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TLDR Review: New Balance 997H

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 11th, 2026

Pros

•Very comfortable with excellent foot support and cushioning, suitable for extended wear and workouts.
•Offers the classic New Balance fit and quality, especially supportive for wide, flat feet.
•Stylish and attractive design with eyatching colorways that stand out.
•Solid, welade construction using good quality materials ensures durability.
•Good grip on various surfaces, making the shoes practical for multiple activities.
•Provides great value for the price, comparable in quality to more expensive sneakers.
•Lightweight feel adds to comfort during physical activities.
•Many users expressed willingness to repurchase due to the combination of comfort, support, and appearance.

Cons

•Runs shorter and has a shallower toe box than typical New Balance shoes, so sizing up may be necessary for some buyers.
•Orthotics can be difficult to insert and may cause squeaking noises, which some find bothersome.
•Temporary solutions like talcum powder under orthotics provide only limited relief from squeaking.
•Placing orthotics on top of insoles stops squeaking but can cause socks to catch, requiring an older insole underneath for best results.
•Initial fit may feel tight before the shoes fully break in.

Bottom Line

The New Balance 997H is a solid choice if you want a stylish, well-made sneaker that delivers classic comfort, support, and good value. Be mindful of sizing issues—consider trying a half or full size up especially if you plan to use orthotics. If squeaking with orthotics is a dealbreaker, prepare to experiment with insole arrangements or look at models designed with more orthotic-friendly features. Overall, this shoe shines as a versatile everyday sneaker with strong appeal for those valuing comfort and style.

How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 2 retailers to give you the short version.