New Balance vs Skechers Shoes

Choosing between New Balance and Skechers can be tricky because both brands are known for their comfortable, stylish, and durable footwear. Each company offers different features that appeal to various types of buyers. In this article, we’ll explore how these two shoe brands compare in areas like comfort, style and design, sizing consistency, brand reputation, breathability, durability, fit and support, pricing, and customer reviews. By the end, you’ll know which brand might suit your needs better.

New Balance vs Skechers

Feature	New Balance	Skechers
Comfort	Excellent cushioning, designed for support and stability	Soft cushioning with Memory Foam for comfort
Style and Design	Athletic and classic styles, various color options	Trendy, casual, and sporty designs, wide range of styles
Brand Reputation	Highly regarded for quality and performance in athletic footwear	Popular for comfort and casual styles; known for affordability
Breathability	Breathable materials, ideal for sports activities	Breathable mesh and fabric in many models for casual wear
Durability	Built to withstand running and athletic use; high durability	Good for casual use; may wear out faster under heavy activity
Pricing	Generally higher priced due to performance features	More affordable options, often with discounts available
Customer Reviews	Highly rated for performance, fit, and comfort	Positive feedback for comfort and style, but mixed reviews for durability

Comfort

New Balance

New Balance is famous for its comfort, especially for people with specific foot needs, like those with high arches or wide feet. Many of their shoes come with cushioned midsoles and extra support features. This makes New Balance an excellent choice for people who spend long hours on their feet, whether you’re running, walking, or just standing all day.

Skechers

Skechers, on the other hand, focuses on lightweight and easy-to-wear shoes. Their signature Memory Foam insole provides a soft feel with each step. Skechers shoes are generally more flexible, making them great for everyday use. However, some people may feel that Skechers lack the structured support New Balance offers for athletic or prolonged wear.

Brand	Key Comfort Features	Best For
New Balance	Cushioned midsoles, arch support	Running, walking, prolonged wear
Skechers	Memory Foam insoles, flexible	Everyday casual use

Style and Design

New Balance

New Balance shoes often have a sporty and practical design, catering mostly to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Their iconic “N” logo is easy to recognize, and their designs come in a wide range of colors, from basic tones to bold combinations. New Balance is more focused on functionality, but they are also considered fashionable by people who prefer a sleek, athletic look.

Skechers

Skechers offers a wide range of styles, from casual slip-ons to trendy athletic shoes. While some of their shoes have a simple design, they often add fun elements like bright colors, patterns, and even lights for kids. Skechers tend to be more versatile in terms of fashion and appeal to a broader audience who are looking for everyday wear or a fashion statement.

Brand	Design Focus	Best For
New Balance	Sporty, functional, sleek	Athletes, fitness enthusiasts
Skechers	Versatile, trendy, casual styles	Everyday wear, fashion statements

Differences Between New Balance and Skechers

There are some clear differences between these two brands, especially when it comes to performance, design, and comfort. Let’s break it down:

1. Performance: New Balance tends to focus more on performance-based footwear, particularly in running and walking shoes. Skechers, while offering comfortable shoes, generally leans more toward casual or everyday footwear.
2. Support: New Balance shoes are known for their excellent arch support and comfort for different foot shapes. Skechers are comfortable, but their Memory Foam doesn’t provide as much structured support.
3. Versatility: Skechers offers a broader range of casual footwear, while New Balance is more niche in athletic and specialized shoes.

Sizing Consistency

New Balance

New Balance is praised for its consistent sizing, especially when it comes to widths. They offer shoes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths, ensuring a good fit for people with different foot shapes. This is a big plus if you have wider feet or need extra space for comfort.

Skechers

Skechers sizing is generally consistent, but they don’t offer as many width options as New Balance. Most of their shoes come in standard widths, though they do offer a few wide-width models. However, some customers find that Skechers shoes run either a bit large or small depending on the style, so trying them on is recommended.

Brand	Sizing Options	Notable Features
New Balance	Narrow to extra-wide widths	Great for people with wide feet
Skechers	Standard and some wide-width	Limited width options

Brand Reputation

New Balance

New Balance has been around since 1906, and they have built a reputation for quality, comfort, and performance. They are especially respected in the athletic community, known for shoes that cater to runners, walkers, and people with specific foot needs. The brand’s commitment to making shoes in different widths sets them apart from competitors.

Skechers

Founded in 1992, Skechers has quickly grown to be one of the most recognizable brands in casual footwear. They are well-known for offering stylish, comfortable, and affordable shoes. While they don’t have the same athletic heritage as New Balance, Skechers has made a name for itself in comfort, especially for everyday wear.

Breathability

New Balance

Many New Balance shoes feature mesh uppers, which are designed to let air flow through, keeping your feet cool and dry. This is especially important for athletes who are constantly moving and sweating. Breathability is a strong point for New Balance, making their shoes ideal for running and other activities where you might overheat.

Skechers

Skechers also includes breathable materials in many of their shoes, but it’s not always a key feature across all models. Some of their shoes, especially casual styles, might have less focus on breathability compared to New Balance. However, Skechers athletic lines often use lightweight and breathable materials.

Brand	Breathability Features	Best For
New Balance	Mesh uppers, air ventilation	Athletes, active wear
Skechers	Lightweight materials	Casual and athletic styles

Durability

New Balance

New Balance shoes are built to last, especially their running and walking shoes. The durable outsoles and high-quality materials ensure that the shoes hold up well, even after long periods of use. Many customers report using their New Balance shoes for years without significant wear and tear.

Skechers

Skechers shoes, while comfortable, are generally not as durable as New Balance. Their casual shoes are designed more for light, everyday use and might wear out faster if used for strenuous activities. However, Skechers’ athletic shoes can last longer, especially with proper care.

Brand	Durability Rating	Best For
New Balance	Long-lasting, high durability	Long-term athletic use
Skechers	Moderate durability	Casual, everyday wear

Fit and Support

New Balance

One of the standout features of New Balance is the support their shoes provide. With cushioned midsoles, excellent arch support, and a variety of widths, New Balance shoes are ideal for people who need extra care for their feet. They are often recommended by podiatrists for people with foot problems like plantar fasciitis.

Skechers

Skechers shoes are known for their soft, comfortable feel, but they may lack the structured support found in New Balance shoes. The Memory Foam insole provides immediate comfort but might not give enough long-term support, especially for those with foot issues.

Pricing

New Balance

New Balance shoes generally fall in the mid-to-high price range. They are an investment, especially for those looking for performance footwear. Prices can range from around $70 to over $150, depending on the model and features.

Skechers

Skechers shoes are more affordable, with prices typically ranging from $40 to $90. While they offer good value for casual wear, they may not last as long or provide as much support as New Balance shoes.

Brand	Price Range	Best Value
New Balance	$70 – $150+	Performance, durability
Skechers	$40 – $90	Affordability, casual wear

Customer Reviews

New Balance

Customers often praise New Balance for their comfort, especially for people with specific foot issues. The brand’s wide range of widths and strong arch support is a hit among people looking for both athletic and casual footwear.

Skechers

Skechers receives praise for being lightweight and comfortable, especially for casual wearers. Many people love their affordable prices and trendy designs, although some customers feel that their shoes could be more durable.

Conclusion

In summary, New Balance is the better choice for people seeking performance, durability, and structured support, particularly for athletic activities or prolonged wear. Skechers, on the other hand, shines in affordability, style variety, and comfort for casual, everyday use. Your decision will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize performance and support (New Balance) or casual comfort and affordability (Skechers).

Frequently Asked Questions