# TLDR Review: New Balance 608v5 Women's Trainer

*Published: 2026-04-09 | Updated: 2026-04-09 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/new-balance-608v5-womens-trainer*

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## Product: New Balance 608v5 Women's Trainer
**Brand:** New Balance

## Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable cushioning with ABZORB heel and forefoot padding plus a thick EVA midsole, reducing arch and lower back pain during long standing hours
- True to size and wide-foot friendly, fitting well right out of the box with no break-in needed
- Provides excellent support with dual-density foam collar and internal shank, maintaining stability without stiffness
- Water resistant and slip resistant, making them ideal for work environments and various surfaces like tile, linoleum, and wet sidewalks
- Leather upper looks clean and professional, easy to maintain with simple cleaning, and versatile enough for casual wear
- Secure lace-up design prevents heel slip even after extended wear
- Durable construction, proven to hold quality and appearance over long-term use
- Stylish and more attractive than typical food service or work shoes
- Available in wide sizes with plenty of room for orthotics, though some recommend sizing up half a size if using inserts
- Lightweight and sturdy despite a slightly bulky appearance

## Cons
- The shoes are not made of 100% leather as claimed, which some users found disappointing
- Slightly stiff compared to other New Balance models, which may affect initial comfort for some wearers
- Bulky appearance might not appeal to everyone looking for a sleek style
- Some mention a need for better sizing standardization in certain markets (e.g., Mexican sizing)
- Primarily designed for walking and standing rather than running or high-impact sports

## Bottom Line

The New Balance Women's 608v5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer excels as a supportive, durable, and comfortable shoe for anyone spending long hours on their feet, especially in work environments requiring slip resistance and water resistance. If you need a shoe that’s both practical and stylish with good cushioning and room for orthotics, this is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a fully leather upper or a sleeker, less bulky design, you might want to explore other models. Overall, this shoe is a great everyday trainer and work shoe hybrid that meets expectations for comfort and support.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Exceptionally comfortable cushioning with ABZORB heel and forefoot padding plus a thick EVA midsole, reducing arch and lower back pain during long standing hours | The shoes are not made of 100% leather as claimed, which some users found disappointing |
| True to size and wide-foot friendly, fitting well right out of the box with no break-in needed | Slightly stiff compared to other New Balance models, which may affect initial comfort for some wearers |
| Provides excellent support with dual-density foam collar and internal shank, maintaining stability without stiffness | Bulky appearance might not appeal to everyone looking for a sleek style |
| Water resistant and slip resistant, making them ideal for work environments and various surfaces like tile, linoleum, and wet sidewalks | Some mention a need for better sizing standardization in certain markets (e.g., Mexican sizing) |
| Leather upper looks clean and professional, easy to maintain with simple cleaning, and versatile enough for casual wear | Primarily designed for walking and standing rather than running or high-impact sports |
| Secure lace-up design prevents heel slip even after extended wear |  |
| Durable construction, proven to hold quality and appearance over long-term use |  |
| Stylish and more attractive than typical food service or work shoes |  |
| Available in wide sizes with plenty of room for orthotics, though some recommend sizing up half a size if using inserts |  |
| Lightweight and sturdy despite a slightly bulky appearance |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*