New Balance 740 Review – A Throwback That Still Gets the Job Done
The New Balance 740 is not trying to be flashy or overloaded with futuristic technology. Instead, it takes a more straightforward approach — blending a retro running shoe look with enough comfort and durability to make it a reliable everyday sneaker. It’s a shoe that quietly does its job, appealing to those who appreciate a classic design and a reasonable price tag.
At first glance, it delivers that early-2000s “dad shoe” vibe New Balance has become famous for. But when we put it through hands-on wear and detailed lab testing, the 740 showed it’s more than just a style piece. It’s lightweight for its category, flexible, and surprisingly tough in some areas where you’d expect a budget-friendly shoe to cut corners.
Everyday Comfort Without the Excess Cushioning
Slipping on the New Balance 740, you won’t be greeted by pillowy softness — and that’s by design. Its midsole foam leans toward the firmer side, which gives the shoe a more stable, grounded feel rather than a bouncy ride. New Balance uses its ABZORB technology in the heel, which helps absorb impact on hard surfaces, especially during long days on your feet.
While the cushioning isn’t plush, the shoe still protects you from the jolts of pavement or tile floors. This is thanks to its generous stack height: a 31.7 mm heel and 21.5 mm forefoot, giving a 10.2 mm drop. That slight heel lift takes pressure off your Achilles tendon and can make walking or standing for hours a bit easier.
Flexible and Surprisingly Light
The 740 might look chunky in photos, but in hand — and especially on foot — it’s far from heavy. At just over 11 ounces (319 grams), it’s lighter than many similar retro sneakers, making it feel quick and easy to wear for daily errands or casual walks.
Flexibility is another plus. In our lab, it took very little force to bend the shoe, which means your foot can move naturally without fighting against stiff materials. This makes it more forgiving for casual wear, though serious runners or those needing strong arch support might find it too unstructured.
Fit and Toe Room
Fit-wise, the 740 runs true to size and has a medium width that works for most foot shapes. The toebox is a highlight — slightly rounded and more accommodating than pointier sneakers. Measurements showed it to be roomier both in width and height than the average casual shoe, which means less squeezing of toes and more comfort over long hours.
That extra height in the toebox is especially noticeable if you’re used to narrow, shallow sneakers. It allows for natural toe splay and can help reduce hotspots or blisters.
Breathability – Looks Can Be Deceiving
The upper features a mesh material that gives the impression of being ultra-breathable. However, our tests revealed otherwise. There’s a secondary mesh layer beneath the surface that blocks some airflow, meaning the shoe doesn’t vent heat as well as its appearance suggests. While it won’t feel stuffy in spring or autumn, it may run warmer than expected during peak summer temperatures.
Stable Enough for Everyday Use
The 740 isn’t built as a stability shoe, but it still offers a steady platform for walking and standing. The base is slightly wider than average at both the forefoot and heel, helping reduce that side-to-side wobble you sometimes get in narrow sneakers. For people with normal pronation or very mild inward rolling, it’s stable enough for daily wear.
The downside is that it lacks a structured heel counter and has a relatively soft collar, so it doesn’t lock your ankle in as firmly as more supportive models. If you have moderate to severe overpronation, you might want something with more built-in support.
Traction and Grip
On city streets and everyday surfaces, the 740 performs well. Its rubber outsole provides good grip on dry pavement, stone, and other urban textures. Even on slightly wet surfaces, it holds its own, though it’s not intended for trail or slippery environments.
The outsole design includes segmented pods in the forefoot, which help maintain flexibility without sacrificing too much surface contact. This design choice balances grip with movement, making the shoe feel more natural underfoot.
Durability That Exceeds Expectations
For a shoe at this price point, durability was one of the biggest surprises. The mesh upper resisted abrasion impressively in our tests, earning top marks for toebox toughness. The heel padding also proved to be hard-wearing, only showing cosmetic scuffs after aggressive testing.
The outsole rubber, while not a premium proprietary blend, held up well to simulated wear, with only minimal denting. Its hardness level is slightly lower than average, which may help with grip, but it’s still firm enough to promise decent lifespan.
Materials and Aesthetic Details
The overlays on the 740 are synthetic, not real leather or suede. This helps keep the cost down but also means you won’t get that premium feel of natural materials. That said, the finish looks clean and suits the retro styling.
One thing missing is reflective detailing — the metallic-looking sections don’t actually shine under light. This may not matter to most casual wearers, but night-time walkers should take note.
The tongue has a moderate amount of padding to protect from lace pressure, but it’s not gusseted, so it may shift slightly during wear. There’s no heel pull tab either, though the opening is large enough to slide the foot in without a struggle.
Versatility and Styling
One reason the 740 has been gaining popularity is its style flexibility. It’s available in over a dozen colorways, ranging from neutral grays and whites to bolder accent combinations. This makes it easy to match with jeans, joggers, shorts, or even casual chinos. It’s a shoe that works equally well for a trip to the coffee shop or a casual day at the office.
The overall silhouette leans into that “dad sneaker” aesthetic without going overboard. It’s retro without feeling like a costume piece, and it won’t clash with modern casual outfits.
Weight and Feel on the Move
During daily use, the lightweight nature of the 740 becomes one of its strongest features. You don’t get the sense of dragging heavy footwear around, and the flexibility makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
While it lacks a bouncy energy return, the shoe offers a stable, predictable ride. Some people prefer this, as it makes the shoe feel less tiring over long stretches of walking. The firm midsole also means it won’t bottom out as quickly as overly soft foams sometimes do.
Where It Falls Short
Not everything about the 740 is perfect. Breathability is only moderate, so if you’re looking for a hot-weather sneaker, you might want something more ventilated. The cushioning, while protective, isn’t plush — so if you crave a soft, cloud-like feel, this isn’t the shoe for you.
It also isn’t the best option for people who need significant stability features or arch support. Flat-footed walkers or those with strong overpronation might be better off in a stability-focused sneaker from ASICS or another brand.
Value for Money
At a price lower than many comparable retro sneakers from New Balance and other brands, the 740 delivers strong value. You get a shoe with a timeless look, good durability, and all-day comfort for casual wear. While it doesn’t come with premium materials or advanced tech features, it performs well in all the basics that matter for an everyday sneaker.
Considering its durability, fit, and style versatility, it’s easy to see why it’s become one of the more popular casual models in its price range.
Final Verdict
The New Balance 740 is a no-nonsense sneaker that stays true to its retro roots while still offering enough comfort, flexibility, and durability to be a solid everyday choice. It’s not trying to be a high-tech performance shoe, nor is it trying to compete with luxury sneakers. Instead, it focuses on delivering the essentials at a fair price.
If you want a lightweight, stable, and easy-to-wear sneaker with a nostalgic running-shoe look, the 740 is worth a serious look. Just don’t expect it to keep your feet ice-cool in summer or cradle them in marshmallow softness — this is a sneaker for people who value simplicity, reliability, and style that lasts.
FAQs about the New Balance 740
What makes the New Balance 740 unique?
The New Balance 740 stands out for its blend of retro-inspired design and modern comfort features, making it appealing to both casual wearers and sneaker enthusiasts.
Is the New Balance 740 good for daily wear?
Yes, its cushioning, supportive fit, and durable build make it a reliable choice for all-day comfort.
How does the New Balance 740 fit compared to other sneakers?
It generally offers a true-to-size fit, but those with wider feet may appreciate the roomy toe box.
What activities is the New Balance 740 best suited for?
It’s ideal for walking, light workouts, and everyday errands, thanks to its balance of stability and cushioning.
How easy is it to maintain the New Balance 740?
The shoe’s materials are easy to clean with a damp cloth, and regular care helps preserve its shape and color.
