# TLDR Review: New Balance 997H

*Published: 2026-02-11 | Updated: 2026-02-11 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/new-balance-997h*

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## Product: New Balance 997H
**Brand:** New Balance

## 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 eye-catching colorways that stand out.
- Solid, well-made 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.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Very comfortable with excellent foot support and cushioning, suitable for extended wear and workouts. | Runs shorter and has a shallower toe box than typical New Balance shoes, so sizing up may be necessary for some buyers. |
| Offers the classic New Balance fit and quality, especially supportive for wide, flat feet. | Orthotics can be difficult to insert and may cause squeaking noises, which some find bothersome. |
| Stylish and attractive design with eye-catching colorways that stand out. | Temporary solutions like talcum powder under orthotics provide only limited relief from squeaking. |
| Solid, well-made construction using good quality materials ensures durability. | Placing orthotics on top of insoles stops squeaking but can cause socks to catch, requiring an older insole underneath for best results. |
| Good grip on various surfaces, making the shoes practical for multiple activities. | Initial fit may feel tight before the shoes fully break in. |
| 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. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Super Runners Shop | $27.00  | Check |
| GOAT | $140.00  | Check |

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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.*