New Balance is known for its wide toe boxes and cushioned midsoles, making them a favorite for people with wider feet or those who need orthopedic support.
Asics, on the other hand, excels in performance comfort, especially with its GEL cushioning system that absorbs shock effectively, ideal for runners.
In terms of durability, Asics often edges out due to their sturdy build and long-lasting materials, particularly in their running and trail shoes.
When it comes to price, both brands offer a similar range, but Asics often provides more technical features at comparable or slightly lower prices.
Style is subjective, but New Balance tends to lean into retro and lifestyle aesthetics, while Asics focuses on sporty, performance-driven designs.
New Balance wins in comfort and casual style, Asics leads in durability, technical performance, and value for runners.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Asics Shoes
- 2 The History Behind the Brands
- 3 Comfort: Which Feels Better on Your Feet?
- 4 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 5 Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 6 Cushioning: The Bounce in Your Step
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping You Balanced
- 9 Quality: What Are They Made Of?
- 10 Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
- 11 Size Range: Finding Your Fit
- 12 Material: What’s Your Shoe Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy Are They on Your Feet?
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: The Foundation of Your Shoe
- 17 User Reviews: What Kids Like You Think
- 18 Pros and Cons
- 19 Conclusion
- 20 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Asics Shoes
New Balance and Asics is their fit and cushioning. New Balance offers wider fits with plush foam cushioning, making them great for everyday wear and people with wider feet. Asics has a narrower fit with GEL cushioning that excels in running shoes, offering excellent shock absorption for active kids.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Asics |
| Fit | Wider options (D, 2E, 4E widths) | Narrower, snug fit |
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam, FuelCell | GEL Technology |
| Best For | Everyday wear, wider feet | Running, sports activities |
| Style | “Dad shoe” trendy look | Sporty, colorful designs |
| Weight | Varies (some heavier models) | Generally lightweight |
| Price Range | $50-$85 (kids) | $45-$75 (kids) |
| Durability | 8-12 months typical use | 7-11 months typical use |
| Popular Models | 574, 990v5, Fresh Foam 880 | GEL-Contend, GT-1000, GEL-Venture |
In summary, both New Balance and Asics make great shoes for kids aged 12-13. If you have wider feet or want comfy everyday shoes, try New Balance. If you run a lot or play sports, Asics might be better for you.
The best shoe depends on what feels most comfortable on your feet and what activities you enjoy most.
The History Behind the Brands
New Balance: From Chicken Feet to Feet Comfort
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston. The founder, William Riley, got a cool idea by looking at chicken feet! He noticed how chickens stay balanced with their three-pronged feet and used this idea to create shoes with amazing support. That’s pretty neat, right?
Asics: A Japanese Success Story
Asics began in 1949 in Japan. The name “Asics” is actually short for a Latin phrase that means “a sound mind in a sound body.” The founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, wanted to help young people feel better after World War II by giving them good shoes for sports.
Comfort: Which Feels Better on Your Feet?
New Balance Comfort Features
New Balance shoes feel like pillows for your feet! They use special foam called “Fresh Foam” or “FuelCell” that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Many kids say their feet don’t get tired even after playing all day in New Balance shoes.
Asics Comfort Technology
Asics has something called “GEL Technology” that works like tiny shock absorbers in your shoes. This helps when you jump or run, making your feet feel less tired. Their shoes also have good padding inside that feels soft against your feet.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Toughness
New Balance shoes are built strong! They use thick rubber on the bottom and strong stitching that holds everything together. Many kids can wear them for a whole school year without them falling apart, even if they play hard outside every day.
Asics Strength
Asics shoes are also made to last. They have special rubber on the bottom called “AHAR” (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) that doesn’t wear down easily. The top parts of their shoes are made with materials that don’t tear easily even when you scuff them.
| Durability Feature | New Balance | Asics |
| Sole Material | Thick rubber with deep grooves | AHAR rubber with reinforced areas |
| Upper Construction | Strong mesh with double stitching | Engineered mesh with overlays |
| Toe Protection | Reinforced toe cap on most models | Toe protector on athletic models |
| Heel Support | Sturdy heel counter | Firm external heel counter |
| Average Lifespan | 8-12 months of regular use | 7-11 months of regular use |
Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Airflow
Nobody likes sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and puts lots of tiny holes in their shoes to let air in. This means your feet can breathe and stay cool even when you’re running around in hot weather.
Asics Ventilation System
Asics uses a special mesh on the top of their shoes that lets air flow through while keeping dirt out. Some of their shoes even have extra vents on the sides to keep your feet extra cool.
Cushioning: The Bounce in Your Step
New Balance Cushioning Technology
When you jump or run, you want shoes that help you bounce back up! New Balance puts soft but springy foam inside their shoes. Different models have different amounts of cushioning some feel super bouncy while others feel more firm and stable.
Asics Shock Absorption
Asics is famous for their cushioning! Their GEL cushioning absorbs shock when your foot hits the ground. This means your feet, knees, and legs don’t feel as much impact when you’re running or jumping, which helps prevent soreness.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Sizing Guide
New Balance shoes come in lots of different widths! This is really helpful if your feet are wider or narrower than average. They offer sizes marked with letters like “D” for regular width, “2E” for wide, and even “4E” for extra-wide feet.
Asics Fit System
Asics tends to make shoes that are a bit narrower, especially in the heel area. This gives a snug fit that many runners like. If you have wider feet, you might need to go up half a size in Asics shoes.
Stability: Keeping You Balanced
New Balance Support Features
New Balance puts firm materials on the inside edge of many of their shoes. This helps stop your feet from rolling inward too much when you walk or run, which can help prevent injuries and keep you steady.
Asics Stability Technology
Asics uses what they call “Trusstic System” technology—a fancy name for a piece in the middle of the shoe that helps keep your foot stable. Their shoes also guide your foot to land and push off in the right way when you’re moving.
Quality: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials and Construction
New Balance is proud of making many of their shoes in the USA or UK, which often means good quality control. They use strong materials like suede, leather, and tough mesh that can handle lots of wear and tear.
Asics Quality Standards
Asics pays close attention to how their shoes are made. They use strong stitching and glue their parts together well so they don’t come apart. Their shoes often have extra reinforcement in places that get the most wear.
Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
New Balance Fashion Appeal
New Balance shoes have become super popular for everyday style, not just for sports! Their “dad shoe” look has become trendy, and they come in lots of cool colors. Many celebrities even wear them just for fashion.
Asics Design Elements
Asics shoes have a sporty look that many kids love. They often have bright colors and cool patterns that stand out. While they started as serious running shoes, many people now wear them just because they look awesome.
Size Range: Finding Your Fit
New Balance Size Availability
New Balance is great because they make shoes in almost every size you can imagine! They have kids’ sizes from really small toddler feet all the way up to big adult sizes. This makes it easy to find your perfect fit as you grow.
Asics Size Options
Asics offers a good range of sizes too, though they might not have as many width options as New Balance. They make special youth versions of many of their popular adult shoes, which is cool if you want to match with older siblings or parents.
Material: What’s Your Shoe Made Of?
New Balance Fabric and Components
New Balance uses different materials depending on what the shoe is for. For everyday shoes, they often use soft suede and mesh. For sports shoes, they use tougher synthetic materials that can handle mud and rough play.
Asics Material Technology
Asics uses lightweight materials that don’t weigh you down. Their running shoes often have seamless construction, which means fewer bumps inside that might rub against your foot and cause blisters.
| Material Feature | New Balance | Asics |
| Upper Material | Mesh, synthetic leather, suede | Engineered mesh, synthetic overlays |
| Insole | Foam with antimicrobial treatment | EVA sockliner with moisture management |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam, FuelCell, or ENCAP | FlyteFoam, GEL technology |
| Outsole | Carbon rubber or NDurance rubber | AHAR or AHAR+ rubber |
| Laces | Flat or oval with secure hold | Round with reinforced eyelets |
Weight: How Heavy Are They on Your Feet?
New Balance Lightness Factor
New Balance makes some shoes that are super light and others that are a bit heavier. Their lightest shoes feel like you’re hardly wearing anything! The heavier ones give more support and protection but might slow you down a tiny bit.
Asics Weight Distribution
Asics running shoes are designed to be lightweight, helping you run faster and jump higher. Even their supportive shoes are made to be as light as possible while still giving your feet what they need.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their shoes to bend where your foot naturally bends when you walk or run. This makes it easier to move and helps your feet feel less tired after a long day of play.
Asics Flexibility Zones
Asics puts special grooves in the bottom of their shoes that help them flex in just the right places. Different shoe models have different amounts of flexibility—some bend easily everywhere while others are more structured.
Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
New Balance Weather Protection
Some New Balance shoes have special coatings that help water roll off instead of soaking in. They also make some shoes with waterproof Gore-Tex material that keeps your feet totally dry even in rainy weather.
Asics Water Repellent Features
Asics has some shoes with water-resistant uppers that can handle light rain or morning dew. For really wet conditions, they make special waterproof running shoes that keep your feet dry while still letting them breathe.
Sole: The Foundation of Your Shoe
New Balance Sole Technology
The bottom of New Balance shoes is made with tough rubber that grips the ground well. They put extra rubber in spots where your foot hits the ground hardest, helping the shoes last longer.
Asics Sole Construction
Asics designs their soles with special patterns that give you good grip on different surfaces. Their running shoes often have different types of rubber in different areas—softer rubber for comfort and harder rubber for durability.
User Reviews: What Kids Like You Think
| Model | Brand | Price Range | User Rating | Best For |
| 990v5 | New Balance | $60-$75 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Everyday comfort, wide feet |
| Fresh Foam 880v12 | New Balance | $70-$85 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Running, all-day wear |
| 574 | New Balance | $50-$65 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | School, casual style |
| GEL-Contend 7 | Asics | $45-$60 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Beginning runners |
| GT-1000 11 | Asics | $60-$75 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sports, foot support |
| GEL-Venture 8 | Asics | $45-$65 (kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Trail running, outdoor play |
Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
| New Balance | Comes in many width sizes for all foot types | Some styles can be heavy |
| Very comfortable cushioning | Not as many colorful designs | |
| Great for everyday wear | Can be more expensive | |
| Lasts a long time | Not the best for serious running | |
| Trendy style that looks cool at school | Some models look bulky | |
| Made with quality materials | Can take time to break in | |
| Asics | Amazing for running and sports | Often runs narrow |
| Lightweight and bouncy | Not as good for wide feet | |
| Great shock absorption | Not as trendy for everyday wear | |
| Many bright color choices | Can wear out faster with rough play | |
| Good grip on different surfaces | Some find them less comfortable for all-day wear | |
| Often less expensive | Limited width options |
Both brands make great shoes, but they’re good for different things. Think about what you’ll use your shoes for most and which features matter most to you!
Conclusion
After looking at all these different features, which shoe brand is better? The answer depends on what you need!
Choose New Balance if:
- You have wide feet
- You like more cushioning
- You want shoes that look cool for everyday wear
- You need lots of size options
Choose Asics if:
- You do a lot of running
- You want lightweight shoes
- You like bright, sporty designs
- You need extra stability for your feet
Both brands make great shoes that will keep your feet happy. Think about what activities you do most and what feels best on your feet. Sometimes the best way to decide is to try on both brands and see which one feels like it was made just for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size shoe I need?
It’s best to have your feet measured at a shoe store. Feet grow quickly when you’re between 12-13 years old, so you should check your size every few months. Always try shoes on before buying if possible!
Can I use running shoes for other sports?
Running shoes can work for many activities, but some sports need special shoes. Basketball needs more ankle support, and soccer needs cleats for grass. For gym class and everyday play, running shoes usually work great.
How often should I replace my shoes?
Most kids should get new shoes every 6-12 months, depending on how fast your feet grow and how much you wear them. If you see holes, if the bottoms are worn smooth, or if your feet hurt, it’s time for new shoes.
Are expensive shoes better than cheaper ones?
Not always! More expensive shoes often last longer or have special features, but some less expensive models are excellent too. What matters most is that they fit well and feel comfortable on your feet.
How do I keep my shoes looking clean?
Wipe dirt off with a damp cloth when your shoes get dirty. Don’t put shoes in the washing machine unless the label says it’s ok – it can damage them. Stuffing wet shoes with newspaper helps them dry and keep their shape.