Choosing between New Balance and Clarks often comes down to athletic function vs classic style. New Balance excels in performance sneakers and sporty comfort, while Clarks is renowned for its heritage in comfortable, timeless casual and dress shoes.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Clarks Shoes
- 2 Which is Good for Different Activities
- 3 Brand History: Where Did They Come From?
- 4 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 5 Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool and Fresh
- 6 Cushioning: Softness Under Your Feet
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping Your Feet in Place
- 9 Comfort: How Good Do They Feel?
- 10 Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
- 11 Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
- 12 Size Range: Finding Your Fit
- 13 Material: What Are They Made Of?
- 14 Weight: How Heavy Are They on Your Feet?
- 15 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 16 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 17 Sole: The Bottom of the Shoe
- 18 User Reviews and Pricing
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Clarks Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Clarks shoes is their primary purpose. New Balance focuses on athletic performance with lightweight, breathable designs for sports and active play, while Clarks specializes in everyday comfort and dress shoes with more traditional materials like leather for school, casual wear, and dressier occasions.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs
| Feature | New Balance | Clarks |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Sports and athletic activities | Everyday wear and dress occasions |
| Primary Materials | Mesh, synthetic fabrics, rubber | Leather, suede, rubber |
| Weight | Lightweight (6-9 ounces) | Medium weight (8-12 ounces) |
| Breathability | High with mesh construction | Moderate with some perforated designs |
| Cushioning | Sports-focused (Fresh Foam, FuelCell) | All-day comfort (Cushion Plus, OrthoLite) |
| Width Options | Many (narrow to extra-wide) | Several (narrow to wide) |
| Best For | Running, sports, active play | School, casual wear, dress occasions |
| Price Range | $50-$75 (kids) | $50-$80 (kids) |
| Style | Athletic, sporty look | Classic, traditional designs |
| Water Resistance | Limited (special models only) | Better in leather models |
| Durability | Great for sports activities | Excellent for everyday wear |
| History | Since 1906, athletic focus | Since 1825, traditional shoemaking |
In summary: New Balance and Clarks represent contrasting footwear philosophies. New Balance delivers athletic-inspired sneakers with technical cushioning and dad-shoe appeal.
Clarks specializes in timeless casual shoes and boots, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and versatile design. While New Balance dominates active lifestyles, Clarks excels in business-casual and everyday comfort situations.
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Which is Good for Different Activities
Best for Running
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
- Plush Fresh Foam X midsole provides exceptional cushioning for high-impact activities
- Breathable engineered mesh upper adapts to foot movement
- 8mm drop helps promote natural running form
- Blown rubber outsole offers reliable traction on various surfaces
- Weight: approximately 9.3 oz (men’s), lighter than most Clarks shoes
Clarks doesn’t produce specialized running shoes. Their athletic-inspired casual shoes lack the technical features needed for serious running performance.
Best for Walking
New Balance 847v4
- ROLLBAR® stability technology prevents excessive rear-foot movement
- ABZORB® cushioning absorbs impact forces
- Ortholite® footbed provides long-lasting comfort
- TruFuse midsole combines two foam densities for balanced cushioning and support
- More structured design than running models for sustained comfort
Clarks Unstructured Un.Loop
- Unstructured Air Circulation System keeps feet cool during extended walks
- Removable OrthoLite® footbed with moisture-wicking properties
- Leather upper conforms to foot shape over time
- Lightweight EVA outsole reduces strain during walks
- More stylish option for casual or business-casual environments
Best for Standing All Day
Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Work
- Cloudsteppers technology features ultra-lightweight cushioning
- 1.5″ platform provides elevation that reduces pressure points
- Ortholite® footbed with moisture management
- Clarks Plus technology offers targeted cushioning in key pressure zones
- Superior arch support compared to most New Balance casual shoes
New Balance 928v3
- ROLLBAR® technology provides maximum motion control
- ABZORB® midfoot cushioning disperses impact
- Walking Strike Path® technology guides the foot through natural gait cycle
- Medicare-approved for diabetic users (HCPCS code A5500)
- More technical appearance than Clarks options
Brand History: Where Did They Come From?
New Balance: Born for Athletes
New Balance started in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, William Riley, wanted to make shoes with better support. He actually got the idea by looking at chicken feet! He noticed how chickens stay balanced with their three-toed feet and used this idea to create arch supports for shoes. Over time, New Balance grew into a company that makes all kinds of athletic shoes for running, walking, and many different sports.
Clarks: A British Shoe Tradition
Clarks began way back in 1825 in England. Brothers Cyrus and James Clark started by making slippers from sheepskin rugs. That’s almost 200 years ago! Clarks became famous for their comfortable, well-made shoes. Unlike New Balance, Clarks focuses more on everyday shoes, school shoes, and dress shoes rather than athletic shoes.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Toughness
New Balance shoes are built to handle lots of activity. They use strong rubber on the bottoms that can take the pounding of running and sports. The tops are made with tough materials that resist tearing, even when you’re playing hard. Athletic shoes like New Balance are designed to handle the stress of jumping, turning, and moving quickly.
Clarks Long-Lasting Quality
Clarks shoes are known for lasting a long time in a different way. They aren’t made for running fast or playing sports, but they’re built with quality materials that don’t wear out easily with everyday walking. Many Clarks shoes use real leather, which can last for years if you take care of it properly. Their shoes often have strong stitching and solid construction that helps them keep their shape over time.
Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool and Fresh
New Balance Ventilation
New Balance puts a lot of thought into how their shoes breathe. They use mesh materials (fabrics with tiny holes) on the tops of many of their shoes. This lets air flow in and out, which helps keep your feet cool when you’re active. Nobody wants sweaty, stinky feet after playing sports!
Clarks Air Flow Features
Clarks shoes usually have less ventilation than New Balance because they’re not designed for heavy exercise. However, many Clarks shoes use natural materials like leather that naturally let some air through. Some Clarks styles have small holes punched in them (called perforations) to add extra airflow. They also often use linings that help absorb moisture to keep feet comfortable.
Cushioning: Softness Under Your Feet
New Balance Shock Absorption
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. They use special foam materials with names like “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell” that are designed to absorb impact when your foot hits the ground. This helps protect your feet, ankles, knees, and hips when you’re running or jumping. Different New Balance models have different amounts of cushioning depending on what they’re designed for.
Clarks Comfort Padding
Clarks uses different types of cushioning focused on all-day comfort rather than athletic performance. Many Clarks shoes have cushioned footbeds (the part your foot sits on) made from materials like OrthoLite® foam that provide a soft but supportive feel. They focus on making shoes that feel good when you’re standing or walking for long periods, rather than running or jumping.
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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
| Fit Feature | New Balance | Clarks |
|---|---|---|
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow to extra wide) | Several (narrow to wide) |
| Size Consistency | Can vary between models | Generally consistent |
| Arch Support | Various levels available | Moderate to high in most models |
| Toe Box Room | Roomy in athletic models | Depends on style (roomier in casual models) |
| Heel Fit | Snug in athletic shoes | Secure but comfortable |
New Balance Sizing Guide
One of the best things about New Balance is that they offer many width options. You can find shoes in narrow (B), regular (D), wide (2E), and even extra-wide (4E) widths. This is super helpful for people with feet that aren’t “average” width. New Balance also tends to have a roomier toe box (the front part where your toes go), which gives your toes space to spread out naturally.
Clarks Fit Philosophy
Clarks is also known for comfortable fits. They have developed special technologies like their “Cushion Plus” and “Cloudsteppers” that are designed to fit the natural shape of your foot. Clarks also offers different width options, though not quite as many as New Balance. Many people find that Clarks shoes give good arch support and hug the heel nicely to prevent slipping.
Stability: Keeping Your Feet in Place
New Balance Support Systems
New Balance designs many of their shoes with stability features to help control how your foot moves. Some people’s feet roll inward too much when they walk or run (called overpronation), which can cause injuries. New Balance makes shoes with special support on the inner side to help prevent this. They also build their athletic shoes with firm heels and midsoles to keep your foot stable during quick movements.
Clarks Balanced Design
Clarks focuses on different types of stability. Their shoes often have a well-designed footbed that cradles your foot and supports your arch. This helps distribute your weight evenly across your foot. Many Clarks shoes also have a slight heel-to-toe drop (where the heel is higher than the toe) which can help with walking comfort and stability.
Comfort: How Good Do They Feel?
New Balance Comfort Technologies
New Balance aims to make shoes that feel good during active movement. Their cushioning systems are designed to absorb shock and return energy to help you move. They also focus on making lightweight shoes that don’t drag your feet down when you’re active. The mesh materials they use help your feet stay cool and dry, which adds to the comfort.
Clarks Comfort Innovations
Clarks has been focusing on comfort for almost 200 years! They design their shoes around the natural shape of the human foot. Many Clarks shoes have cushioning technologies like “Cushion Soft” foam layers and “Ultimate Comfort” footbeds. They often use soft, flexible materials that move with your foot rather than fighting against it. Clarks aims to make shoes that feel comfortable from the first time you wear them.
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Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
New Balance Material Selection
New Balance uses high-tech materials in their shoes. The upper parts might use engineered mesh, synthetic overlays, and sometimes suede or leather details. Their midsoles (the cushioning layer) use advanced foams that provide both softness and energy return. New Balance is known for paying attention to details like double-stitching in high-stress areas and reinforced toe caps on some models.
Clarks Craftsmanship
Clarks has a long tradition of shoemaking, and it shows in their quality. Many Clarks shoes use genuine leather uppers, which can mold to your foot over time for a custom fit. They often use techniques like stitched construction rather than just gluing parts together. Clarks also tends to use quality linings inside their shoes that feel soft against your foot and help manage moisture.
Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
New Balance Fashion Appeal
New Balance started as purely athletic shoes, but many of their styles have become fashion favorites too! Their classic running shoes with the big “N” logo have become trendy for everyday wear. They offer lots of color combinations from bold, bright options to more subtle choices. New Balance tends to have a sporty, casual look even when people aren’t wearing them for sports.
Clarks Design Tradition
Clarks has a completely different style approach. They make shoes that range from casual everyday styles to more formal dress shoes. Clarks is known for designs like their “Desert Boot” and “Wallabee” that have been popular for decades. Their school shoes are designed to look neat and follow school uniform rules while still being comfortable. Clarks tends to have a timeless, classic look rather than chasing the latest trends.
Size Range: Finding Your Fit
New Balance Size Availability
New Balance makes shoes in a huge range of sizes. They have kids’ sizes from little toddler feet all the way up to adult sizes. As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options. This makes it easier to find New Balance shoes that fit well, even if your feet are growing or have an unusual shape.
Clarks Sizing System
Clarks is famous for their attention to proper fitting, especially for kids’ shoes. They have developed special measuring systems to help find the right size. Clarks also offers many half-sizes and width options. They make everything from tiny first walker shoes for babies to adult sizes. Clarks puts a lot of emphasis on making sure kids’ growing feet have the right amount of space.
Material: What Are They Made Of?
| Material Component | New Balance | Clarks |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Mesh, synthetic, sometimes leather/suede | Often leather, suede, also textile options |
| Midsole | EVA foam, Fresh Foam, FuelCell | PU foam, EVA, Cushion Soft |
| Outsole | Rubber with traction patterns | Rubber, TPR, sometimes leather on dress shoes |
| Lining | Moisture-wicking fabrics | Leather, textile, moisture-wicking options |
| Insole | Foam, sometimes removable | OrthoLite, foam, often removable |
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses materials that are lightweight and supportive for active movement. The upper parts of their shoes often use engineered mesh that’s breathable but still provides structure. Their midsoles use specialized foams that provide cushioning while still being responsive. The outsoles (bottom part) use durable rubber compounds placed in patterns based on where your foot puts the most pressure.
Clarks Material Choices
Clarks often uses more natural materials in their shoes. Many Clarks shoes have leather or suede uppers, though they also offer options with textile materials. Their soles might use rubber, TPR (thermoplastic rubber), or even leather on some dress shoes. Inside, Clarks often uses soft linings and cushioned insoles made from foam or their proprietary comfort materials.
Weight: How Heavy Are They on Your Feet?
New Balance Lightness
New Balance works hard to make their shoes lightweight, especially their running models. Heavy shoes can make your feet tired and slow you down when you’re active. Most New Balance athletic shoes for kids weigh between 6-9 ounces per shoe (for an average kids size), which is pretty light. Even their more supportive shoes are designed to be as light as possible while still providing the features they need.
Clarks Weight Factors
Clarks shoes tend to be a bit heavier than athletic shoes, but that’s because they serve a different purpose. Leather shoes naturally weigh more than mesh running shoes. The materials that make Clarks durable and supportive add some weight. However, Clarks has created some lightweight technologies like their “Cloudsteppers” line that focuses on reducing weight while maintaining comfort.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their athletic shoes to flex in specific places that match how your foot naturally bends when you run or walk. They often have groove patterns on the bottom that help the shoe bend in the right places. Different models offer different levels of flexibility – running shoes tend to be more flexible while shoes for sports like basketball provide more structure.
Clarks Natural Movement
Clarks focuses on making shoes that move naturally with your walking motion. Many of their casual styles are quite flexible, bending easily at the ball of the foot where your foot naturally bends when walking. Some of their dress shoes are less flexible due to their construction methods, but Clarks usually adds features like flex grooves to help make even dressier shoes comfortable.
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Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
New Balance Weather Protection
Standard New Balance athletic shoes aren’t designed to be waterproof. The mesh that helps them breathe also lets water in easily. However, New Balance does make some models with water-resistant coatings or waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX. These special versions can keep your feet dry in light rain or wet conditions and are labeled as water-resistant or waterproof.
Clarks Weather Handling
Many Clarks shoes made from leather naturally offer some water resistance, especially if treated with protective sprays. Water tends to bead up on leather rather than soaking through immediately. Clarks also makes some specific waterproof models using technologies like GORE-TEX or their own “Waterproof Collection” designs. These are great for rainy days or wet conditions.
Sole: The Bottom of the Shoe
New Balance Sole Technology
New Balance puts a lot of engineering into their soles. The bottoms of their shoes often have specific tread patterns designed for the activity the shoe is made for. Running shoes have different patterns than training shoes or walking shoes. They use durable rubber compounds in high-wear areas and often add special features like “crash pads” in the heel to absorb impact.
Clarks Sole Construction
Clarks uses several different types of soles depending on the shoe style. Their casual shoes often have flexible rubber soles with patterns for grip. Some of their dress shoes use traditional leather soles or a combination of leather and rubber. Many Clarks shoes feature their “Cushion Plus” technology in the sole, which is designed to reduce pressure on the ball of your foot.
User Reviews and Pricing
| Model | Brand | Price Range | User Rating | Best For | Review Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 574 Core | New Balance | $50-$70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Casual everyday | “Super comfortable for school and play!” – Jamie, 12 |
| Fresh Foam Arishi | New Balance | $55-$75 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Running/sports | “Great for PE class and track team” – Tyler, 13 |
| Desert Boot Jr | Clarks | $60-$80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Casual style | “Look cool and feel comfortable” – Madison, 12 |
| Jumpsole | Clarks | $50-$70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | School uniform | “Perfect for school and don’t hurt my feet” – Alex, 13 |
“I love my New Balance shoes for running around at recess. They’re super comfy and have cool colors!” – Emma, age 12
“My Clarks school shoes stay nice-looking all year, even though I wear them every day.” – Jackson, age 13
“I have wide feet, and New Balance is the only brand that doesn’t pinch my toes.” – Sophia, age 12
“My Clarks boots keep my feet dry on rainy days and still look good with my outfits.” – Ethan, age 13
Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Great for sports and running | Not good for fancy occasions |
| Super lightweight on your feet | Can get dirty easily | |
| Lots of cushioning for jumping | Not very waterproof | |
| Comes in many widths for all foot types | Not ideal for school uniforms | |
| Very breathable when feet get sweaty | Can wear out quickly with rough play | |
| Fun colors and sporty designs | Less support for everyday standing | |
| Clarks | Perfect for school uniforms | Too heavy for sports |
| Leather keeps feet drier in rain | Not as breathable for hot days | |
| Look nice enough for special events | Limited bright color options | |
| Last a long time with proper care | Can be stiff when brand new | |
| Great support for standing all day | Not designed for running | |
| More grown-up looking styles | More expensive for some models |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, you can see that New Balance and Clarks serve different purposes. New Balance is better for athletic activities like running, sports, and active play. Clarks is better for everyday walking, school shoes, and more dressed-up occasions.
If you need shoes for PE class, sports teams, or you just like being active, New Balance might be the better choice for you. If you need comfortable everyday shoes, school uniform shoes, or something a bit dressier, Clarks would probably work better.
Many kids actually have both in their closet – New Balance for sports and active days, and Clarks for school or dressier occasions. Think about what you’ll be doing in your shoes most often, and that will help you decide which brand to choose!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use New Balance shoes for school uniforms?
Many schools require all-black or all-white shoes for uniforms. New Balance does make some all-black or all-white options that might work, but Clarks specifically designs shoes for school uniforms.
How do I know what size I need?
It’s best to have your feet measured in a shoe store. Both New Balance and Clarks offer size guides on their websites. Remember that your feet grow quickly between ages 12-13, so you might need to check your size every few months.
How do I clean my shoes?
For New Balance, you can wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Don’t put them in the washing machine as it can damage the special cushioning. For Clarks leather shoes, wipe with a damp cloth and use leather cleaner and conditioner to keep them looking nice.
Are these shoes good for people with foot problems?
Both brands make comfortable, supportive shoes. New Balance offers more options for specific foot issues related to sports and activity. Clarks is known for comfortable, supportive everyday wear. If you have foot problems, talk to your doctor about which features you should look for.
How can I make my shoes last longer?
Rotate between different pairs rather than wearing the same shoes every day. Keep New Balance shoes for sports and active times, and wear Clarks or other shoes for regular days. Clean your shoes regularly and store them in a cool, dry place.