New Balance offers superior cushioning and arch support for all-day comfort, while Sambas provide a flatter, closer-to-ground feel preferred by indoor soccer players and skaters.
Durability-wise, New Balance typically uses heartier materials that withstand frequent use better, whereas Sambas excel in scuff resistance but may show wear at stress points sooner.
Price points vary with New Balance generally commanding $90-130 for comparable models to the $90-100 Sambas.
Stylistically, New Balance embraces chunky, retro-runner aesthetics with numerous color options, while Sambas feature a sleeker, minimalist soccer-inspired silhouette that’s become a street style staple.
New Balance performs better for comfort and durability, while Adidas Sambas win for style versatility and cultural cachet.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Adidas Samba Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Adidas Sambas
- 3 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 4 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
- 9 Quality: How Well They’re Made
- 10 Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
- 11 Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
- 17 User Reviews and Ratings
- 18 Price Comparison
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Adidas Samba Shoes
New Balance and Adidas Samba shoes is their design purpose. New Balance focuses on comfort and support for everyday wear and running.
While Adidas Sambas were originally made for indoor soccer but became popular street shoes. New Balance offers more cushioning, while Sambas have a flatter, sleeker look.
Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of New Balance vs Adidas Samba Shoes:
| Feature | New Balance | Adidas Samba |
| Comfort | Thick cushioning, good arch support | Flatter sole, less cushioning |
| Durability | Strong materials, lasts longer | Good for casual wear, less durable |
| Price | $90-130 | $90-100 |
| Style | Chunky, sporty look | Slim, classic soccer design |
| Best for | Running, walking, everyday comfort | Street style, casual wear, light sports |
In summary: New Balance shoes are better if you want super comfy shoes for walking or running all day. Adidas Sambas look cooler and are more stylish for hanging out with friends. New Balance lasts longer, but Sambas might look better with different outfits.
The History of New Balance and Adidas Sambas
New Balance History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. A man named William J. Riley began making special arch supports to help people’s feet feel better.
Later, the company started making running shoes. New Balance became famous for making shoes in different widths, which helps people find the perfect fit.
Today, New Balance is known for making shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting. They make their shoes in many different countries, including the United States.
Adidas Samba History
The Adidas Samba has a really cool history! It was first created in 1950 – that’s over 70 years ago! The Samba was originally made for soccer players to wear when playing on icy, hard fields. The shoes had special grip for these tough conditions.
Over the years, Sambas became popular with not just soccer players but with all kinds of people. In the last few years, Sambas have become one of the most popular fashion sneakers in the world. Celebrities, musicians, and kids everywhere love wearing them!
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to be tough! They use strong materials and solid construction that helps their shoes last a long time.
Many kids who wear New Balance find their shoes still look good even after months of playing sports, running around at recess, and everyday walking.
New Balance tests their shoes a lot to make sure they won’t fall apart quickly. The stitching is usually very secure, and the rubber soles are thick and durable.
Adidas Samba Durability
Adidas Sambas are also pretty durable shoes. They were originally made for soccer, so they needed to be tough enough to handle kicking a ball and running on rough surfaces. The leather upper part of the Samba is strong and can last a long time if you take good care of it.
However, Sambas aren’t really made for rough play like climbing trees or playing basketball every day. They’re more for casual wear and light activity. If you’re really hard on your shoes, New Balance might last longer for you.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants hot, sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and makes many of their shoes with special mesh materials that let air flow through. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active all day.
Many New Balance shoes have tiny holes or mesh panels on the top and sides. These let hot air escape and fresh air come in, which helps prevent stinky shoes!
Adidas Samba Breathability
Adidas Sambas have a different design. Most Sambas are made with leather or suede, which doesn’t let air flow through as easily as mesh. This means your feet might get a bit warmer in Sambas, especially on hot days.
However, Sambas do have some breathability from the tongue area and through small perforations (tiny holes) in some parts of the shoe. They’re fine for normal everyday wear, but might not be the best choice for playing sports in hot weather.
Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. They use special foam called “Fresh Foam” or “ENCAP” that feels super soft and bouncy under your feet! This cushioning helps protect your feet when you jump, run, or walk on hard surfaces.
The cushioning in New Balance shoes is especially good for kids who play sports or have to stand a lot during the day. It helps prevent tired, achy feet.
Adidas Samba Cushioning
Adidas Sambas have a different kind of cushioning. They have a thinner, flatter sole compared to most New Balance shoes. The Samba has some padding in the insole (the part inside where your foot rests), but it’s not as plush or bouncy as New Balance.
The benefit of the Samba’s thinner sole is that you can feel the ground better, which was important for soccer players. But if you want shoes that feel super soft and cushioned, New Balance might be more comfortable for you.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Fit
One really cool thing about New Balance is that they make shoes in different widths. This is super helpful because not everyone’s feet are the same width! They offer narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide options in many of their styles.
New Balance shoes tend to have a roomier toe box, which means there’s more space for your toes to spread out naturally. This can make them more comfortable for growing feet.
Adidas Samba Fit
Adidas Sambas usually come in standard width only. They have a narrower fit compared to New Balance, especially in the toe area. This gives them a sleek, slim look on your foot.
Many people find that Sambas run a bit small, so you might need to go up half a size from your normal shoe size. If you have wider feet, Sambas might feel too tight, and New Balance would be a better choice for you.
Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
New Balance Stability
Stability in shoes helps prevent your ankles from rolling inward or outward too much. New Balance designs many of their shoes with special support features that keep your foot aligned properly.
Many New Balance shoes have a firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe) and supportive midsole that work together to keep your foot stable. This is especially important when you’re running, jumping, or changing direction quickly during sports.
Adidas Samba Stability
Adidas Sambas offer good stability too, but in a different way. Since they were designed for soccer, they provide good lateral (side-to-side) stability to help with quick movements and direction changes.
Sambas have a flat, stable base and a supportive upper that holds your foot in place well. However, they don’t have as much arch support as many New Balance shoes, so if you need help with flat feet or high arches, New Balance might be better for you.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
New Balance Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for New Balance. Besides cushioning, they focus on making shoes that feel good from the first time you put them on. Many New Balance shoes don’t need a “break-in period” – they feel comfortable right away!
New Balance uses soft linings inside their shoes and padding around the ankle collar to prevent blisters and irritation. The multiple width options also help make sure you get a comfortable fit.
Adidas Samba Comfort
Adidas Sambas often need a break-in period before they feel their best. The leather upper can be a bit stiff at first but will mold to your foot over time. Once broken in, many people find Sambas very comfortable for everyday wear.
However, for all-day comfort, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking or standing, New Balance shoes typically offer more cushioning and support. Sambas are comfortable for casual wear but weren’t designed for all-day comfort like many New Balance models.
Quality: How Well They’re Made
New Balance Quality
New Balance has been making shoes for a very long time, and they’ve gotten really good at it! They pay attention to small details like even stitching, secure gluing, and durable materials.
The quality control for New Balance shoes is very strict. Some New Balance shoes are even made in the United States, where they have close control over the manufacturing process.
Adidas Samba Quality
Adidas Sambas are also well-made shoes with good attention to detail. The fact that they’ve been around for over 70 years shows that they’ve stood the test of time! The stitching and gluing are usually very good, and the materials are high quality.
Both brands offer good quality shoes that should hold up well with normal wear, though they’re designed for different purposes.
Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
New Balance Style
New Balance has a style that’s a mix of sporty and classic. Their shoes often have a chunky, retro look that has become very popular in fashion recently. They offer lots of color options, from simple white, black, and gray to brighter colors like blue, red, and green.
New Balance shoes are great for everyday wear and can go with lots of different outfits. Their “dad shoe” style has become very trendy, with models like the 550 and 990 being especially popular.
Adidas Samba Style
Adidas Sambas have a very distinct style that’s extremely popular right now! They have a sleek, slim profile with the famous Adidas three stripes on the side. The classic Samba comes in black with white stripes or white with black stripes, though there are now many color options.
Sambas have become a fashion statement, worn by celebrities and trendy people everywhere. They have a timeless, classic look that goes with almost any outfit, from jeans to dresses. If being fashionable is important to you, Sambas are definitely a top choice right now!
Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers one of the widest size ranges of any shoe company. They make kids’ shoes starting at very small sizes for toddlers all the way up to big adult sizes. This makes them great for growing feet!
As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options, which can be really helpful if you have narrow or wide feet.
Adidas Samba Size Range
Adidas Sambas come in many sizes too, from kids to adults. However, they don’t offer different width options like New Balance does, just standard width.
As mentioned before, Sambas tend to run a bit small and narrow, so many people need to go up half a size from their normal shoe size.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes:
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Synthetic leather for structure and support
- Foam for cushioning
- Rubber for durable outsoles
- Suede for some lifestyle models
They choose materials based on what each shoe is designed for. Running shoes use more mesh for breathability, while casual shoes might use more suede or leather-like materials.
Adidas Samba Materials
Adidas Sambas are known for their classic materials:
- Leather or suede for the upper part
- Synthetic materials for the famous three stripes
- Rubber for the gum sole (the brownish bottom part)
- Foam for the insole cushioning
The classic Samba look includes the suede toe cap and leather body, though newer versions might use different materials. The traditional gum rubber sole is a signature part of the Samba’s look.
Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
New Balance Weight
New Balance makes shoes in a range of weights. Their running and athletic shoes tend to be lightweight to help you move faster. Their casual shoes and those designed for extra support might be a bit heavier.
For kids, New Balance generally tries to keep the weight down since heavy shoes can be tiring to wear all day.
Adidas Samba Weight
Adidas Sambas are generally lightweight shoes. They’re not as light as some running shoes, but they won’t feel heavy on your feet. The leather construction adds a bit of weight compared to all-mesh shoes, but most kids find Sambas to be comfortable in terms of weight.
Both brands offer shoes that won’t weigh you down, though the lightest New Balance running shoes would be lighter than Sambas.
Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
New Balance Flexibility
Flexibility is important because your foot needs to bend naturally when you walk and run. New Balance designs their shoes with flex grooves in the sole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot naturally bends.
Different New Balance models offer different levels of flexibility based on their intended use. Running shoes tend to be more flexible, while shoes for sports like basketball might be a bit stiffer for support.
Adidas Samba Flexibility
Adidas Sambas have moderate flexibility. They’re not as flexible as running shoes but do allow for natural foot movement. When new, Sambas can be a bit stiff, but they become more flexible as you break them in.
The gum rubber sole of the Samba provides a good balance of flexibility and structure, which was important for the quick movements needed in soccer.
Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most standard New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many have water-resistant features that help keep your feet dry in light rain or wet grass. They use materials that don’t soak up water easily and designs that keep water from getting inside the shoe.
New Balance does make some fully waterproof shoes, but these are usually specialized models for hiking or outdoor activities.
Adidas Samba Water Resistance
Adidas Sambas with leather uppers offer some natural water resistance. Leather doesn’t soak up water as quickly as canvas or mesh, so your feet might stay drier in light rain compared to some other shoes.
However, Sambas aren’t waterproof, and water can still get in through the seams and tongue area. If you’ll be walking in heavy rain or through puddles, neither Sambas nor regular New Balance shoes are the best choice.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
New Balance Soles
New Balance uses durable rubber for their outsoles (the bottom part that touches the ground). They design different tread patterns for different activities:
- Running shoes have flexible grooves and cushioning
- Training shoes have flat, stable soles for gym activities
- Casual shoes have smoother soles for everyday wear
The soles are designed to provide good grip on different surfaces while lasting a long time without wearing down.
Adidas Samba Soles
Adidas Sambas have a very distinctive sole made of gum rubber (usually a tan or brown color). This sole was originally designed to provide good grip on icy soccer fields, but it works well on most surfaces.
The Samba sole is flatter than most New Balance shoes, with a unique tread pattern that’s good for everyday wear. The gum rubber is slightly sticky, which gives excellent traction on smooth surfaces like gym floors.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style |
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Adidas Samba Classic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| New Balance 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Adidas Samba OG | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Adidas Samba Price | Best For |
| Basic Kids Models | $50-$70 | $65-$85 | Everyday wear, school |
| Popular Models | $80-$110 | $80-$100 | Fashion, casual wear |
| Premium/Limited Editions | $120-$180 | $100-$150 | Style, collecting |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
| Come in many different widths for all foot types | Not as trendy or fashionable right now |
| Super comfortable cushioning for all-day wear | Usually cost more money than Sambas |
| Great for running and sports activities | Look chunkier and bigger on your feet |
| Don’t need to be broken in when new | Not as cool with current fashion trends |
| Perfect for PE class and playing at recess | Fewer celebrities wear them |
| Available in many different colors | Can look too much like “dad shoes” |
| Good for people with foot problems | Not as good for style points at school |
| Keep your feet cooler with mesh materials | Not as sleek looking with different outfits |
Adidas Samba Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
| Super trendy and popular right now | Can hurt your feet when new (need breaking in) |
| Look cool with almost any outfit | Only come in standard width (not for wide feet) |
| Many celebrities and cool people wear them | Not good for running or sports |
| Classic style that never goes out of fashion | Less cushioning for your feet |
| Slimmer profile looks less chunky | Can feel tight and narrow |
| Great for showing you know about fashion | Not comfortable for standing all day |
| Special gum sole looks distinct | Feet might get sweaty (less breathable) |
| Good conversation starter with friends | Run small – might need a bigger size |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe brand is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose New Balance if:
- You need shoes for running, sports, or PE class
- You want more cushioning and support
- You have wide or narrow feet and need different width options
- Comfort is your top priority
- You’ll be wearing them for long periods of walking or standing
- You need shoes that don’t need to be broken in
Choose Adidas Sambas if:
- Style and being trendy is really important to you
- You want a classic, timeless look
- You play soccer or like soccer-inspired fashion
- You prefer a sleeker, less chunky shoe
- You want shoes that are currently very popular
- You’re looking for a versatile shoe that goes with many outfits
Both New Balance and Adidas Sambas are great shoes, but they serve different purposes. New Balance excels in comfort, support, and athletic performance, while Sambas are all about style, heritage, and that cool factor.
Remember, the best shoe is the one that fits YOUR feet and YOUR needs the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Adidas Sambas really as popular as people say?
Yes! Sambas have become one of the most popular shoes in the world recently. They’ve been worn by many celebrities and are very trendy right now, especially with teens and young adults.
Which shoe is better for gym class, New Balance or Sambas?
New Balance is definitely better for gym class and sports. They have more cushioning, better support, and are designed for athletic activities. Sambas were originally soccer shoes but aren’t the best choice for general gym activities.
How do I know what size to get in Sambas?
Many people find that Sambas run small and narrow. It’s often recommended to go up half a size from your normal shoe size. If possible, try them on before buying or make sure you can return them if they don’t fit right.
Do New Balance shoes look as cool as Sambas?
This depends on your personal style! Sambas are currently more trendy and fashionable, but many New Balance models (like the 550 and 990) have become very fashionable too. Both brands can look cool, just in different ways.
How do I clean my leather Sambas?
For leather Sambas, use a soft cloth and mild soap to gently clean the surface. Don’t soak them in water or put them in the washing machine. Let them air dry away from direct heat. You can use leather conditioner to keep them looking nice.