A good pair of shoes can make or break a holiday, especially when the destination is Coorg during the monsoon. With its lush green landscapes, winding roads, misty weather, uneven paths and frequent showers, Coorg is beautiful but can be demanding on your footwear. That is exactly why I decided to put the New Balance ABZORB 2000 through a real-world test during my recent trip.
Rather than reviewing the shoes after a few casual walks around the neighbourhood, I wanted to see how they performed when travelling, walking for extended periods and dealing with the unpredictable conditions that come with a monsoon getaway.
First Impressions of the New Balance ABZORB 2000
The first thing I noticed about the New Balance ABZORB 2000 was its emphasis on cushioning and comfort. The shoe has a sporty appearance, but it does not feel excessively bulky on the feet.
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For travel, this balance matters. You want footwear that provides enough support for long periods of walking without making your feet feel weighed down.
The cushioning was particularly noticeable during longer walks. Instead of feeling every hard surface beneath my feet, I found the ride relatively comfortable and forgiving.
Comfort During Long Walks
Coorg involves plenty of walking, whether you are exploring viewpoints, visiting attractions, walking around your hotel property or simply wandering through the town.
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This is where the ABZORB 2000 impressed me most.
The cushioning helped make longer periods on my feet more comfortable. After several hours of sightseeing, my feet did not feel as fatigued as they might with a flatter or less cushioned pair of casual shoes.
The overall fit also played an important role. A comfortable shoe is not necessarily comfortable for everyone, so getting the correct size and allowing enough room for your feet is essential.
How Did It Perform During the Monsoon
The real test came when the weather turned typically Coorg-like: wet, humid and unpredictable.
One important point is that the ABZORB 2000 should not be treated as a dedicated waterproof hiking shoe. If you are walking through heavy rain, deep puddles or extremely muddy terrain, specialised waterproof footwear would be a more appropriate choice.
For ordinary travel conditions, light rain and damp urban or paved surfaces, however, the shoes were practical.
I appreciated having a pair that could transition easily from sightseeing to casual meals and travel without requiring a complete change of footwear.
Grip and Stability
Grip becomes particularly important during monsoon travel. Wet surfaces, tiled walkways and uneven paths can become slippery, and footwear needs to provide a reasonable level of traction.
The ABZORB 2000 felt stable during normal walking conditions. However, I would still exercise caution on extremely wet rocks, muddy trails or steep surfaces. No regular running or lifestyle shoe can completely eliminate the risk of slipping on challenging terrain.
For serious trekking around Coorg, dedicated trail shoes with terrain-specific traction would be a better choice.
Cushioning Was the Highlight
If there is one feature that stood out during my trip, it was the cushioning.
The ABZORB technology is designed to provide shock absorption and a comfortable underfoot experience. While cushioning preferences are highly personal, I found the shoes particularly useful for travel days involving lots of walking.
They also worked well when I wanted one pair of footwear that could handle both sightseeing and casual everyday use.
What I Liked
There were several things I appreciated about the New Balance ABZORB 2000:
- Comfortable cushioning for extended walking
- Sporty yet versatile appearance
- Suitable for everyday travel and casual use
- Supportive feel during long sightseeing days
- Easy transition between travel and regular wear
- Comfortable option for people who spend considerable time on their feet
What Could Be Better
The shoes are not designed to replace proper monsoon or trekking footwear. If your itinerary involves streams, muddy trails, steep hikes or prolonged exposure to heavy rain, you should look for shoes specifically designed for those conditions.
Another consideration is that cushioning and fit are highly subjective. What feels supportive to one person may feel too soft or too firm to another. Trying the shoes on before purchasing is therefore worthwhile.
After wearing the New Balance ABZORB 2000 during a monsoon trip to Coorg, I came away impressed by its everyday comfort and cushioning. The shoes proved particularly useful for long sightseeing days when I wanted my feet to remain comfortable without carrying a separate pair of casual footwear.
Would I recommend them for serious monsoon trekking, No dedicated trail or waterproof shoes would make more sense for demanding terrain.
But for travel, city walking, casual outings and destinations where you expect plenty of time on your feet, the ABZORB 2000 makes a strong case for being a dependable travel companion.
For me, the Coorg trip was a practical test rather than a showroom trial, and the New Balance ABZORB 2000 came through as a comfortable, versatile pair that I would happily consider for another walking-heavy holiday.
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