As a shoe enthusiast, I’m always seeking that perfect blend of style and comfort. The New Balance 327 for women is exactly that. You’ve seen them everywhere – a true icon. But are they just about looks, or do they deliver on comfort and practicality? In this comprehensive New Balance Women’s 327 review, I’ll dive deep into its design, comfort, sizing, durability, and styling. Whether you’re a business or an individual, I’ll provide all the insights you need to decide if the New Balance 327 is your next must-have.
The New Balance 327: A Story of Heritage Reimagined
The moment you see the New Balance 327, its special appeal is clear. It’s a meticulously crafted homage to New Balance’s rich running heritage from the 1970s, a smart “mash-up” that reinvents classic elements for today’s fashion-forward consumer.
What truly sets the 327 apart are its bold, exaggerated design features. The most striking is the oversized, asymmetrical “N” logo on the lateral side—a confident statement. Beyond the logo, the silhouette boasts a distinctive flared midsole, giving it a modern feel. The trail-inspired lug outsole extends creatively up the heel, adding unique aesthetics and enhanced grip. This blend of retro roots with contemporary flair is precisely why the New Balance 327 has resonated so strongly with a diverse audience.
Key Design Elements & Specifications
Understanding the specifics of the New Balance 327 is key to appreciating its appeal. Let’s break down what makes this women’s sneaker truly stand out:
- Style Code & Collection: Often categorized under New Balance Classic, drawing direct inspiration from running shoe designs. SKUs vary widely (e.g., WS327KA, U327LT).
- Top Style: Low-top silhouette, offering a versatile fit.
- Closure: Traditional laces provide a secure, adjustable fit.
- Seasonality: Suitable for Spring and Fall, with many models also performing well in Summer due to breathability. Some colorways are designed for All Seasons.
- Features: Often boasts breathable uppers, orthotic-friendly design (thanks to removable insoles), and a lightweight construction. It’s frequently recommended for general comfort in lifestyle wear.
Materials Breakdown:
The material composition of the New Balance 327 women’s sneaker is crucial to its unique texture and durability. The most common combination features:
- Upper: A mix of mesh and suede. Some iterations incorporate nylon or leather overlays. Mesh sections are porous, designed for airflow.
- Midsole: Made from EVA foam, a lightweight, cushioning material.
- Outsole: Features a distinctive lugged rubber outsole (sometimes called “Lug” by New Balance), designed for excellent traction.
- Lining: Often includes fleece lining for comfort, particularly around the collar.
This careful selection and combination of materials contribute to the 327’s iconic look and comfortable feel, making it a favorite for both fashion and casual wear.
A Rainbow of Colorways
One of the most exciting aspects of the New Balance 327 is its vast range of colorways. From subtle and sophisticated to vibrant and playful, there’s a 327 to match every personal style and occasion.
- Neutrals: You’ll find an abundance of versatile neutral tones like browns, navy, black, grey, beige, Timberwolf/Aluminum, and Moonbeam. These are incredibly popular for their seamless integration into any wardrobe, offering an understated yet chic look.
- Bold & Eye-Catching: For those who love a pop of color, New Balance consistently releases models with bright accents or full-color designs, such as red, coral, or green “N” logos. These options allow you to make a statement and inject personality into your outfit.
- Collaborations & Exclusive Editions: Keep an eye out for special collaborations or exclusive colorways from retailers like Anthropologie or Dick’s Sporting Goods, which often offer unique combinations.
This wide array of colors is a significant draw, appealing to a broad spectrum of tastes and ensuring that the New Balance 327 remains a fresh and desirable choice season after season. For businesses, this diversity means appealing to a wider customer base.
Unpacking the Comfort and Performance of the New Balance 327
When it comes to sneakers, comfort is just as important as style. The New Balance 327 women’s sneaker truly shines in its ability to deliver surprising comfort for all-day wear, making it much more than just a fashion statement.
Comfort for All-Day Wear
I can confidently say that the New Balance 327 is a remarkably comfortable shoe right out of the box. There’s virtually no break-in period required, which is a huge plus. This makes it an ideal choice for those long days on your feet, whether you’re navigating city streets, running errands, or simply enjoying a casual stroll. Its design truly supports a “lifestyle” type of wear.
- Cushioning: The shoe features a thick EVA foam midsole (approximately 35.0 mm at the heel and 25.0 mm at the forefoot). This generous amount of foam provides excellent impact protection, effectively muting the shock from walking on hard surfaces. While the midsole feels “balanced” in terms of softness (lab measured at 26.6 HA, leaning firmer), its substantial stack height allows your foot to sink in, creating a softer perceived cushioning. The removable insole (approx. 4.4 mm thick) also adds to the overall internal padding, though it’s on the slimmer side.
- Flexibility: Despite its chunky appearance, the New Balance 327 is surprisingly flexible. Lab tests show it requires a standard amount of force (13.8N) to bend, ensuring a comfortable stride that doesn’t feel overly stiff.
Stability and Grip You Can Trust
Beyond pure comfort, the New Balance 327 also offers a solid foundation, which contributes to a feeling of security with every step.
- Traction: The distinctive dotted rubber outsole is not just for looks; it’s highly functional. Lab tests confirmed an above-average friction score (0.51 at the heel), meaning it grips both dry and wet surfaces effectively. This makes it a reliable choice for varying urban conditions.
- Stability: Coming from a brand renowned for stability, the 327 feels exceptionally planted. It boasts a high level of torsional rigidity (rated 4 out of 5), which helps mitigate excessive lateral movements. The platform itself is notably wide, especially at the forefoot (119.5 mm) and heel (90.6 mm), contributing significantly to a stable, well-grounded feel. The moderately stiff heel counter (rated 3 out of 5) also contributes to a snug lockdown without putting undue pressure on your tendons.
Breathability and Weight
For those concerned about foot comfort in warmer climates, the New Balance 327 scores well.
- Breathability: Thanks to its porous mesh sections in the upper, the shoe offers above-average ventilation (rated 4 out of 5). Smoke tests show air escapes quickly and evenly, making it a great option for those toasty summer days.
- Weight: Despite its substantial rubber outsole and thick midsole, the 327 is surprisingly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 10.6 oz (301g) for a men’s size 9. This is significantly lighter than the average sneaker, ensuring it never feels cumbersome, even during prolonged wear.
Sizing & Fit: Getting Your New Balance 327 Right
Sizing can often be the trickiest part of buying shoes online, but with the New Balance 327 for women, I can offer some clear guidance based on extensive feedback and my own experience.
Does the New Balance 327 Run True to Size?
Generally, the New Balance 327 women’s version runs true to size. This is fantastic news! My strong recommendation is to stick with your usual sneaker size. If you typically wear a US Women’s size 7, then a size 7 in the 327 should fit perfectly.
However, a couple of nuances exist:
- Snug Fit Perception: Its sleek silhouette might initially feel snug, but you’ll find regular internal space once worn. Lab measurements confirm a typical width (92.1 mm) for a D medium fit.
- Toe Box: While moderately tapered, the width near the big toe is normal (69.0 mm), and the toe box height is quite generous (30.4 mm). This means your toes generally won’t feel cramped from above.
- Wide Feet: If you have genuinely wide feet, the New Balance 327 might be a bit snug, particularly around the midfoot and forefoot. It might cause pinching. In such cases, considering a different New Balance model known for wider fits (like the NB 574) could be a better option.
Sock Thickness and Initial Try-On
- The New Balance 327 accommodates both thin no-show socks and slightly thicker athletic socks comfortably. If you prefer very thick socks, you might consider going up a half size, but for most, your true size will be fine.
- If unsure about sizing when buying online, order two adjacent sizes if the retailer’s return policy allows. This is particularly helpful given how quickly popular New Balance 327 colorways can sell out.
Durability: Is Your New Balance 327 Built to Last?
Investing in a quality sneaker means expecting it to last. The New Balance 327 generally holds up well, thanks to its thoughtful construction and material choices, though like any shoe, some areas are more robust than others.
- Leather/Suede Quality: The suede overlays on the New Balance 327 are typically genuine suede. Lab tests confirm this, indicating authenticity and better durability compared to synthetics.
- Outsole Durability: The chunky rubber outsole proves to be quite hardy. Lab tests showed minimal wear (only 0.8 mm of rubber shorn off after a 20-second Dremel test at 10K RPM), which is better than the average sneaker. Its thickness (5.7 mm) further contributes to its longevity. You can expect the outsole to withstand regular wear for a significant period.
- Toebox Durability: The suede toebox, while stylish, showed decent durability in lab tests (rated 3 out of 5). While it might show an indent after extreme abrasion, it’s predicted to hold up well for approximately 500 miles of normal use.
- Heel Padding Durability: This is an area where the New Balance 327 shows some vulnerability. The heel padding durability was rated lower (1 out of 5) in lab tests, with significant damage after a few seconds of abrasion. This suggests that frequently wearing the shoes without socks, where constant friction occurs, might take a toll on the heel lining over time. It’s a minor point for most, but something to be aware of.
Overall, the New Balance 327 is a durable shoe that’s built for extended casual wear. With proper care, it should remain a stylish and reliable option in your wardrobe for a long time.
Styling Your New Balance Women’s 327: Fashion Forward
One of the most appealing aspects of the New Balance 327 is its incredible versatility. It effortlessly bridges the gap between sporty and chic, making it a fantastic addition to almost any casual or smart-casual outfit. If you’re looking for a sneaker that can elevate your look without compromising on comfort, this is it.
The Everyday Essential
The New Balance 327 excels as an everyday shoe. Its clean lines and distinctive profile add a touch of cool to even the simplest ensembles.
- With Jeans: This is a classic pairing. The 327 looks fantastic with various denim styles—think cropped jeans, straight-leg jeans, or even wider-leg denim. The retro vibe of the shoe perfectly complements the timeless appeal of denim.
- Casual Comfort: Pair them with your favorite t-shirts, hoodies, or oversized sweaters for a relaxed yet put-together look. They also work wonderfully with casual rompers or jumpsuits, offering a stylish alternative to sandals or flats.
Elevated Athleisure
The New Balance 327 was practically made for the athleisure trend. It strikes the ideal balance between athletic inspiration and fashion-forward design.
- Leggings & Joggers: Slip them on with your go-to leggings or comfortable joggers for a sleek, sporty look that’s perfect for running errands, casual meetups, or hitting the gym (for low-impact activities).
- Sporty Skirts & Skorts: For a more feminine yet active vibe, try styling your 327s with a sporty midi skirt or a chic skort. This combination is ideal for a casual brunch or a day of sightseeing.
Unexpected Chic
Don’t be afraid to experiment! The New Balance 327 can bring an unexpected edge to dressier casual outfits.
- Midi Dresses & Skirts: One of my favorite ways to wear the 327 is with flowy midi dresses or skirts. This creates a contemporary, “cool girl” aesthetic, offering a relaxed alternative to heels or even ballet flats. It’s perfect for travel when you need comfort without sacrificing style.
- Oversized Blazers: For an effortlessly chic look, pair your 327s with an oversized blazer and tailored trousers or even denim. It’s a powerful combination that exudes modern sophistication.
The Height Advantage
A subtle but welcome feature of the New Balance 327 is its wedge-like sole, which provides a slight height boost of approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. This added elevation can make your legs appear longer and provides a little “oomph” to your overall silhouette—a bonus that many appreciate!
No matter your personal style, the New Balance 327 offers a fresh and fashionable way to complete your look. Its iconic design ensures you’ll stand out, while its comfort keeps you moving throughout your day.
Maintaining Your Investment: Keeping Your New Balance 327 Looking Great
You’ve invested in a fantastic pair of New Balance 327s, and naturally, you want them to look their best for as long as possible. Given their mixed material construction, a little care goes a long way.
- Spot Cleaning is Key: Due to the combination of suede, mesh, and sometimes nylon or leather, spot cleaning is the most recommended method. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes that could damage the materials.
- Suede Care: For the suede sections, a soft-bristled brush (a dedicated suede brush works best) can gently remove dirt and restore the nap. For tougher marks, a suede eraser can be effective.
- Mesh/Nylon/Leather: For these areas, a damp cloth with a mild soap solution (or dedicated sneaker cleaning solution) and sneaker wipes work wonders. Gently wipe away dirt and grime.
- Beware of Color Transfer: A crucial point to remember, especially for colorways with contrasting dark and light elements, is that colors can sometimes bleed, particularly if the shoes get very wet. This means throwing your New Balance 327s in the washing machine is generally not recommended as it can lead to bleeding and potential damage.
- Drying: Always allow your shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight, which can warp materials. You can stuff them with paper towels to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape.
By following these simple cleaning tips, your New Balance 327s will continue to look fresh and fashionable, ready for all your adventures.
FAQs About the New Balance Women’s 327
I often get asked specific questions about the New Balance 327, so I’ve compiled some of the most common ones here to provide even more clarity.
Is the New Balance 327 good for running or workouts?
No, the New Balance 327 is primarily designed as a lifestyle or fashion sneaker, not a performance running shoe. While it offers excellent comfort for casual walking and all-day wear, it doesn’t provide the specialized support, cushioning, or stability required for high-impact activities like running, intense gym workouts, or competitive sports. For those activities, New Balance offers other excellent performance-focused models (e.g., Fresh Foam styles).
Does the New Balance 327 have good arch support?
The New Balance 327 provides light to sufficient arch support for most casual wearers. It offers a comfortable and stable base, but if you have specific needs for significant arch support or suffer from conditions like severe flat feet, you might find it less supportive than dedicated orthopedic shoes. The insole is removable, so you could potentially replace it with custom orthotics if needed.
Can I wear my New Balance 327s in wet weather? Are they waterproof?
The New Balance 327 is not fully waterproof. While some models might have a “water-resistant” mesh or suede, prolonged exposure to heavy rain or deep puddles will likely result in your feet getting wet. The suede parts, in particular, can be susceptible to water damage and potential color transfer if they become saturated. It’s best to avoid wearing them in very wet conditions to preserve their appearance and integrity.
How do I choose between the different New Balance 327 colorways?
Choosing a New Balance 327 colorway depends on your personal style and how you plan to wear them.
Neutrals (like beige, grey, black, or navy) are incredibly versatile and easy to pair with almost any outfit.
Vibrant colors or those with a bold “N” logo are great for making a statement and adding a pop of color to a more neutral wardrobe.Consider your existing wardrobe and what would complement it best. Sometimes, having both a neutral pair and a more colorful option is ideal!
Are New Balance 327s good for wide feet?
Generally, the New Balance 327 is not ideal for wide feet. Its streamlined silhouette and moderately tapered toe box tend to fit medium-width feet best. While it provides adequate space for average feet, individuals with genuinely broad feet might find it too snug and uncomfortable, leading to pinching in the toe area. If you have wide feet, it’s often better to look at New Balance models that offer wider sizing options.
Final Verdict: Is the New Balance 327 Your Next Iconic Sneaker?
After thoroughly reviewing the New Balance Women’s 327, it’s clear why this sneaker has captured the hearts of so many. It’s a beautifully designed shoe that perfectly marries retro aesthetics with contemporary fashion, making it incredibly versatile for a wide range of styles and occasions.
Whether you’re an individual seeking a stylish and comfortable everyday shoe that effortlessly elevates your look, or a small business looking to offer a highly sought-after product to your customers, the New Balance 327 is an excellent choice. Its popularity shows no signs of waning, making it a smart addition to any collection.
Do you still have questions about the New Balance 327, or are you interested in exploring other top-tier footwear options that match your unique style and comfort preferences?
Don’t hesitate to contact me directly on WhatsApp for wholesale inquiries, product sourcing, or personalized style advice！
What do you think of the New Balance 327? Share your thoughts, favorite colorways, or how you style yours in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
