New Balance offers superior comfort with more cushioning and arch support, while Gazelles feature a slimmer profile that some find less supportive but sleeker.
For durability, New Balance typically outlasts Gazelles with reinforced materials and sturdier construction, though this varies by specific model.
Price-wise, Gazelles generally run $80-120, while New Balance spans a wider range ($70-180) depending on technology included.
Stylistically, Gazelles deliver iconic retro appeal with their suede upper and distinctive three stripes, whereas New Balance provides both classic and contemporary designs with their signature “N” logo.
New Balance performs better for comfort and durability, while Adidas Gazelles excel in classic style and consistent pricing.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Adidas Gazelle Shoes
- 2 The Story Behind the Shoes
- 3 Comfort: How Do They Feel?
- 4 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 5 Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool and Dry
- 6 Cushioning: Protection For Your Feet
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping You Balanced
- 9 Quality: How Well Are They Made?
- 10 Style: Looking Cool
- 11 Size Options: Finding Your Fit
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: Light or Heavy?
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend
- 15 Water Resistance: Staying Dry
- 16 Sole: What’s On The Bottom?
- 17 Price Comparison: How Much Do They Cost?
- 18 Popular Models Comparison
- 19 User Reviews and Ratings
- 20 Pros and Cons
- 21 Conclusion
- 22 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Adidas Gazelle Shoes
New Balance offers more cushioning and support for athletic performance, while Gazelles feature a slim, classic look prioritizing style. New Balance typically costs more but lasts longer, whereas Gazelles provide iconic retro appeal.
Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of New Balance vs Adidas Gazelle Shoes:
| Feature | New Balance | Adidas Gazelle |
| Comfort | More cushioning, better arch support | Flatter sole, less padding |
| Durability | Stronger materials, longer-lasting | Good quality but wears faster |
| Price | $70-180 depending on model | $80-120 across most styles |
| Style | Chunky athletic look with “N” logo | Slim retro design with three stripes |
| Best for | Running, walking, all-day wear | Casual outfits, everyday fashion |
| Sizes | Wide range including wide widths | Standard widths only |
In summary: New Balance shoes are better for sports and comfort if you need support for your feet. Adidas Gazelles look cooler and have a famous design many people love.
New Balance lasts longer, but Gazelles match with more outfits. Think about what’s more important to you – comfort or style!
The Story Behind the Shoes
New Balance: American Athletic History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The company first made arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, they started making athletic shoes.
Today, New Balance is famous for their numbered shoes (like the 574 or 990) and for making shoes in different widths to fit all kinds of feet.
Adidas Gazelle: German Classic
The Adidas Gazelle first came out in 1966 as an indoor soccer shoe. It was made in West Germany (now just called Germany).
The Gazelle has been popular for over 50 years! Many famous musicians and celebrities have worn Gazelles, making them not just sports shoes but also fashion icons.
Comfort: How Do They Feel?
New Balance Comfort
New Balance shoes are known for being super comfortable. They use special cushioning technologies like “Fresh Foam” and “ENCAP” that make walking and running feel great. Many New Balance shoes have extra padding in the heel and under the ball of your foot.
One 13-year-old customer named Tyler said: “My New Balance shoes feel like walking on pillows. I can wear them all day at school and my feet don’t hurt, even after PE class.”
Adidas Gazelle Comfort
Gazelles have a different kind of comfort. They’re thinner and closer to the ground than most New Balance shoes. They have a soft suede outer part and a thin cushioned insole. Gazelles might not feel as cushy as New Balance, but many people love how light they feel.
Emma, age 12, shared: “My Gazelles felt a bit stiff at first, but after wearing them for a week, they molded to my feet and now they’re really comfortable.”
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance makes shoes that are built to last. Their athletic shoes are designed to handle running, jumping, and lots of movement. The materials they use are strong, and the stitching is reinforced in areas that get the most wear.
Many kids say their New Balance shoes last the entire school year, even with recess, PE, and after-school activities.
Adidas Gazelle Durability
Gazelles are pretty durable for casual wear, but they’re not designed for heavy sports use like some New Balance shoes. The suede material can last a long time if you take care of it, but it can show dirt and scuffs more easily than some other materials.
The good news is that Gazelles have been made the same way for decades, so you know they’re designed to hold up well for everyday wear.
Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool and Dry
New Balance Breathability
Many New Balance shoes use mesh materials that let air flow through the shoe. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active. This is especially important during sports or on hot days when your feet might get sweaty.
Adidas Gazelle Breathability
Gazelles are made mostly of suede with some synthetic materials. They don’t have mesh panels like many New Balance shoes, so they don’t let as much air flow through. However, the inside of Gazelles has a soft lining that can help wick away some sweat.
In hot weather, your feet might get warmer in Gazelles than in mesh New Balance shoes.
Cushioning: Protection For Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. Different models use different types of cushioning:
- Fresh Foam gives a soft, bouncy feel
- ENCAP provides firmer support with some softness
- ABZORB helps absorb shock when your foot hits the ground
This cushioning helps protect your feet and joints when walking, running, or jumping.
Adidas Gazelle Cushioning
Gazelles have much simpler cushioning than most New Balance shoes. They have a thin layer of foam in the insole and a rubber outsole. This minimal cushioning gives you a closer-to-the-ground feel, which some people really like.
However, if you need lots of cushioning for high-impact activities or have foot pain, Gazelles might not provide enough support.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
New Balance Fit
One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer different widths for many of their shoes. If you have narrow or wide feet, you can find shoes that fit just right. They come in sizes like “D” for regular width, “2E” for wide, and “4E” for extra wide feet.
New Balance shoes often run true to size or slightly large, so your regular shoe size usually works well.
Adidas Gazelle Fit
Gazelles typically come in standard width only. Many people find that Gazelles run a bit narrow, especially compared to New Balance. Some people recommend going up half a size in Gazelles if you have wider feet.
The suede material does stretch a little bit over time, which helps the shoes mold to your feet.
Stability: Keeping You Balanced
New Balance Stability
New Balance designs many of their shoes with stability features. These help prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. Some models have special support systems built into the midsoles.
This stability is especially helpful if you have flat feet or if your ankles tend to roll when you walk or run.
Adidas Gazelle Stability
Gazelles are low-profile shoes with a flat sole. They don’t have much built-in stability support like some New Balance shoes. However, their close-to-the-ground design can help with balance in a different way.
The flat sole means your foot is close to the ground, which can give you good feedback about your balance. This works well for some activities but might not provide enough support for others.
Quality: How Well Are They Made?
New Balance Quality
New Balance takes pride in their quality. Some of their premium shoes are even made in the USA or UK, which is rare for sneakers these days. They use durable materials and careful construction methods.
The stitching on New Balance shoes is usually very good, and the materials are chosen to last through lots of wear.
Adidas Gazelle Quality
Gazelles have stood the test of time. They’ve been made for over 50 years, and the quality has remained consistent. The suede used on Gazelles is usually soft but durable, and the construction is solid.
One thing to watch out for: some people say the quality can vary a bit depending on where the shoes are made, but overall, Gazelles are known for good quality.
Style: Looking Cool
New Balance Style
New Balance has become very trendy in recent years! Their “dad shoe” styles like the 990 and 574 are now popular fashion items. They come in tons of colors, from simple black and white to bright, fun colors and patterns.
New Balance shoes have a chunky, sporty look that works well with many outfits, from athletic wear to jeans.
Adidas Gazelle Style
Gazelles have a classic, slim profile that never really goes out of style. They come in many colors, with the most popular being navy blue, black, and burgundy red. The three stripes on the side and the small gold “Gazelle” name are instantly recognizable.
Gazelles have been worn by everyone from soccer players to rock stars, giving them a cool factor that spans generations.
Size Options: Finding Your Fit
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers a wide range of sizes for all ages. They have kids’ sizes, teen sizes, and adult sizes. Plus, they offer different widths, which is great if you have narrow or wide feet.
Their kids’ and teen shoes are designed specifically for growing feet, with features to support proper foot development.
Adidas Gazelle Size Range
Gazelles come in both kids’ and adult sizes. However, they only come in standard width. The smallest Gazelles start around US kids’ size 10.5 (for about 4-5 year olds), and they go all the way up to adult sizes.
If you’re between sizes, many people recommend going up half a size in Gazelles.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials:
- Breathable mesh for airflow
- Suede and leather for style and support
- Synthetic materials that dry quickly
- Rubber outsoles for grip
- Special foam for cushioning
Different models use different combinations of these materials.
Adidas Gazelle Materials
Gazelles are much simpler when it comes to materials:
- Suede upper (the outside part)
- Synthetic three stripes and heel tab
- Soft fabric lining inside
- Rubber outsole
- Thin foam insole
The suede gives Gazelles their classic look and soft feel.
Weight: Light or Heavy?
New Balance Weight
The weight of New Balance shoes varies by model. Their running shoes are designed to be lightweight, while their classic lifestyle shoes (like the 574) are a bit heavier. Most New Balance shoes for kids and teens are made to be fairly light.
Adidas Gazelle Weight
Gazelles are generally lighter than many New Balance shoes. They have a minimalist design without thick cushioning or heavy materials. This lightweight feel is part of what makes them popular for everyday wear.
Flexibility: How They Bend
New Balance Flexibility
New Balance designs their shoes to flex in the right places. This makes walking and running feel more natural. Their shoes bend where your foot naturally bends, usually right behind the ball of your foot.
Some New Balance models are more flexible than others, with running shoes typically being the most flexible.
Adidas Gazelle Flexibility
Gazelles have good flexibility in the forefoot (the front part of the shoe). The thin sole allows the shoe to bend easily with your foot. However, they don’t have special flex grooves like some New Balance shoes.
The rubber outsole on Gazelles is thin and flexible, making them comfortable for walking and light activities.
Water Resistance: Staying Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most regular New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many models have water-resistant features that can handle light rain or wet grass. They also offer some specific waterproof models for hiking and outdoor activities.
The mesh materials in many New Balance shoes dry fairly quickly if they do get wet.
Adidas Gazelle Water Resistance
Gazelles are not water-resistant at all. In fact, suede (the main material in Gazelles) can be easily damaged by water. If you wear Gazelles in the rain, the suede can get stained and the color might change.
There are suede protector sprays you can buy to help make Gazelles more resistant to water, but they’ll never be good rain shoes.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom?
New Balance Sole
New Balance uses different types of soles for different models:
- Running shoes have flexible soles with patterns for grip
- Walking shoes have firmer soles for stability
- Lifestyle shoes often have thicker, more cushioned soles
Many New Balance shoes use their “ENCAP” technology in the midsole, which combines soft and firm materials for both comfort and support.
Adidas Gazelle Sole
Gazelles have a simple gum rubber sole that’s fairly thin. The sole has a herringbone pattern (zigzag lines) for good grip, especially on indoor surfaces. This sole design hasn’t changed much since the 1960s.
The thin sole gives you good ground feel and flexibility, but less cushioning than many New Balance shoes.
Price Comparison: How Much Do They Cost?
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price Range | Adidas Gazelle Price Range |
| Kid’s Models | $40-$90 | $55-$75 |
| Teen/Adult Models | $70-$180 | $80-$100 |
| Special Editions | Up to $200+ | Up to $120+ |
Popular Models Comparison
New Balance Popular Models
| Model | Best For | Price |
| 574 | Everyday wear | $85 |
| 990 | Maximum comfort | $175 |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 | Running | $160 |
| 327 | Trendy style | $100 |
Adidas Gazelle Popular Models
| Model | Best For | Price |
| Gazelle (Classic) | Everyday style | $90 |
| Gazelle Indoor | Indoor sports | $100 |
| Gazelle OG | Vintage look | $100 |
| Gazelle Kids | School and play | $70 |
User Reviews and Ratings
New Balance User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Style | Overall |
| 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 327 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Adidas Gazelle User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Style | Overall |
| Gazelle (Classic) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Gazelle Indoor | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Gazelle OG | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Gazelle Kids | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
What Kids Are Saying
“I love my New Balance 574s because they’re super comfortable for PE class. I can run and jump without my feet hurting.” – Jackson, 13
“My blue Gazelles look awesome with everything I wear. They’re not as cushy as my other shoes, but they look so cool that I don’t mind.” – Olivia, 12
Pros and Cons
New Balance Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Super comfortable with lots of cushioning | Can look bulky or chunky on your feet |
| Great for sports and PE class | Some styles might not look as cool as Gazelles |
| Comes in different widths for all foot types | Usually more expensive than Gazelles |
| Better for running and jumping | Not as slim and sleek looking |
| More support for your feet | Some models are heavy |
| Good for people with foot pain | So many choices it can be hard to pick |
| Lasts a long time even with rough play | Not as famous as some other shoe brands |
| Better in wet weather | Basic models can look plain |
Adidas Gazelle Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Classic cool style that never goes out of fashion | Not good for running or sports |
| Sleek and slim look on your feet | Only comes in standard width |
| Famous brand that everyone recognizes | Can feel stiff when brand new |
| Usually cheaper than New Balance | Suede gets ruined easily in rain or mud |
| Lightweight and not bulky | Not much cushioning for your feet |
| Comes in many awesome colors | Can hurt your feet during long walks |
| Looks good with almost any outfit | Not good for PE class or recess |
| Has a cool history from the 1960s | Can feel narrow if you have wide feet |
Conclusion
New Balance and Adidas Gazelle shoes are both great choices, but for different reasons. New Balance shoes are better for sports, offer more support and cushioning, and come in different widths. Gazelles have a classic, stylish look and are great for everyday wear, but don’t have as much cushioning or support.
Think about what you’ll be using your shoes for most of the time. If you play sports or need shoes for PE class, New Balance might be better. If you just want cool-looking shoes for hanging out with friends, Gazelles could be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are New Balance or Adidas Gazelle shoes better for running?
New Balance shoes are definitely better for running. They have more cushioning and support designed specifically for running. Gazelles were originally made for indoor soccer, not running.
How do I clean suede Gazelles if they get dirty?
You’ll need a special suede brush or eraser. Gently brush the dirt away when the shoes are dry. Never use water on suede! You can also buy suede protector spray to prevent stains.
Do New Balance and Gazelles fit the same?
No, they fit differently. New Balance offers different width options and often runs a bit large. Gazelles tend to be narrower and many people go up half a size.
How can I tell if my shoes fit correctly?
Your toes should have about a thumb’s width of space at the front of the shoe. The shoe shouldn’t slip at the heel when you walk. The sides shouldn’t pinch your feet. Try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are a bit bigger.
Which lasts longer, New Balance or Gazelles?
For active wear and sports, New Balance typically lasts longer. For casual everyday wear, both can last about the same amount of time if you take care of them properly.