Summary
It’s a bit surprising to see trainers made of leather, and this uniqueness delivers numerous benefits to the New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer’s appearance and overall function. The leather upper gives the shoe clean lines, resulting in a classic silhouette that looks just as great with athletic attire and casual clothes alike. Another thing that impressed me with this shoe is it’s available in a wide range of sizes – including wide size options for wide feet and for those who simply want the extra space for increased comfort. While it’s not waterproof, the leather upper offers protection from the occasional splash of liquid, protecting the foot from being completely soaked. The shoe felt really lightweight, making it a great choice for jobs or hobbies that require staying on your feet for long periods since it won’t cause a heavy dragging feeling as the hours go by. I got the black color option which looked sleeker than the white one, providing better versatility in terms of being suitable with more outfit choices while offering easier cleaning and maintenance.
The proprietary ABZORB technology delivers enhanced cushioning, making the heel area feel foamy and comfortable as it soaks up the impact coming from continuous walking or standing on hard surfaces. The flex grooves fitted into the sole create a more flexible platform, allowing you to walk and move effortlessly. The EVA foam midsole offers extra support while also enhancing the padding from underneath. The non-marking outsole ensures that you won’t leave dirty marks on indoor spaces when you’ve just come from the outdoors. The midsole shank works to maintain the shoe’s structural strength while adding stability to every step. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer’s components and construction, showcasing which aspects contribute to the shoe’s strengths and also warning of qualities that may need to be improved on for enhanced performance and/or aesthetics.
For a minimalist look that fits in with different outfits, these cross trainers are comfortable and versatile enough to be enjoyed for work and leisure purposes.
Ideal For
- Jobs that require informal or casual clothes
- Activities and professions that involve all-day standing or walking
- People who prefer minimalist sneakers with a classic silhouette
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer is a comfortable shoe that can be enjoyed for different activities and in a variety of settings. The leather upper isn’t as soft as the other materials that are more commonly used in other trainers – such as mesh – but it also doesn’t feel as stiff as the leather that’s used in work boots. The upper is flexible enough to adapt to the foot’s action, bending along with each step for a comfortable experience that doesn’t compromise the shoe’s aesthetics and performance. The EVA footbed holds the foot securely, offering a comfortable base that protects the foot from feeling the extreme hardness of concrete floors and other unyielding surfaces that may need to be navigated on are regular basis. The heel pocket firmly keeps the heel in its proper position, preventing it from sliding unintentionally inside the shoe to maintain a stable gait, especially with lateral movements on unstable or slippery surfaces. The midsole made with injection-molded EVA foam provides another layer of cushioning to ward off pain while working twice as hard to support the foot, making it easier to move over different ground conditions without compromising comfort and stability. This midsole’s flexible EVA construction adjusts easily to every step, enabling a wider range of motion to keep you walking effortlessly and comfortably throughout the most intense activities.
I especially liked the heel’s foamy feel that’s delivered by the brand’s signature ABZORB technology, providing strong shock absorption to soak up the force produced by hours of walking.
The exclusive technology delivers superior cushioning without the added weight, helping the shoe maintain its reduced weight structure so it won’t become uncomfortable even with long hours of nonstop shoe-wearing. The sole features forefoot flex grooves, allowing the shoe to bend along with the foot’s movements so it’s much easier and more comfortable to walk because there won’t be unwelcome rigidity underfoot getting in the way. The Phantom Liner surrounds the foot with a welcoming texture, keeping it comfortable while protecting it from rubbing painfully against the shoe’s interior. This liner’s seamless design also helps prevent blister formation, which can be a risk when using shoes with seams and stitches that can dig into the skin. The padded collar also helps prevent painful chafing while increasing the snugness of the shoe, allowing the foot to be firmly positioned and protecting the ankle from accidental twisting, especially with quick movements on uneven terrains.
Weight
This shoe feels lightweight enough to be used without discomfort for extended periods, making it a great choice for activities or jobs that involve being on your feet for most of the day. It doesn’t cause a heavy dragging feeling on the foot, unlike other leather footwear that can start to feel uncomfortable with only a few hours of use.
However, it’s worth noting that while this shoe is considered lightweight for a variety of activities, it may be too heavy for running purposes. The additional weight is mainly due to the leather material that may not be too heavy but still has more weight and bulk compared to the mesh fabric that’s more commonly used in running shoes.
Traction
I assumed that the shoe would have strong traction because of its thick sole, but I was, sadly, proven wrong. It only offered limited traction, with the sole having an almost smooth surface that didn’t have a firm grip on most floors and terrains. With the weak traction sole, this shoe isn’t recommended for use in slippery conditions and on uneven floors because it won’t efficiently prevent slipping on tricky surfaces.
Fit and Sizing
This shoe is true to size, so there’s no need to go for a size that’s different from your usual choice. What makes this shoe (and other New Balance footwear) a standout when it comes to sizing is that it’s available in extended widths, including X-narrow to XX-Wide. I tried this in my usual US10 size in the XX-Wide option because I wanted my footwear to still be comfortable even when I’m wearing thick socks, especially during winter. The extended width sizes accommodate wide feet, allowing them to feel comfortable because they won’t be forced into tight-fitting footwear.
Waterproofing
The leather upper offers some degree of protection against occasional liquid exposure, such as a few drops of rain or small amounts of liquid that may be spilled accidentally on the shoe. However, this shoe isn’t suitable for exceptionally wet conditions because it doesn’t have fully waterproof materials.
Breathability
The leather upper doesn’t allow generous amounts of air to come into the shoe the way mesh does. As a result, the shoe tends to turn uncomfortably warm with prolonged use, especially if it’s used in humid or hot surroundings. Without breathable materials to dissipate heat and provide proper ventilation, the shoe’s interior can build up moisture and excess warmth with long hours of continuous use.
Quality and Durability
The New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer features a leather upper that protects the foot against wetness with limited exposure to liquids and other wet elements – although it’s not fully waterproof, so the shoe isn’t ideal for extremely wet settings. The leather upper showcases clean lines for a sleek look that pairs nicely with jeans and work pants, making this a superb shoe option for jobs that require informal clothes, such as work in restaurants, kitchen, retail sales, courier services, and others. The leather material is quite easy to clean and maintain compared to fabric where stains can instantly set in. The leather allows dirt and accidental spills to be quickly wiped off, and the black color that I chose hides stains all the better. The signature ABZORB technology gives the heel a foamy feel, offering enhanced comfort with enough bounce to bring energy back to each step so it’ll be easier to keep walking or standing for a long time without suffering from intense foot pain. The technology delivers reliable shock absorption, enabling the shoe to soak up the force that’s produced by continuous walking or staying upright on hard surfaces. The Phantom Liner keeps the foot surrounded by welcoming softness, with a seamless design that protects the foot against blister development.
The sole comes with flex grooves on the forefoot area, promoting the flexibility that’s needed for a more comfortable walking experience. The thick laces are built to maintain their durability for a long time, enabling you to deal with multiple lace fit adjustments without worrying that they’ll easily fray and deteriorate over time.
This shoe is available in different sizes and widths from extra narrow to XX-wide, accommodating a wide range of foot shapes and requirements for superb comfort. The 10mm drop can help relieve the strain that running places on the foot, calf, and ankle area, resulting in less discomfort as well as injury prevention in certain cases.
Other Versions
The New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer doesn’t come in another version. It’s available in two colorways – all black and white with navy.
Skechers Grinnell Comp Toe Shoe
The Skechers Grinnell Comp Toe Shoe has a sporty design that’s versatile enough to be used in various work settings without looking out of place when paired with casual work clothes. The brown and black color combination increases the rugged appeal, making the shoe suitable with work pants and jeans that can be used in and out of the workplace. The upper features suede and synthetic materials with a lace-up design, giving you the freedom to conveniently adjust the fit to your comfort and function needs. The mesh panels let in plenty of air, promoting a breathable interior that doesn’t easily overheat as excess warmth and moisture are dispersed outwards and prevented from building up even with long hours of use in hot settings. The memory foam insole offers enhanced comfort as it supportively cradles the foot, preventing blisters from developing as pressure zones are eased with all-day shoe use. The composite toe cap shields the foot, keeping it protected from serious injuries that may be caused by compression and impact threats. The electrical hazard safe design offers a non-primary level of safety against electric shock in case of accidental exposure to electrically charged components in dry conditions. It’s worth mentioning that the design can feel a bit too bulky, which can reduce the overall comfort when wearing this shoe.
Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe’s
The Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe’s high-quality leather upper exudes an elegance that makes it suitable not only for walking but also for use in different work settings – including those that may require more formal attire. The latex footbed offers a welcome bounce that brings energy back to every step, making it easier to keep walking comfortably for longer. The mesh lining draws moisture away from the skin, protecting the foot from feeling uncomfortable sweatiness even with continuous shoe use for hours. The San Crispino construction showcases a wide base, increasing the support from underneath to make your steps a lot steadier on uneven or slippery ground conditions. The EVA midsole acts as a dependable shock absorber, soaking up the force coming from walking continuously for hours so that the foot and leg muscles can be protected from becoming overly fatigued. The midsole doesn’t contribute a lot of weight and bulk to the shoe, allowing it to maintain its lightweight profile for all-day comfortable walking. The rubber outsole offers long-term durability while providing strong traction, enhancing the stability of your steps over tricky surface conditions for increased safety. This shoe feels a bit stiff at first but eventually feels a lot more flexible after the break-in period.
Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 3.0 Walking Shoe
The Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 3.0 Walking Shoe is a great slip-resistant choice that can help maintain your stability over uneven or slippery surfaces. Aside from slip resistance, the rubber outsole also offers abrasion resistance, protecting the shoe from premature deterioration when exposed to abrasion and harsh materials that can otherwise cause permanent damage. The leather upper has a sleek appearance, making the shoe fit well with different uniforms as well as jeans that can be maximized in and out of the work area. The soft leather adjusts according to the foot’s movements for effortless walking without being hampered by extremely rigid shoe materials. The Memory Tech sock liner embraces the foot with a comfortable presence, preventing pressure points from developing to ensure that blisters won’t easily form when you’re on your feet for extended periods. The EVA foam midsole adds cushioning from underneath for continuous comfort while creating a supportive base that can help maintain a stable gait over varying surface conditions. The beveled heel adds to the stable walking experience as it helps grip the ground more firmly while reducing the impact of walking in the heel area, preventing pain and allowing you to land more smoothly with each step. However, this may not be the best choice when you’re looking for durable shoes, as the cushion and even the threads tend to get damaged after a short period of use.
Saucony Shadow 6000 Shoe
The Saucony Shadow 6000 Shoe is constructed with a suede and leather upper, exuding a retro vibe that can significantly elevate the aesthetics of your outfit. Its stylishly sporty vibe looks great with jeans and even with work pants, blending in nicely with work settings that require casual attire. The construction offers lasting strength to keep up with various activities in different settings, providing you with the assurance of enjoying a durable shoe for long-term use. The interior features the exclusive ionic cushioning system, protecting the foot with ample padding to prevent pain with every heel strike so you can continue to walk for hours in complete comfort. The rubber outsole is designed with triangular lugs that deliver a strong grip on various surfaces, keeping you steady on your feet, so you won’t easily slip on unstable or wet ground conditions even with quick steps for efficiency. The breathable mesh panels on the upper encourage plenty of air to come in, keeping the interior feeling cool for longer This shoe has a narrow toe box, though, so it’s not ideal for those with wide feet or people who want more space for the toes to wiggle freely when needed.
Adidas Ultraboost Leather Shoe
The Adidas Ultraboost Leather Shoe has a soft leather upper that quickly adapts to the foot’s movements for increased agility for sports-related activities and even in work settings. The streamlined appearance blends well with work pants and jeans, enabling you to fully maximize the shoe’s remarkable qualities in different environments. This shoe is comfortable enough to be used for hours of walking or standing, with the proprietary Boost midsole offering a high-energy return to keep you moving pain-free for a long time. The leather construction makes it ideal for use in cold settings, keeping the foot comfortable with enough warmth – when insulation isn’t necessary yet – to ward off the uncomfortable chill. The flexible sole accommodates every step and keeps you moving effortlessly without stiff materials getting in the way, allowing you to perform optimally without compromising your comfort. The outsole delivers good traction to prevent slipping on challenging surfaces, enabling you to walk more safely without restricting your quick movements over slippery or rough ground conditions. The leather upper has its downside, though, as it doesn’t allow a lot of air to pass through, resulting in an interior that tends to turn overly warm when used nonstop, especially in hot or humid locations.
Conclusion & Verdict
The New Balance Men’s 624 V2 Cross Trainer is a great choice if you’re looking for a shoe that comes in a wide range of width options. The versatile design brings benefits for athletic activities as well as for casual and professional use, with the shoe pairing remarkably well with jeans and work pants. This shoe works well as dependable footwear for non-hazardous jobs, with a comfortable profile that’s lightweight enough to be used for hours of walking or standing without causing considerable discomfort.
