New Balance Real vs Fake Shoes

New Balance shoes offer superior comfort with properly designed cushioning and arch support that maintains its springiness over time, while fakes often have inadequate or quickly flattening padding that can cause foot pain.

Durability is another major difference genuine New Balance shoes feature quality materials with precise stitching that can last years of regular use, whereas counterfeits typically show signs of wear within weeks, with soles separating and materials tearing easily.

Price-wise, authentic New Balance shoes generally range from $70-$200 depending on the model, reflecting their quality construction; suspiciously low prices (under $50 for new shoes) often indicate fakes.

In terms of style, real New Balance shoes have consistent coloring, properly proportioned “N” logos, and design details that match official photos exactly, while counterfeits frequently have color inconsistencies, misshapen logos, and slightly off design elements.

Overall, New Balance fake vs real shoes comparison shows that authentic New Balance shoes significantly outperform fakes in all categories, offering better long-term value despite the higher initial cost.

Why It Matters: New Balance Real vs Fake

The Importance of Wearing Real Shoes

Wearing real New Balance shoes is important for many reasons. First, real shoes are designed to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. They’re made with good materials that help your feet breathe and move naturally.

Fake shoes might look similar, but they often don’t have the same quality. They might fall apart quickly or hurt your feet. Real New Balance shoes are tested to make sure they work well, but fake ones usually aren’t tested at all.

When you buy real New Balance shoes, you also support the company that spent time creating good designs. Fake shoes copy these designs without doing any of the hard work.

How to Check the Quality of New Balance Shoes

Materials: What Real New Balance Shoes Are Made Of

Real New Balance shoes use high-quality materials that feel nice to touch. The fabric, leather, or mesh on real shoes feels sturdy but also soft. When you look closely, you’ll see neat stitching with no loose threads.

Fake New Balance shoes often use cheaper materials that don’t feel as nice. They might smell strongly of glue or chemicals. The materials might feel stiff or too thin, and you might see messy stitching or glue showing where parts join together.

Here’s what to look for in real New Balance materials:

• Smooth, even surfaces without bumps or wrinkles
• Clean edges where materials meet
• Consistent color throughout the shoe
• Materials that flex naturally without cracking

Weight: How Heavy Should New Balance Shoes Be?

Real New Balance shoes have a good weight to them. They’re not too heavy, but they don’t feel too light and cheap either. Each shoe in a pair weighs the same as the other.

Fake New Balance shoes might be much lighter than real ones because they use less material or cheaper, lighter materials. Sometimes fake shoes have different weights in the same pair, with one shoe heavier than the other.

Flexibility: How New Balance Shoes Should Bend

When you hold a real New Balance shoe, it bends in specific places. The shoe should bend near the toe area, where your foot naturally bends when you walk. This flexibility helps your foot move naturally.

Fake New Balance shoes might be too stiff and not bend where they should. Or they might be too flexible and bend everywhere, which doesn’t give your foot enough support. Real New Balance shoes find the perfect balance between flexibility and support.

The Look of Authentic New Balance Shoes

Style: How Real New Balance Shoes Are Designed

New Balance has certain styles that stay consistent across their shoes. The famous “N” logo on the side has a specific look – it’s clean with sharp edges and is properly sized for each shoe.

Real New Balance shoes have designs that make sense. The colors match the official colors New Balance uses, and the patterns line up properly. Fake shoes might have slightly different colors or patterns that don’t quite match up at the seams.

The overall shape of real New Balance shoes looks balanced and even. Fake shoes might have odd bumps or uneven shapes that don’t look quite right.

Size: Getting the Right Fit in Real New Balance Shoes

Real New Balance shoes come in many sizes, including half sizes and different widths. The size is printed clearly inside the shoe and matches the size on the box. Both shoes in a pair are exactly the same size.

Fake New Balance shoes might not offer as many size options. The sizing might not be consistent, so a fake size 8 might actually fit like a size 7 or 9. The two shoes might even be slightly different sizes.

How Real New Balance Shoes Feel to Wear

Comfort: How Your Feet Should Feel in Real New Balance

Real New Balance shoes are known for being very comfortable. They have cushioning in the right places to support your feet. The inside of the shoe feels smooth without bumps or rough spots that could hurt your feet.

When you walk in real New Balance shoes, your feet don’t slide around. The shoe hugs your foot in a comfortable way. After wearing them for hours, your feet should still feel good.

Fake New Balance shoes often miss these comfort features. They might feel uncomfortable after a short time, with pressure points that hurt your feet. The cushioning might feel too hard or too soft, and your feet might slide around inside the shoe.

Fit: How Real New Balance Shoes Should Fit Your Feet

Real New Balance shoes fit well on your feet. They’re not too tight or too loose. Your heel stays in place when you walk, and your toes have enough room to move a little but not slide around.

The shape of real New Balance shoes matches the shape of human feet. Different styles are designed for different foot shapes, so there’s a New Balance shoe that’s right for you.

Fake New Balance shoes often don’t fit as well. They might be too narrow or too wide, and the shape might not match your foot. This can cause blisters or make your feet tired.

Stability: How Real New Balance Shoes Support Your Feet

Real New Balance shoes keep your feet stable when you walk or run. The bottom of the shoe (the sole) is designed to help you balance. The shoe doesn’t twist or bend in ways that could hurt your ankle.

When you stand in real New Balance shoes, you feel secure. The shoe supports your arch and helps keep your foot in a healthy position.

Fake New Balance shoes might not offer the same stability. They might twist too easily or not provide support in the right places. This can lead to sore feet or even injuries over time.

Performance of Real New Balance Shoes

Durability: How Long New Balance Shoes Should Last

Real New Balance shoes are built to last. They can handle many miles of walking or running without falling apart. The colors stay bright even after many washes, and the materials keep their shape.

The soles of real New Balance shoes are attached firmly to the upper part and don’t come loose easily. The cushioning inside the shoe stays springy for a long time.

Fake New Balance shoes often show signs of wear quickly. The materials might tear or the sole might start to separate from the rest of the shoe after just a few wears. The cushioning might flatten out quickly, making the shoes uncomfortable.

Breathability: How Your Feet Should Feel in New Balance Shoes

Real New Balance shoes let air flow around your feet to keep them cool and dry. The materials used allow sweat to escape, so your feet don’t feel sticky.

After walking or running in real New Balance shoes, your feet should feel reasonably dry. The inside of the shoe dries quickly if it gets wet.

Fake New Balance shoes often don’t breathe as well. They might make your feet very hot and sweaty. The materials might hold moisture, which can lead to bad smells and even foot problems like fungal infections.

Cushioning: The Softness Inside New Balance Shoes

Real New Balance shoes have special cushioning that absorbs shock when you walk or run. This cushioning helps protect your joints and makes walking more comfortable.

The cushioning in real New Balance shoes is in all the right places – under your heel, the ball of your foot, and sometimes along the sides. It’s designed to match how humans walk and run.

Fake New Balance shoes might have very little cushioning, or cushioning that doesn’t work well. They might feel too hard when you walk, or the cushioning might be in the wrong places. This can make your feet, knees, or back hurt after walking.

Water Resistance: How New Balance Shoes Handle Rain

Most real New Balance shoes aren’t completely waterproof, but they handle light rain pretty well. The materials dry quickly if they get wet, and the shoes keep their shape.

Some special New Balance models are designed to be more water-resistant. These models might have special coatings or materials that help keep water out.

Fake New Balance shoes often soak up water quickly and take a long time to dry. The materials might get damaged by water, and the glue holding the shoes together might weaken when wet.

The Bottom of the Shoe: All About Soles

Sole Patterns: The Unique Design on the Bottom

Real New Balance shoes have specific patterns on the bottom (sole) of each model. These patterns are designed for different activities like running, walking, or playing sports. The patterns are clear and evenly spaced.

The depth of the grooves in real New Balance soles is consistent. The pattern is the same on both shoes in a pair.

Fake New Balance shoes might copy the general look of the sole pattern but get the details wrong. The pattern might be shallow or have mistakes. The left and right shoes might have slightly different patterns.

Sole Materials: What Real New Balance Soles Are Made Of

Real New Balance soles are made from durable rubber or foam materials. They’re firmly attached to the rest of the shoe and don’t come loose easily. The sole material feels springy but also tough.

Different New Balance models use different sole materials for different activities. Running shoes have soles designed to absorb impact, while walking shoes have soles designed for comfort over long periods.

Fake New Balance soles often use cheaper materials that wear down quickly. They might feel too hard or too soft, and they might not be attached well to the rest of the shoe.

Where to Look for Signs of Authenticity

Packaging: What Real New Balance Boxes Look Like

Real New Balance shoes come in boxes with specific designs. The box should have clear printing with the New Balance logo and information about the shoes inside. The colors on the box are bright and even.

Inside the box, real New Balance shoes come with tissue paper and sometimes extra laces or inserts. Everything is neatly packed.

Fake New Balance shoes might come in boxes that don’t quite look right. The printing might be blurry or have spelling mistakes. The box might feel flimsy or be the wrong size for the shoes.

Tags and Labels: What to Look For Inside the Shoe

Real New Balance shoes have tags and labels with clear information. The size, model number, and materials are listed. The New Balance logo is printed clearly.

Inside the shoe, there should be a label with a unique product code. This code can usually be checked on the New Balance website to confirm the shoe is real.

Fake New Balance shoes might have tags with blurry printing or spelling mistakes. The information might not make sense or match the shoe you’re looking at. The product code might be missing or not work on the New Balance website.

Special Features of Real New Balance Shoes

Technology: Special Features in Real New Balance Shoes

Real New Balance shoes include special technologies to make them more comfortable and effective. These might include things like “Fresh Foam” or “ENCAP” cushioning systems.

These technologies aren’t just names – they’re real features that you can feel when wearing the shoes. Real New Balance shoes perform the way they claim to.

Fake New Balance shoes might claim to have these technologies but not actually include them. They might use similar names that sound like New Balance technologies but aren’t quite right.

Comparison Table: Real vs Fake New Balance Features

Feature	Real New Balance	Fake New Balance
Materials	High-quality, consistent textures	Cheap-feeling, inconsistent
Stitching	Even, tight, no loose threads	Messy, loose threads, uneven
Logo	Clear “N” with sharp edges	Blurry “N”, wrong proportions
Weight	Balanced, consistent	Too light or uneven
Smell	Mild, new shoe smell	Strong chemical or glue smell
Packaging	Clean printing, proper information	Blurry printing, spelling errors
Price	Typically $60-$180 depending on model	Too cheap (under $40) for new shoes
Comfort	Immediately comfortable	Uncomfortable pressure points

Popular New Balance Models and Their Authentic Features

New Balance 574: What Makes It Real

The New Balance 574 is one of the most popular models, which makes it a common target for fake versions. Real 574s have a specific shape with a chunky but not too thick sole. The suede material feels soft and the mesh allows your foot to breathe.

The “N” logo on real 574s has a specific size and position. The back of the shoe has “NB” letters that are neatly embroidered. The inside sole has clear New Balance branding.

Fake 574s might get these details wrong. The shape might be too narrow or wide, the “N” might be the wrong size, or the materials might not feel right.

New Balance 990: Authentic Details to Check

The New Balance 990 is a premium model with specific features. Real 990s are partly made in the USA, which should be marked on the tongue of the shoe. The materials are high-quality with perfect stitching.

Real 990s have a specific shape that balances chunky style with athletic functionality. The sole has a particular pattern that helps with stability and traction.

Fake 990s might miss these details. They might not mention being made in the USA, or they might get the shape or sole pattern wrong.

Price Guide: What You Should Expect to Pay

Normal Price Ranges for Popular New Balance Models

Real New Balance shoes have specific price ranges depending on the model. Here’s what you should expect to pay for new shoes from official stores:

Model	Typical Price Range
574	$80 – $110
990	$175 – $200
327	$90 – $120
237	$70 – $90
997	$140 – $180

If you see prices much lower than these ranges for new shoes, they might be fake. Even sales and discounts usually don’t drop prices more than 30-40% below these ranges.

Where to Buy Authentic New Balance Shoes

The safest places to buy real New Balance shoes are:

• Official New Balance stores or the New Balance website
• Major department stores like Macy’s or Nordstrom
• Trusted sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Reputable online retailers like Zappos or Amazon (when sold by New Balance or Amazon directly)

Be more careful when buying from:

• Small online stores you haven’t heard of
• Individual sellers on marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace
• Street vendors or flea markets

User Reviews: What People Say About Their New Balance Shoes

Feature	Real New Balance (Average Rating)	Reported Fake New Balance (Average Rating)
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐☆☆☆☆
Materials	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Style Accuracy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐☆☆☆☆
Fit	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆

Conclusion

Finding real New Balance shoes is important for your comfort and foot health. Remember to check the materials, stitching, logos, and overall feel of the shoes. Real New Balance shoes have consistent quality, good comfort, and last a long time.

The best way to make sure you get real shoes is to buy from official New Balance stores or trusted retailers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

By using the tips in this guide, you can spot the differences between real and fake New Balance shoes. Your feet will thank you for choosing authentic shoes that provide the right support and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions