New Balance 608v5

First look

The 608v5 is the current version of New Balance's long-running 608, a leather trainer that New Balance Canada files under training and Sport Chek sells as a walking shoe. New Balance lists a leather upper, a lightweight injection-moulded EVA midsole with an ABZORB heel crash pad, an internal midfoot shank, a seam-light Phantom Liner and an NDurance rubber outsole. The men's version comes with New Balance's Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert; the women's lists a PU foam insert and a weight of 310 g.

It is CA$109.99 at New Balance Canada and Sport Chek. The men's all-white MX608AW5 comes in D, 2E and 4E widths, sizes 6.5 to 18. On New Balance Canada the women's WX608v5 came in white with light blue or pink trim, in B and D widths, and Sport Chek listed a women's wide fit in white. Smooth leather is the reason to pick it over the mesh runners on our comfort list: it wipes clean, which suits jobs where shoes get splashed. New Balance also makes a 608v5 Slip Resistant, tested to the ASTM F2913 standard, but New Balance Canada sold it only in black in October 2026.

For winter, the leather upper handles cold, dry days and light slush better than mesh, but it is not waterproof. Wipe off salt the same day. It is a heavier, more traditional shape than a modern running shoe. Our picks are based on construction, materials, price and availability in Canada; hands-on Lab results are being added as each pair finishes testing.