New Balance vs Under Armour Shoes

Choosing the right pair of shoes can be difficult, especially when comparing two big brands like New Balance vs Under Armour. Both companies offer great footwear options for various purposes, including walking, running, and everyday wear. But how do you decide which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll take a close look at New Balance vs Under Armour to help you make an informed choice.

We’ll cover essential factors like Comfort, Style and Design, Differences, Sizing Consistency, Brand Reputation, Breathability, Durability, Fit and Support, Pricing, and Customer Reviews. This article will make it easy for you to compare the two brands by breaking down each aspect in simple terms. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which brand is better suited for your needs.

New Balance vs Under Armour

Feature	New Balance	Under Armour
Comfort	Excellent cushioning, arch support	Lightweight, focused on performance
Style & Design	Classic, retro-inspired designs	Sporty, modern, sleek aesthetics
Sizing	Wide range, including wide and narrow	Standard sizing, less variety
Durability	Long-lasting, durable for daily wear	Durable but lighter, may wear faster
Fit & Support	Great for flat feet and extra support	Snug, performance-focused fit
Breathability	Moderate breathability, thicker materials	Highly breathable, lightweight
Pricing	Mid to high range, premium quality	More affordable, varies with technology

Comfort: How Comfortable Are They?

New Balance

When it comes to comfort, New Balance has built a solid reputation. They focus on making shoes that provide great arch support and extra cushioning. If you’re someone who needs to be on your feet for long periods, whether for work, walking, or running, New Balance shoes are designed to keep you comfortable.

New Balance uses Fresh Foam and REVlite technology in many of their models, which adds a layer of soft yet responsive cushioning. These features reduce the impact on your feet, which can be very helpful for people who experience foot pain or discomfort.

Key Features of New Balance Comfort:

• Fresh Foam Technology: Provides soft, lightweight cushioning for long-lasting comfort.
• REVlite: A lighter midsole material that delivers the same level of cushioning as heavier materials.
• Wide Range of Sizes: New Balance offers shoes in various widths, making it easier for people with wide or narrow feet to find a perfect fit.

Under Armour

Under Armour focuses more on performance comfort. If you’re into running or sports, you’ll appreciate their HOVR technology. This technology is designed to give you a “zero-gravity” feel by absorbing the impact of your steps and providing energy return. This makes their shoes a great option for high-impact activities like running and working out.

While Under Armour shoes are comfortable for shorter activities like a run or gym workout, they may not offer as much all-day comfort as New Balance. The cushioning in Under Armour shoes is usually firmer, which helps with speed and performance but may feel less cushioned for walking or standing for long periods.

Key Features of Under Armour Comfort:

• HOVR Technology: Reduces impact and gives a springy feel, ideal for high-intensity activities.
• Firm Cushioning: Great for athletes who need more responsiveness from their shoes.
• Lightweight: Helps you move faster without feeling weighed down.

Table: Comfort Comparison

Brand	Comfort Technology	Best For
New Balance	Fresh Foam, REVlite	Walking, all-day wear, casual runs
Under Armour	HOVR Technology	Running, gym workouts, athletics

Style and Design: Which Brand Looks Better?

New Balance

New Balance shoes have a classic and retro look. Many of their designs are inspired by their older models, which have become trendy again in recent years. If you’re someone who likes shoes with a more vintage appeal, you’ll likely find New Balance shoes stylish. Their chunky designs are especially popular in streetwear.

New Balance shoes come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you’re likely to find a pair that fits your personal style. Whether you’re looking for a casual pair of sneakers or something more athletic, New Balance offers options that are both functional and stylish.

Popular New Balance Styles:

• New Balance 574: A classic model with a retro design.
• New Balance 990: Known for its chunky, dad-shoe look that has become fashionable again.
• New Balance 1080: A sleeker design focused on running performance.

Under Armour

Under Armour’s style is more modern and athletic. Their shoes are designed with performance in mind, and this is reflected in their sharp lines and bold color choices. If you prefer a sporty look that emphasizes speed and agility, Under Armour shoes will likely appeal to you.

Although Under Armour is more focused on performance than fashion, they have models that are still visually appealing. Their shoes are often sleek, with a focus on lightweight materials that don’t compromise on design.

Popular Under Armour Styles:

• UA HOVR Phantom: A sleek running shoe with a modern, futuristic design.
• Charged Bandit: An all-around performance shoe with a minimalist style.
• Project Rock Collection: Designed in collaboration with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, offering stylish and durable training shoes.

Table: Style and Design Comparison

Brand	Style Focus	Popular Models
New Balance	Classic, retro, chunky designs	NB 574, 990, 1080
Under Armour	Modern, sleek, athletic	UA HOVR Phantom, Charged Bandit

Differences Between New Balance and Under Armour

The key differences between New Balance and Under Armour come down to design philosophy, technology, and target audience.

1. Design Approach:
   New Balance focuses more on providing classic, comfortable designs, while Under Armour aims to create shoes that enhance athletic performance.
2. Technology:
   New Balance uses technologies like Fresh Foam for soft cushioning, whereas Under Armour relies on HOVR technology for performance-driven energy return.
3. Weight:
   Under Armour shoes tend to be lighter, making them ideal for fast-paced activities. New Balance shoes may be a bit heavier, but this often translates into more stability and cushioning.
4. Target Audience:
   New Balance shoes cater more to people looking for comfort and long-lasting durability, while Under Armour is more popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
5. Purpose:
   If you’re looking for an all-day comfortable shoe, New Balance may be your go-to. If you need something for intense physical activity, Under Armour might be a better fit.

Sizing Consistency: How Do They Fit?

New Balance

One of the major benefits of New Balance is their range of sizes and widths. They are one of the few brands that offer shoes in various widths, from narrow to extra wide. This makes it easier to find a pair of shoes that fit just right, especially if you have wide or narrow feet.

Most people find that New Balance shoes fit true to size, so you can generally order your usual size without worrying about sizing issues. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific model’s reviews to ensure the best fit.

Under Armour

Under Armour shoes also tend to fit true to size, but they can run slightly narrow, especially in their performance models. If you have wider feet, you may want to consider going half a size up or trying on a pair in-store before purchasing.

Under Armour doesn’t offer as many width options as New Balance, so finding the perfect fit might be trickier for people with very wide or narrow feet.

Table: Sizing Consistency Comparison

Brand	Sizing Consistency	Width Options
New Balance	True to size, various widths	Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide
Under Armour	True to size, runs narrow	Standard only

Brand Reputation: Which Is More Trusted?

New Balance

New Balance is a well-established brand with over 100 years of experience in making footwear. They are trusted for their high-quality and durable shoes. Many people love New Balance because they offer shoes that are comfortable, reliable, and built to last.

The brand is also known for making some of its shoes in the USA, which has earned them points for sustainability and supporting local economies. New Balance’s commitment to quality is reflected in their loyal customer base, with many people sticking to the brand for years.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a newer brand, founded in 1996, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance athletic gear. They are especially popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for their innovative designs and focus on enhancing performance.

While Under Armour is primarily known for its sportswear, their shoes have also earned a solid reputation for being durable and reliable. However, their focus on performance sometimes means that comfort and durability for everyday wear are not as emphasized as in New Balance shoes.

Breathability: Which Shoes Keep Your Feet Cooler?

New Balance

New Balance shoes are generally well-ventilated, especially their running and walking models. The use of mesh materials in the uppers allows for good airflow, which helps keep your feet cool during long walks or runs. This is particularly important if you live in a warm climate or plan to wear the shoes for extended periods.

Under Armour

Under Armour also makes breathable shoes, especially their running models that use lightweight mesh materials. The HOVR and Charged models are designed to keep your feet cool even during high-intensity workouts. However, some users have noted that certain Under Armour shoes, particularly their performance models, may be less breathable than New Balance due to their emphasis on structure and support.

Durability: Which Brand Lasts Longer?

New Balance

New Balance is known for making durable shoes that can withstand heavy use. Their shoes often feature thicker outsoles and stronger materials, which makes them last longer even with daily wear. Whether you’re walking, running, or just wearing them casually, New Balance shoes are built to last.

Under Armour

Under Armour shoes are durable, especially their athletic models. However, because they focus more on lightweight materials and performance, they might not be as long-lasting for everyday wear as New Balance. Their shoes are great for intense workouts but may wear down faster with daily use.

Table: Durability Comparison

Brand	Durability Focus	Best For
New Balance	Thick outsoles, strong materials	Long-term daily wear, walking
Under Armour	Lightweight, performance-focused	Intense workouts, running

Fit and Support: Which Brand Offers Better Fit?

New Balance

New Balance is praised for its excellent arch support. Many models are designed with people who have foot conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis in mind. The wide range of sizes and widths also ensures that you can find a pair that fits perfectly.

Under Armour

Under Armour shoes are more focused on performance support. Their shoes provide a snug fit, which is great for activities that require agility, like running or training. However, they may not offer the same level of arch support as New Balance, especially for people who need additional foot support.

Pricing: Which Is More Affordable?

New Balance

New Balance shoes tend to be a bit more expensive, especially their made-in-USA models. However, their durability and comfort make them worth the price. You’re paying for a shoe that will last a long time, so the higher upfront cost often balances out over time.

Under Armour

Under Armour shoes are generally more affordable, especially their entry-level models. They offer a great balance of performance and price, making them a popular choice for athletes on a budget. However, their higher-end models, like those with HOVR technology, can be just as expensive as New Balance shoes.

Customer Reviews: What Do Users Say?

New Balance

Many customers rave about the comfort and durability of New Balance shoes. They are particularly popular among people who need extra support for their feet, such as those with flat feet or those who stand for long periods.

Under Armour Reviews

Under Armour shoes receive high marks from athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Users love the lightweight feel and performance of their shoes, especially for running and gym workouts. However, some users have mentioned that Under Armour shoes may not be as comfortable for all-day wear as New Balance shoes.

Conclusion: Which Brand Should You Choose?

When comparing New Balance and Under Armour, the choice really comes down to your personal needs. If you prioritize comfort, durability, and all-day wear, New Balance is likely the better option for you. Their shoes are designed with a focus on cushioning and support, making them ideal for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that will enhance your athletic performance, Under Armour might be the better choice. Their HOVR technology and lightweight designs make them a great option for running and workouts.

Both brands offer high-quality shoes, but they cater to different needs. Consider what’s most important to you—whether it’s comfort, style, performance, or pricing—and you’ll be able to choose the brand that’s perfect for you.

Frequently Asked Questions