New Balance offers superior stability and tends to run wider, making them ideal for people with broader feet or those needing extra support.
They typically have a more classic, understated design aesthetic and fall in the mid-price range ($80-150).
Air Max shoes, part of Nike’s lineup, feature their distinctive visible air cushioning technology, providing exceptional impact absorption and a more responsive feel.
They typically have a sleeker, more fashion-forward appearance with bolder colorways and command a higher price point ($120-200+).
New Balance excels in durability and stability, while Air Max dominates in cushioning technology and style versatility.
Your choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize function and comfort (New Balance) or fashion and cushioning (Air Max).
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Air Max
- 2 History of the Brands
- 3 Nike Air Max: The Air Revolution
- 4 Cushioning: What’s Under Your Feet
- 5 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 6 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping You Steady
- 9 Comfort: All-Day Feel
- 10 Quality: How Well Are They Made?
- 11 Style: Looking Good
- 12 Size Range: Finding Your Fit
- 13 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 14 Weight: Heavy or Light?
- 15 Flexibility: How They Bend
- 16 Water Resistance: Staying Dry
- 17 Sole Design: The Bottom Line
- 18 User Reviews and Ratings
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Air Max
New Balance and Air Max shoes is their cushioning technology. New Balance uses foam cushioning like Fresh Foam for balanced comfort, while Nike Air Max features visible air pockets in the sole that provide a springy, bouncy feel.
New Balance offers more width options, making them better for wider feet, while Air Max shoes are known for their standout style.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Air Max |
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam or FuelCell foam | Visible Air units |
| Fit | Multiple width options (narrow to extra-wide) | Usually regular width only |
| Style | Classic “dad shoe” or retro look | Bold design with visible Air bubble |
| Price Range | $70-$180 | $100-$160 |
| Weight | Varies (some models heavier) | Often slightly heavier due to Air unit |
| Best For | People needing specific widths, everyday comfort | Style-conscious, bounce lovers |
| Breathability | Mesh uppers for good airflow | Mesh or knit uppers for decent airflow |
| Durability | Strong with reinforced stitching | Good, but Air units may show wear first |
In summary: When choosing between New Balance and Air Max, think about what matters most to you. If you need a perfect fit, especially for wider feet, and all-day comfort, New Balance might be your best choice.
If you want shoes with a cool look that everyone notices and bouncy cushioning, Air Max could be better for you. Both brands make quality shoes that look great and feel good, but they have different strengths that might make one perfect for your feet and style.
History of the Brands
New Balance: A Comfort-First Approach
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston. The company began by making arch supports to help people’s feet feel better.
Later, they started making shoes that focused on comfort and good fit. New Balance is known for making shoes in many different widths, which helps people find the perfect fit.
Nike Air Max: The Air Revolution
Nike created the first Air Max shoe in 1987. The cool thing about Air Max is the air bubble in the sole that you can actually see!
This air cushioning was a brand new idea at the time. Designer Tinker Hatfield got the idea from a building in Paris with its structure visible from the outside.
Cushioning: What’s Under Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance uses different types of cushioning in their shoes. Many models have “Fresh Foam” or “FuelCell” foam that feels soft but still gives you energy back when you walk or run.
Air Max Cushioning
Air Max shoes have Nike’s famous Air technology – actual air pockets in the soles! These air units act like little shock absorbers under your feet. When you step down, the air compresses and then springs back, helping you bounce along.
| Cushioning Type | New Balance | Air Max |
| Main Technology | Fresh Foam/FuelCell | Air Units |
| Feel | Balanced softness | Springy bounce |
| Best for | All-day comfort | Impact protection |
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
Both brands make shoes that can last a long time if you take care of them. New Balance often uses strong rubber outsoles that resist wear. Air Max shoes have thick rubber bottoms too, especially in high-wear areas.
New Balance shoes sometimes have extra stitching that can make them super durable. Air Max shoes might show wear on the air units first, but the rest of the shoe usually holds up well.
Your shoes will last longer if you only wear them for what they’re made for. Using running shoes for basketball, for example, can wear them out faster!
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Many New Balance shoes use mesh material on the top part (called the upper). This mesh lets air flow through to keep your feet from getting too sweaty.
Air Max Breathability
Air Max shoes also use mesh in many models. Some newer Air Max shoes have special knit uppers that stretch and breathe even better.
If your feet get hot easily, look for shoes with lots of mesh. This is especially important if you’re active or if it’s hot outside.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Fit
One of the coolest things about New Balance is that they make shoes in different widths. You can find narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes! This means more people can find shoes that fit perfectly.
Air Max Fit
Air Max shoes usually come in regular width only. They tend to fit true to size, but some models might feel narrow for people with wider feet.
| Fit Feature | New Balance | Air Max |
| Width Options | Multiple widths available | Usually regular width only |
| Sizing | May run slightly large | Often true to size |
| Toe Box | Often roomier | Sometimes more narrow |
Stability: Keeping You Steady
New Balance Stability
Many New Balance shoes have features to help keep your feet stable. Some models have special posts or firmer foam on the inner side to stop your foot from rolling inward too much when you walk or run.
Air Max Stability
Air Max shoes usually focus more on cushioning than stability. However, the Air units provide a stable platform, and some models have wider bases to help you feel more balanced.
If you need extra support because your feet roll inward (called overpronation), New Balance might have more options designed specifically for that.
Comfort: All-Day Feel
Comfort is super important, especially if you’re wearing your shoes all day at school or for sports.
New Balance Comfort
New Balance often gets high marks for comfort right out of the box. The combination of soft cushioning and good fit makes them comfortable for many people without a break-in period.
Air Max Comfort
Air Max shoes might take a little time to break in, but many people love the bouncy feeling of walking on air. The unique cushioning can make you feel like you’re walking on clouds once you get used to them.
Remember that comfort is personal – what feels good to one person might not feel as good to someone else!
Quality: How Well Are They Made?
Both brands make quality shoes, but there are some differences.
New Balance Quality
New Balance is proud that some of their shoes are made or assembled in the USA. They often use high-quality materials and good construction methods.
Air Max Quality
Nike puts a lot of research into their shoe technology. Air Max shoes often have innovative designs and materials. The visible Air unit is a complex piece of engineering.
Both brands have different price levels, with higher-priced models usually having better materials and more features.
Style: Looking Good
New Balance Style
New Balance shoes have become super popular for their “dad shoe” or retro look. Models like the 990 and 574 have a classic style that many people love. New Balance comes in lots of colors, from simple gray to bright, fun combinations.
Air Max Style
Air Max shoes are known for their bold, standout style. The visible Air bubble makes them instantly recognizable. Air Max has many different models like the Air Max 90, Air Max 97, and Air Max 270, each with its own unique look.
| Style Feature | New Balance | Air Max |
| Look | Classic, sometimes chunky | Modern, distinctive |
| Color Options | Many, often subtle | Bright and bold available |
| Recognition | Numbers (like 574, 990) | Year models (90, 95, 97) |
| Fashion Status | Trendy for retro look | Iconic sneaker culture |
Size Range: Finding Your Fit
Both brands offer shoes in kids’ sizes, which is great news for you! New Balance typically offers sizes from around 3.5 to 7 in kids’ shoes and continues into adult sizes. Nike Air Max also has a good range of kids’ sizes.
If you’re between kids’ and adult sizes, you might be able to save money by buying the largest kids’ size instead of the smallest adult size – they’re often cheaper!
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a mix of synthetic materials and sometimes real suede or leather on their shoes. The soles are usually rubber, and the cushioning is special foam.
Air Max Materials
Air Max shoes often use synthetic leather, mesh, and newer materials like Flyknit or engineered mesh. The soles combine rubber with the plastic Air units.
Both brands are starting to use more environmentally friendly materials in some of their shoes, which is good for the planet!
Weight: Heavy or Light?
New Balance Weight
New Balance shoes vary in weight. Some of their classic models like the 990 are a bit heavier because of their sturdy construction. However, they also make lightweight running shoes.
Air Max Weight
Air Max shoes can sometimes feel a bit heavy because of the Air unit technology. Models like the Air Max 270 or 720 with larger Air units might be heavier than some running shoes.
If you’re using the shoes for sports where speed matters, weight might be important to consider.
Flexibility: How They Bend
New Balance Flexibility
New Balance shoes often have good flexibility in the forefoot (the front part of the shoe). This helps your foot move naturally when you walk or run.
Air Max Flexibility
Some Air Max models might be less flexible because of the Air unit in the sole. However, Nike designs grooves in the soles to help them bend in the right places.
For everyday walking and school activities, both should be flexible enough. If you’re doing sports that need quick direction changes, you might want to consider how the shoe bends.
Water Resistance: Staying Dry
Neither New Balance nor Air Max shoes are fully waterproof unless specifically stated. However:
New Balance Water Resistance
Some New Balance shoes have water-resistant uppers that can handle light rain. They also make some trail running shoes with better water protection.
Air Max Water Resistance
Most Air Max shoes aren’t designed to be water-resistant. The mesh areas can let water in pretty easily.
If you need shoes for rainy weather, look for models that specifically mention water resistance, or consider using a water-repellent spray on your shoes.
Sole Design: The Bottom Line
New Balance Soles
New Balance soles usually have good grip patterns for everyday use. Some models have deeper treads for better traction on different surfaces.
Air Max Soles
Air Max soles feature the visible Air units surrounded by rubber. The tread patterns vary by model, with some designed for better grip during specific activities.
Good grip is important to prevent slipping, especially if you’re active or walking on wet surfaces.
User Reviews and Ratings
Here’s what other kids and teens are saying about these shoes:
| Model | Rating | Price Range | What Users Love | What Users Dislike |
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | $70-$85 | Comfort, color options, fit | Can look bulky with some outfits |
| New Balance 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | $100-$180 | Amazing comfort, durability | Higher price, heavier |
| Air Max 90 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | $100-$120 | Style, color options, cushioning | Can feel tight for wide feet |
| Air Max 270 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | $120-$160 | Big air bubble, height boost, style | Price, can be less stable for sports |
What Real Kids Say:
“I love my New Balance 574s because they’re super comfortable for school and come in cool colors.” – Jake, 13
“My Air Max 90s look awesome with everything I wear, and the cushioning feels great when I’m playing basketball.” – Maya, 12
“I have wide feet, and New Balance is the only brand that fits me perfectly.” – Tyler, 14
“The Air Max 270s make me a little taller and look so cool. Everyone notices them!” – Zoe, 13
Pros and Cons
New Balance Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes in many width sizes (narrow, wide, extra wide) | Some models look chunky or too “dad shoe” style |
| Great comfort right out of the box | Often less colorful than Air Max options |
| Good support for people with foot problems | Less bouncy feel compared to Air Max |
| Usually less expensive | Not as popular or trendy with some kids |
| More models made in USA | Designs might seem boring to some |
| Better stability for everyday walking | Air technology not available |
| Lighter weight in many models | Less cushioning in the heel area |
Air Max Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cool visible air bubble technology | Usually only comes in medium width |
| Very stylish and eye-catching designs | Can be more expensive |
| Bright, bold color choices | Might feel tight for people with wide feet |
| Excellent cushioning for jumping | Air units could pop (though rare) |
| Bouncy, fun feeling when walking | Sometimes heavier than other shoes |
| Very popular and recognized by friends | Might need breaking in period |
| Makes you look a bit taller (bigger air units) | Less stability for some activities |
Conclusion
After comparing New Balance and Air Max shoes, here’s a simple way to decide which might be better for you:
Choose New Balance if:
- You have wide or narrow feet and need special widths
- Comfort is your top priority
- You want shoes that feel good right away
- You like the classic, retro style
- You need more support for your feet
Choose Air Max if:
- You love the unique style and visible Air technology
- You want that springy, bouncy feeling
- You like being on-trend with popular shoe styles
- You want shoes that stand out
- You enjoy the extra cushioning for jumping and impact
Remember, the best shoes are the ones that fit YOUR feet well and feel comfortable to YOU. If possible, try on both brands to see which feels better for your feet and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are New Balance or Air Max shoes better for sports?
It depends on the sport! New Balance might be better for activities needing stability, while Air Max could be good for sports with lots of jumping. For serious sports, look for shoes designed specifically for that activity.
How do I know which size to get?
It’s always best to measure your feet or try shoes on in a store. New Balance sometimes runs a bit large, while Air Max is usually true to size.
How do I clean my New Balance or Air Max shoes?
For both brands, use a soft brush to remove dirt, then clean with mild soap and water. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage them.
Why are some models so much more expensive than others?
Higher prices usually mean better materials, more advanced technology, or special designs. Limited edition shoes can also cost more because they’re harder to find.
How long should my shoes last?
With regular use, good quality sneakers should last about 6-12 months before the cushioning starts to wear down. The upper part might look good longer, but the support inside breaks down over time.