When you’re on your feet most of the day, you’d want to invest in work shoes that can keep your feet comfy for as long as possible. If you’re on the lookout for sneaker work shoes, I’ve got you covered. Read on for my observations while testing two popular, high-quality work shoes – the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe – both have much more to offer than just their sporty good looks.

Does the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe look alike?

When it comes to style, these shoes don’t veer away from the classic sneaker silhouette. Both have uppers mainly consisting of leather with synthetic materials fitted into specific sections (such as the collar and the back of the heels). I can’t tell the difference between these shoes and regular sneakers because they look the same. I appreciate this style, though, because it’s easier for me to enjoy these pairs on and off the job site. The shoes’ streamlined profiles blend nicely with non-formal work attire and just as easily pair well with casual outfits.

Winner: These shoes are both winners in style, showcasing low-profile sneaker designs that are versatile enough to be enjoyed in non-work settings.

Will the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe and New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer protect the feet against falling objects?

With their sporty designs, I wasn’t surprised that these shoes don’t come with safety toe caps. Without these protective enhancements, I won’t recommend these shoes to those who work in conditions with impact and compression threats. These soft-toed sneaker work shoes don’t form barriers that can keep the toes safe from crushing injuries in case heavy items accidentally roll or drop from elevated areas in the workplace.

Winner: These are both soft-toed work shoes, so they don’t offer significant protection on the toe area against hazardous compression and impact.

Are the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe and New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer lightweight?

Weight isn’t an issue with these work shoes. I love how lightweight they are, which makes walking for hours a breeze. Since they don’t pull the feet down with extra weight, it’s easier for me to focus on my tasks without feeling like I was dragging along heavy footwear throughout the day. The lightweight profiles of the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe help protect my muscles from fatigue, especially when I need to stay upright – walking or standing – for long hours.

Winner: Both shoes are winners in this category. They have lightweight designs that make walking more comfortable over long periods.

Do these shoes have waterproof designs?

No, these shoes are not waterproof. I’m happy to note, though, that the leather uppers don’t instantly absorb liquids. They offer minimal water resistance to protect the feet from soaking if wet elements splash on the shoes. However, since they’re not equipped with fully waterproof materials, I won’t recommend using these sneaker shoes in wet areas because they’ll let in liquids easily and make the feet uncomfortably wet.

Winner: The New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe don’t stand out in this category because they both have non-waterproof designs.

Can the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe keep the feet comfortable over long periods?

These work shoes are almost as comfortable as my favorite sneakers. New Balance’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer features an EVA footbed to cushion the impact of walking on hard surfaces. I can also feel the injection-molded EVA midsole offering an extra layer of padding reliable support and comfortable softness while I stay on my feet all day. This section has a nice flexibility (just like the leather upper), so I don’t feel it interferes with how I walk. There’s a soft liner that adds a soft layer inside, so it’s easier to keep the skin safe from blistering even with hours of continuous foot movement. Meanwhile, a heel pocket works with the padded collar, keeping the foot secure and saving it from unintentional movements or ankle twisting. I’m impressed with the proprietary ABZORB technology that brings a comfortable, foamy feel into the heel area. This section is responsible for shock absorption, soaking up the hard impact of walking before it can turn into fatigue. Another noteworthy thing about the 624 V2 Cross Trainer is that it’s available in extended-width options to cater to the sizing needs of more customers.

On the other hand, the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe is just as flexible. I didn’t expect the leather upper to flex the way it does, but I’m glad this is the case. This shoe’s sporty profile doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort because it’s almost as comfy as my trusted pair of athletic sneakers. It uses the DMX foam technology used by the brand in its line of basketball shoes, giving cushioning to save the feet from painful impact. This type of foam offers comfortable softness on top, while the bottom works to absorb impact for lasting fatigue relief. I especially like the memory foam sock liner that molds to the foot’s shape for a personalized feel. The interior has an air-cushioned feel that creates a bouncy effect, propelling my steps with a welcome burst of energy. It’s worth mentioning that the Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe has a snug fit, so those with wide feet may not feel as comfortable using this pair.

Winner: These shoes are both comfortable, but the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer has a slight edge because it’s true to size (rather than being too snug) and is offered in extended width options.

Do these work shoes heat up quickly?

The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe has mesh material built into a few upper sections. The mesh portions allow more air to get into the shoe, sustaining proper ventilation to keep the feet feeling fresh and cool. A mesh liner is also fitted into the interior to help dissipate moisture and heat during long hours of continuous shoe use.

On the other hand, the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer has fewer textile sections incorporated into the leather upper. It heats up more quickly (than the Work N Cushion), even with some ventilation holes built into the upper. I won’t recommend using this shoe in extremely warm or humid work environments that can cause the feet to feel overheated.

Winner: The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe wins in this category because it’s more breathable and cooler than the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer.

Are the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe and New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer fitted with high-traction outsoles?

The outsoles of these shoes look similar, but they perform differently. Reebok’s Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe has a slip-resistant outsole that firmly holds onto the surfaces I walk on. I had no trouble maintaining my balance over slippery and unstable surfaces because the rubber outsole works hard to grip the ground strongly. I also like how the beveled heel works as a shock absorber for better foot comfort over long hours of walking.

On the other hand, the bottom of New Balance’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer is nearly completely smooth. It doesn’t have a good grip on most surfaces, so my steps don’t feel as confident and safe when navigating tricky ground. I did appreciate the flex grooves built into the outsole’s body as they enable the feet to flex naturally and in comfortable ways.

Winner: In terms of traction, the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe wins with a slip-resistant outsole that secures the footing over tricky ground conditions.

How durable are these shoes?

Both shoes can keep up with the demands of busy workdays. The New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer’s leather upper doesn’t wear out easily and can be wiped clean. I discovered that it also doesn’t absorb stains quickly, so the shoe retains its high-quality appearance for much longer. The thick laces aren’t prone to fraying and can be relied on to last for years. An internal shank helps preserve the shoe’s structural strength and secures the foot’s proper alignment at the same time.

The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe also has a sturdy leather upper. I noticed that material overlays are built into several upper sections, reinforcing them against normal wear and tear for longer-lasting performance. However, the laces are thin, and I don’t think they’re built to last as long as thicker shoelace types.

Winner: These shoes have durable profiles, but the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer comes out on top with a sturdier structure and thicker, stronger shoelaces.

Who’s the Overall Winner?

Both athletic work shoes in this comparison have high-quality features and aesthetics. The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe comes out on top with better performance with regards to high-traction outsoles and comfortable breathability. However, the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer has a sturdier build overall.

Recap

The New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer is best for:

• Casual/non-formal work environments
• Walking and standing for long periods
• Long-term footwear performance

Choose the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe if you:

• Work in hot or humid conditions
• Need to walk on slippery or unstable ground
• Prefer comfortable sneaker-like footwear for work

Conclusion

Sneaker work shoes such as the New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer and Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe can save your feet from discomfort over long workdays spent walking or standing. Their sporty profiles can be maximized in and out of the work area and can be paired with more outfit choices off the clock. These shoes are also sturdy enough to last a long time.