Both are popular brands, but they’re actually quite different. New Balance has been making athletic shoes for over 100 years, while FIGS is better known for making scrubs and medical wear they only recently started making shoes for healthcare workers!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs FIGS Shoes
- 2 The Brands: A Quick History
- 3 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 4 Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: Support Under Your Feet
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Balanced
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day
- 9 Quality: Materials and Construction
- 10 Style: How They Look
- 11 Size Range: Finding Your Fit
- 12 Materials: What They’re Made Of
- 13 Weight: Heavy or Light?
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend
- 15 Water Resistance: Staying Dry
- 16 Sole Design: The Bottom Line
- 17 User Reviews and Pricing
- 18 Pros and Cons
- 19 Conclusion
- 20 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs FIGS Shoes
Even though you might not work in a hospital, knowing about different types of shoes can help you make smart choices about what to put on your feet. Let’s explore what makes these shoes special and which might be right for you!
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | FIGS |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | Athletes, everyday wear | Healthcare workers, people who stand all day |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow to extra-wide) | Standard width only |
| Price Range | $80-$160 | $128-$158 |
| Water Resistance | Limited (except trail models) | Good for daily spills |
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam, FuelCell, various options | Standing-focused cushioning |
| Style Options | Many styles and colors | Limited, professional designs |
| Size Range | Kids through adults | Adults only |
| Materials | Mesh, synthetic, some leather | Easy-clean, antimicrobial materials |
| Best For | Sports, running, walking | Standing all day, hospital settings |
| Cleaning | Regular gentle cleaning | Can handle disinfecting wipes |
| Weight | Varies (7-16 oz depending on model) | Medium weight (10-13 oz) |
| History | Since 1906 | Shoe line since 2021 |
In summary: New Balance and FIGS shoes cater to different needs. New Balance is known for its athletic and performance-oriented footwear, offering comfort, support, and durability for running and active lifestyles.
On the other hand, FIGS shoes focus on providing stylish, comfortable, and functional footwear for healthcare professionals, featuring easy-to-clean materials and slip-resistant soles. While New Balance excels in sports and casual wear, FIGS targets those in demanding work environments. Both brands prioritize comfort but serve different user groups.
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The Brands: A Quick History
New Balance: A Century of Athletic Shoes
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston. The company began by making arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, they grew into making full shoes focused on comfort and support. Today, New Balance makes all kinds of athletic shoes for running, walking, basketball, and everyday wear.
FIGS: From Medical Scrubs to Footwear
FIGS is much newer—it started in 2013 making high-quality scrubs (the uniforms doctors and nurses wear). They became famous for making medical clothing that looks good and feels comfortable. In 2021, FIGS expanded into making shoes specifically designed for healthcare workers who stand for many hours.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to handle lots of activity. They use strong materials like rubber outsoles and reinforced stitching in high-wear areas. Many New Balance shoes can last 300-500 miles of running or 1-2 years of regular wear.
FIGS Durability
FIGS shoes are designed for hospital floors and long shifts. They use durable materials that can stand up to constant walking and standing. Their shoes have reinforced heels and toes to prevent early wear out. They’re still new to the market, so long-term durability data is limited, but early reports are positive.
Both brands make shoes that should last a good while with proper care, but New Balance has a longer track record of durability testing.
Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Most New Balance shoes use mesh materials in the upper part that allow air to flow through. This helps keep your feet from getting too hot and sweaty during exercise or on warm days. Some models have more mesh for better airflow.
FIGS Breathability
FIGS shoes are designed with breathable materials since healthcare workers often work long shifts. They use special fabrics that allow air circulation while still being easy to clean. Some FIGS shoes also have moisture-wicking linings to keep feet dry.
| Breathability Feature | New Balance | FIGS |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Upper | Common in most models | Limited, more solid construction |
| Moisture-Wicking | Available in performance models | Standard in most models |
| Ventilation Holes | Present in many athletic styles | Minimal for easy cleaning |
| All-Day Freshness | Good for active use | Excellent for long standing periods |
Cushioning: Support Under Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for its cushioning technologies. They use systems like “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell” that provide soft but responsive support. Different models offer various levels of cushioning from minimal for speed to maximum for comfort.
FIGS Cushioning
FIGS focuses on all-day comfort with their cushioning. Their shoes have thick foam insoles designed to reduce pressure on feet during long periods of standing. They don’t have as many specialized cushioning technologies as New Balance, but their shoes are specifically made for standing comfort rather than running performance.
Both brands provide good cushioning, but New Balance offers more variety for different activities while FIGS focuses on standing comfort.
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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
New Balance Fit
One of the best things about New Balance is their size range. They offer multiple width options (narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide) in many models. This makes it easier for people with different foot shapes to find a comfortable fit. They’re one of the few brands that consistently offers these width options.
FIGS Fit
FIGS shoes come in standard sizes but with a more generous fit overall. They design their shoes to accommodate feet that might swell during long shifts. They don’t offer multiple width options yet, but their standard fit tends to work for many foot types.
If you have very narrow or very wide feet, New Balance might be a better option for you.
Stability: Keeping You Balanced
New Balance Stability
New Balance makes specific stability shoes that help control motion, especially for people whose feet roll inward (overpronate) when walking or running. These shoes have firmer materials on the inner side of the sole to provide support.
FIGS Stability
FIGS shoes offer good stability for standing and walking, with wide, flat soles that provide a stable base. They’re not specifically designed for correcting pronation issues but do offer solid support for normal walking and standing.
For sports or if you need special support for your walking style, New Balance offers more specialized stability options.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day
New Balance Comfort
New Balance shoes are known for being comfortable right away, with little break-in time needed. Their cushioning systems provide good impact absorption for walking and running. Some models are designed more for performance than all-day comfort.
FIGS Comfort
FIGS designs their shoes specifically for people who stand for 12+ hour shifts. Their entire focus is on making shoes that feel good hour after hour. They use extra cushioning in pressure points and materials that mold to your feet over time.
| Comfort Feature | New Balance | FIGS |
|---|---|---|
| All-Day Standing | Good | Excellent (primary design focus) |
| Athletic Performance | Excellent | Limited |
| Cushioning | Activity-specific | Standing-focused |
| Break-in Period | Minimal | Minimal |
| Long-term Comfort | Good | Very good for standing |
Quality: Materials and Construction
New Balance Quality
New Balance has a reputation for good quality, with some of their premium models still made in the USA or UK. Their shoes use a mix of synthetic materials, mesh, leather, and rubber, depending on the model. The stitching and gluing are usually well done.
FIGS Quality
FIGS puts a strong emphasis on quality materials since their target customers (healthcare workers) need reliable shoes. They use antimicrobial materials and focus on clean construction with minimal seams. As a newer shoe brand, they’re still building their reputation for long-term quality.
Both brands make quality products, but New Balance has a longer history of shoe manufacturing experience.
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Style: How They Look
New Balance Style
New Balance offers a wide range of styles from classic “dad shoes” like the 990 series to more modern, sleek designs. They come in many colors from basic white, gray, and black to bright, bold options. Their “N” logo is immediately recognizable.
FIGS Style
FIGS shoes have a clean, simple look designed to look professional in healthcare settings. They focus on solid colors that match scrubs (like white, black, navy, and light blue). Their designs are minimalist with few decorative elements.
If style variety is important to you, New Balance offers many more options. FIGS has a more limited but professional-looking selection.
Size Range: Finding Your Fit
New Balance offers sizes for everyone from small kids to adults with a full range of widths. FIGS currently focuses on adult sizes with a standard width. If you’re looking for kids’ sizes, New Balance is the only option between these two brands.
Both brands use standard US sizing, but New Balance sometimes runs slightly large or small depending on the model.
Materials: What They’re Made Of
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses many different materials including:
- Mesh upper for breathability
- Synthetic overlays for structure
- Foam midsoles (Fresh Foam, FuelCell, etc.)
- Rubber outsoles for traction
- Some models with leather or suede
FIGS Materials
FIGS focuses on practical materials for healthcare settings:
- Easy-to-clean synthetic uppers
- Antimicrobial treatments to reduce odors
- Liquid-resistant materials in some models
- Non-marking rubber soles
- Memory foam insoles
The biggest difference is that FIGS uses more materials that are easy to clean and resistant to liquids and bacteria.
Weight: Heavy or Light?
New Balance Weight
New Balance shoe weights vary widely depending on the model:
- Lightweight running shoes: 7-9 ounces
- Everyday sneakers: 10-12 ounces
- Chunky lifestyle models: 12-16 ounces
FIGS Weight
FIGS shoes tend to be medium weight (about 10-13 ounces) since they balance cushioning with all-day wearability. They’re not as light as racing shoes but not as heavy as work boots.
If you want super lightweight shoes for sports, New Balance offers better options. For everyday wear, both brands have options with reasonable weights.
Flexibility: How They Bend
New Balance Flexibility
New Balance adjusts flexibility based on the shoe’s purpose:
- Running shoes: Very flexible in the forefoot
- Walking shoes: Moderate flexibility
- Stability shoes: Less flexible to provide support
FIGS Flexibility
FIGS shoes offer moderate flexibility that allows natural foot movement while providing structure. They’re designed to flex where your foot naturally bends when walking.
For athletic activities that require a lot of foot movement, New Balance likely offers better options with targeted flexibility.
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Water Resistance: Staying Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most regular New Balance shoes are not water-resistant, though they do make some trail running and outdoor models with water-resistant features. Standard models will get wet in rain or puddles.
FIGS Water Resistance
FIGS designs many of their shoes with liquid-resistant materials since healthcare workers might encounter spills. While not fully waterproof, many FIGS shoes can handle small splashes without getting your socks wet right away.
If you need water resistance, FIGS generally offers better protection for everyday spills and splashes.
| Water Resistance | New Balance | FIGS |
|---|---|---|
| Rain Protection | Limited (except specialized models) | Moderate |
| Spill Resistance | Poor to fair | Good |
| Drying Time | Varies by material | Generally quick-drying |
| Dedicated Waterproof Models | Available in trail/outdoor styles | Not currently available |
Sole Design: The Bottom Line
New Balance Soles
New Balance uses different sole designs based on the shoe’s purpose:
- Running shoes: Cushioned with flex grooves
- Walking shoes: Flatter profile with good grip
- Trail shoes: Deep treads for outdoor traction
Their rubber compounds vary from soft (for grip) to harder (for durability).
FIGS Soles
FIGS uses non-slip rubber soles designed for indoor surfaces like hospital floors. Their tread patterns are made to provide good grip on smooth surfaces, even when wet. They focus on practical grip rather than specialized performance features.
For everyday indoor use, both would work well, but for sports or outdoor activities, New Balance offers more specialized options.
User Reviews and Pricing
Here’s what real people are saying about these shoes:
| Model | Rating | Price Range | What Users Love | What Users Dislike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | $80-$90 | Comfort, style, width options | Some find them heavy |
| New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) | $150-$160 | Amazing cushioning, great for running | Higher price, wears down faster |
| FIGS F1 Shoes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | $128-$138 | All-day comfort, easy to clean | Limited color options, fit issues for some |
| FIGS Supportive Pro | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | $148-$158 | Standing comfort, liquid resistance | Price, limited width options |
What Real Kids & Parents Say:
“I’ve worn New Balance for years because they come in wide sizes that fit my feet. The 574s are comfortable for school all day.” – Jordan, 13
“My mom is a nurse and loves her FIGS shoes for work, but I wear New Balance for my everyday shoes and sports. The New Balance ones are better for running around.” – Alex, 12
“My dad got me New Balance just like his. They’re super comfortable and look cool with jeans.” – Riley, 11
“I tried FIGS since my mom had them, but they didn’t have my size. New Balance fits me better and has more colors I like.” – Taylor, 13
Pros and Cons
| Feature | New Balance Shoes | FIGS Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Excellent comfort and support for athletic activities | – Stylish and modern design |
| – Durable and long-lasting | – Slip-resistant soles ideal for healthcare settings | |
| – Wide variety of styles and sizes | – Easy-to-clean, antimicrobial materials | |
| – Great for running, walking, and other sports | – Specifically designed for long hours on feet | |
| Cons | – Can be bulkier and less fashionable for casual wear | – Limited style options for non-medical uses |
| – Higher price point for premium models | – Primarily focused on healthcare professionals | |
| – May not be as stylish for everyday casual outfits | – Less variety in athletic-specific designs |
Conclusion
After comparing New Balance and FIGS shoes, here’s my advice:
Choose New Balance if:
- You need shoes for sports or athletic activities
- You have narrow or wide feet that need special sizes
- You want lots of style and color options
- You’re looking for kids’ sizes
- You need specialized shoes for specific activities
Choose FIGS if:
- You need shoes for standing all day
- You want shoes that are easy to clean
- You encounter spills or liquids often
- You prefer a simple, clean look
- You don’t mind paying a bit more for standing comfort
For most kids and teens, New Balance probably makes more sense since they offer more styles, sizes, and athletic options. FIGS is great for very specific needs, especially if you spend a lot of time standing.
Remember, the best shoes are the ones that fit YOUR feet well and meet YOUR needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids wear FIGS shoes?
FIGS doesn’t make shoes specifically for kids yet. If you’re looking for shoes for younger kids, New Balance is the better choice since they offer children’s sizes.
Which is better for sports, New Balance or FIGS?
New Balance is definitely better for sports. They’re designed for athletic activities while FIGS shoes are made for standing and walking in professional settings.
Are FIGS shoes worth the higher price?
For people who stand all day (like healthcare workers), many say yes. For regular everyday use or for growing kids, New Balance might be a better value.
How do I clean New Balance versus FIGS shoes?
New Balance shoes usually need gentler cleaning—wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, air dry. FIGS shoes are easier to clean and some can be wiped down with disinfecting wipes (check the care instructions for your specific pair).
Do either of these brands make shoes for wide feet?
New Balance is known for offering multiple width options (narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide). FIGS currently only offers standard width, though their shoes tend to have a roomier fit.
How long do these shoes typically last?
With regular use, New Balance athletic shoes typically last 300-500 miles of running or about 1-2 years of everyday wear. FIGS shoes are newer to the market, but early reports suggest they last about 1-2 years of regular wear.
Are these shoes good for people with foot pain?
Both brands can be good for different types of foot issues. New Balance offers more specialized support options, while FIGS focuses on all-day standing comfort. If you have specific foot problems, it’s best to check with a doctor about which features would help you most.