressed, it can cause Drop Foot. Thus, crossing your legs frequently, prolonged kneeling, and wearing a leg cast may press the nerve, leading to a drop foot.
- Treatments – Drop Foot is usually treated with a brace or splint that keeps the ankle and foot in a secure position.[2] Physical therapy and Nerve stimulation may be used to try and re-activate the nerves or muscles that may not perform as they should. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. As home treatments, I would suggest that you clear your home of clutter and make sure that pathways are well illuminated and clear, as with drop foot, you are at a very high risk of tripping and falling.
Shoes for Drop Foot
You will need to find a comfortable and supportive shoe that is very lightweight to make it easier for you to lift your feet when walking.
It would be best if you had a good balance between a supportive shoe that is lightweight and not too flexible, Mostly a Cross training shoe that offers firmer support and is still quite lightweight.
High-top shoe styles and shoes with Velcro straps in which you can adjust the fit to support your ankles are also ideal.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Drop Foot
- Uppers – New Balance shoes are available in lightweight mesh or knit uppers designs and firmer and more accommodating leather options. The shoes have a moisture-wicking lining and have good structural support. We have added some lace-up and Velcro closure styles. The Ultra-Heel Models have a higher heel fit that better supports your ankles.
- Cushioning – New Balance shoes come with a softer NB cushioned insole, or firmer PU insole, which are both removable.
- Midsole – Midsole cushioning in New Balance shoes range from the very plush and high-rebound Fresh Foam Midsole that is thick but lightweight. The PU midsole for more stable support. The Absorb midsole offers better shock absorbency, and their IMEVA midsoles are firm with some flex and durability. Lastly, their REVlite midsole Is the softest and most lightweight.
- Support – New Balance shoes for Drop Foot have a midsole shank for structure and support, and some models have a molded heel. You also get models with Rollbar technology.
- Outsole – The outsole will be rubber or and Ndurance high abrasion rubber. For the outdoor shoes, the tread will have better traction.
- Options – New Balance shoe models mostly offer wider options and many more colors from which you can choose.
- Other – As you will see I have chosen many Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500 rated models, that may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.[3][4]
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
| 2 | New Balance 577V1 / 577 V1 (men's) | Not stated | Leather | Hook-and-loop | Abzorb | Not stated |
| 3 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 4 | New Balance 840 V5 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Made | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 6 | New Balance 928V3 / 928 V3 (men's) | Walking Shoe | Leather | Hook-and-loop | Not stated | Rubber |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes for Drop Foot
In our List, you will find some of the best available New Balance Shoe models for Drop Foot;
1
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, a practical detail for running.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
2
Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear
The New Balance 577 V1 (men’s) and 577V1 (women’s) are matching shoes from New Balance, and both are worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light, so the shoe does not feel heavy during everyday wear.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Wrapped rubber outsole for a bold look, a practical detail for running.
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate.
- These running shoes are made with a knit mesh upper to keep your feet comfortable, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
4
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance 840 V5 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- These running shoes have a ABZORB midsole which absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- The brand’s Synthetic and mesh upper running shoes have a stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit, worth noting if fit is a priority for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Adjustable lace closure for customized fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 12 mm drop are approximate.
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Synthetic and mesh upper has stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit.
5
Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Made comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Premium Performance Running Shoes: the 1540v3 Running Shoe is crafted with premium materials and technologies for discerning consumers who are serious about athletic style and performance.
- Cushioned Support: the ENCAP midsole technology in these cushioned running shoes combines lightweight foam with a polyurethane rim to help deliver all-day support and impressive durability.
- These comfortable running shoes feature a ROLLBAR stability post system designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support with every stride, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Your feet are sure to look as good as they feel in the stylish and breathable uppers of these premium running shoes, made of mesh and synthetic materials, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- As of April 2021, the 1540v3 will no longer be produced in the United States.
- With the performance-inspired updates, the New Balance Classics Made in USA 990v6 sneakers will elevate your everyday style while providing cushioned comfort, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Breathable textile lining, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
6
Leather Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks
The New Balance 928 V3 (men’s) and 928V3 (women’s) are matching walking shoes from New Balance, and both are worth a look for New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- Hook-and-loop closure provides a secure fit that’s quick and easy to adjust, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for walking.
- Removable polyurethane footbeds, which adds step-in comfort for walking.
- Engineered with motion control technology to provide superior stability and alignment for walkers who need extra support with each stride, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- ROLLBAR technology reinforces the medial and lateral sides of the midsole, reducing rear-foot movement and promoting a stable, controlled walking gait, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for drop foot.
- ABZORB cushioning absorbs impact at the heel and forefoot, delivering all-day comfort that reduces fatigue during extended walks.
- Leather Upper Support: premium leather upper provides a polished, professional look with structured support that holds up through daily wear and maintains its shape.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Drop Foot
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Leather Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- NHS: Foot drop
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Common peroneal nerve dysfunction
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes – Policy Article (A52501)
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes & inserts
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 813V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 577V1 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1400 V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 990V5 to New Balance 840 V5
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1540V3 to New Balance Made
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 928V3 to a current in-stock listing
- Jul 2022: First published
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