New Balance makes all kinds of athletic shoes, while Gray Nicolls is famous for cricket shoes and equipment. I’ll compare both brands so you can figure out which one might be better for your needs. Whether you play cricket or just need everyday shoes, this information will help you make a smart choice.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Gray Nicolls Shoes
- 2 The Story Behind Each Brand
- 3 Main Purpose: What Are These Shoes For?
- 4 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 5 Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool
- 6 Cushioning: Protection for Your Feet
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping You Balanced
- 9 Comfort: How Do They Feel?
- 10 Quality: How Well Are They Made?
- 11 Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
- 12 Size Options: Finding Your Fit
- 13 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 14 Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
- 15 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 16 Water Resistance: Staying Dry
- 17 Sole: What’s On The Bottom?
- 18 User Reviews and Ratings
- 19 Price Comparison
- 20 Pros and Cons
- 21 Conclusion
- 22 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Gray Nicolls Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Gray Nicolls shoes is their purpose. New Balance makes everyday athletic shoes for many different sports and activities, while Gray Nicolls specializes in cricket shoes with specific features like spikes or special rubber soles designed only for playing cricket.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Gray Nicolls |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | General athletic and everyday wear | Cricket-specific performance |
| Founded | 1906 in Boston, USA | 1876 in England |
| Specialization | Multiple sports and casual wear | Cricket equipment and footwear |
| Width Options | Multiple widths available (narrow to wide) | Standard width only |
| Sole Types | Rubber with various tread patterns | Spiked for grass or rubber for hard surfaces |
| Best For | Running, walking, school, everyday wear | Cricket matches and practice |
| Versatility | High (can be worn for many activities) | Low (designed specifically for cricket) |
| Where to Wear | Anywhere (school, sports, casual outings) | Cricket fields and practice areas |
| Style Options | Many colors and designs | Limited, focused on function |
| Price Range | $40-$180 | $50-$180 |
| Materials | Mesh, suede, synthetic, leather combinations | Synthetic leather, reinforced toe areas |
| Cushioning | Various technologies (Fresh Foam, ENCAP) | Cricket-specific moderate cushioning |
| Breathability | High in running models, varies in others | Moderate (balanced with support needs) |
| Water Resistance | Some models have water-resistant features | Designed to handle damp cricket fields |
| Weight | Generally lightweight | Lightweight but sturdy for cricket |
| Best Models for Kids | 574, Fresh Foam Arishi | Omega, Velocity Junior |
In summary: For 12 to 13 year old readers, the choice between New Balance and Gray Nicolls is simple – it depends on what you need the shoes for. New Balance shoes are great for school, hanging out with friends, and most sports. Gray Nicolls shoes are only for playing cricket, with special spikes or grips for cricket fields. If you play cricket regularly, you might need both types!
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The Story Behind Each Brand
New Balance: American Athletic Heritage
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. It began as a company making arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, they expanded into making athletic shoes for running, walking, and many other sports. Today, New Balance is known for their numbered shoes (like the 574 or 990) and for making shoes in different widths to fit all kinds of feet.
Gray Nicolls: Cricket Specialists
Gray Nicolls has a long history too, starting in 1876 in England. They began as a cricket bat maker and later expanded to make cricket shoes and other cricket equipment. For almost 150 years, they’ve been focused mostly on cricket. Their shoes are designed specifically for cricket players, from beginners to professional athletes who play for their countries.
Main Purpose: What Are These Shoes For?
New Balance Purpose
New Balance makes shoes for nearly every sport and activity you can think of. They have running shoes, walking shoes, training shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, and everyday casual shoes. You can find New Balance shoes for almost any activity.
Gray Nicolls Purpose
Gray Nicolls focuses mainly on cricket shoes. Cricket requires special footwear because players need good grip on grass fields and the ability to run and change direction quickly. Gray Nicolls makes different types of cricket shoes with spikes (called studs) or rubber soles depending on what type of cricket field you’ll be playing on.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to be durable for their intended purpose. Their running shoes can handle hundreds of miles of running, while their casual shoes can last for years of regular wear. The materials are chosen to withstand the specific stresses of different activities.
Michael, age 13, says: “I’ve had my New Balance shoes for a whole school year. I wear them every day, even for PE class, and they still look good and feel comfortable.”
Gray Nicolls Durability
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed to handle the specific movements of cricket. They’re made to be durable on cricket fields, with reinforced areas where cricket players put the most stress on their shoes. Since cricket is played on grass, the shoes have special features to handle that environment.
James, age 12, shares: “My Gray Nicolls cricket shoes have lasted two seasons so far. The spikes still grip well when I’m bowling, and they haven’t fallen apart even though I play every weekend.”
Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Many New Balance shoes use mesh materials that let air flow through the shoe. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, especially when you’re active. The mesh is usually placed in areas where feet tend to get hottest.
Different New Balance models have different levels of breathability depending on their purpose. Running shoes often have the most mesh for maximum airflow.
Gray Nicolls Breathability
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes typically have some mesh panels to help with airflow. Cricket can be played in hot weather, so the shoes need to let feet breathe. However, they also need to be sturdy enough for the sport, so they often have less mesh than running shoes.
Cricket matches can last for hours or even days, so having breathable shoes is important for player comfort during long games.
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Cushioning: Protection for Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. Different models use different types of cushioning:
- Fresh Foam gives a soft, bouncy feel
- ENCAP provides firmer support with some softness
- ABZORB helps absorb shock when your foot hits the ground
This cushioning helps protect your feet and joints when walking, running, or jumping.
Gray Nicolls Cushioning
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes have cushioning designed specifically for cricket. They focus on providing enough cushioning for running between wickets and fielding, while still allowing players to feel connected to the ground for better control when bowling or batting.
Cricket shoes typically have moderate cushioning – not as much as running shoes but more than flat shoes like Converse.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
New Balance Fit
One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer different widths for many of their shoes. If you have narrow or wide feet, you can find shoes that fit just right. They come in sizes like “D” for regular width, “2E” for wide, and “4E” for extra wide feet.
New Balance shoes often run true to size or slightly large, so your regular shoe size usually works well.
Gray Nicolls Fit
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes typically come in standard width. They’re designed to fit securely to provide support during cricket-specific movements like running, jumping, and quick direction changes.
Cricket shoes need to fit well without slipping, as players need to move quickly and precisely on the field. Most Gray Nicolls shoes have good lacing systems to help adjust the fit.
Stability: Keeping You Balanced
New Balance Stability
New Balance designs many of their shoes with stability features. These help prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. Some models have special support systems built into the midsoles.
This stability is especially helpful if you have flat feet or if your ankles tend to roll when walking or running.
Gray Nicolls Stability
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed with good lateral (side-to-side) stability. This is important for cricket players who need to make quick cuts and turns when fielding or running between wickets.
The shoes often have reinforced sides and supportive midsoles to help keep the foot properly aligned during cricket-specific movements.
Comfort: How Do They Feel?
New Balance Comfort
New Balance shoes are known for being super comfortable. The combination of good cushioning, proper support, and breathable materials makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Their athletic shoes are designed to be comfortable even during active use.
Many people choose New Balance specifically because they’re some of the most comfortable athletic shoes available.
Gray Nicolls Comfort
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed to be comfortable for cricket, but they might not be as comfortable for everyday wear. They’re specialized shoes with features like spikes or textured soles that are great on a cricket field but might feel strange when walking on normal surfaces.
The comfort features in cricket shoes are focused on what cricket players need during a match or practice.
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Quality: How Well Are They Made?
New Balance Quality
New Balance takes pride in their quality standards. Some of their premium shoes are even made in the USA or UK, which is rare for sneakers these days. They use durable materials and careful construction methods.
The stitching on New Balance shoes is usually very good, and the materials are chosen to last through lots of wear.
Gray Nicolls Quality
Gray Nicolls has built their reputation on quality cricket equipment. Their cricket shoes reflect this commitment to quality, with good materials and construction designed specifically for cricket players’ needs.
As a specialist cricket brand, Gray Nicolls focuses on making shoes that perform well for cricket rather than trying to make shoes for many different activities.
Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
New Balance Style
New Balance has become very trendy in recent years! Their “dad shoe” styles like the 990 and 574 are now popular fashion items. They come in tons of colors, from simple black and white to bright, fun colors and patterns.
New Balance shoes can be worn as fashion items even by people who don’t use them for sports.
Gray Nicolls Style
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed with performance in mind rather than fashion. They typically have a sporty look with cricket-specific features like spikes or textured soles.
While they look great on a cricket field, Gray Nicolls shoes aren’t usually worn as fashion items off the field. They’re specialized sports equipment rather than everyday shoes.
Size Options: Finding Your Fit
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers a wide range of sizes for all ages. They have kids’ sizes, teen sizes, and adult sizes. Plus, they offer different widths, which is great if you have narrow or wide feet.
This variety of sizes and widths helps more people find shoes that fit them properly.
Gray Nicolls Size Range
Gray Nicolls offers cricket shoes in sizes for junior players through adults. They typically don’t offer different width options, focusing instead on standard width shoes that work for most cricket players.
Junior cricket shoes are designed specifically for younger players, with appropriate support for growing feet while still providing cricket-specific features.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials:
- Breathable mesh for airflow
- Suede and leather for style and support
- Synthetic materials that dry quickly
- Rubber outsoles for grip
- Special foam for cushioning
Different models use different combinations of these materials.
Gray Nicolls Materials
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes typically use:
- Synthetic leather for durability
- Mesh panels for breathability
- Rubber soles or spikes for traction
- Cushioned insoles for comfort
- Reinforced toe areas for protection
The materials are chosen specifically to handle cricket conditions and movements.
Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
New Balance Weight
The weight of New Balance shoes varies by model. Their running shoes are designed to be lightweight, while their classic lifestyle shoes (like the 574) are a bit heavier. Most New Balance shoes for kids and teens are made to be fairly light.
Lightweight shoes help reduce fatigue during activities, which is why running shoes especially focus on being light.
Gray Nicolls Weight
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed to be lightweight while still providing necessary support and protection. Cricket involves a lot of running, so heavy shoes would be a disadvantage.
Spiked cricket shoes might feel a bit heavier than rubber-soled versions due to the metal spikes, but both types are designed to be as light as possible while still functioning well for cricket.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flexibility
New Balance designs their shoes to flex in the right places. This makes walking and running feel more natural. Their shoes bend where your foot naturally bends, usually right behind the ball of your foot.
Some New Balance models are more flexible than others, with running shoes typically being the most flexible.
Gray Nicolls Flexibility
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes need good forefoot flexibility to allow for running and quick movements. However, they also need some stiffness in certain areas to provide support during cricket-specific actions like bowling.
The shoes are designed to flex where cricket players need flexibility while remaining supportive in other areas.
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Water Resistance: Staying Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most regular New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many models have water-resistant features that can handle light rain or wet grass. They also offer some specific waterproof models for hiking and outdoor activities.
The mesh materials in many New Balance shoes dry fairly quickly if they do get wet.
Gray Nicolls Water Resistance
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes are designed to handle playing on wet grass, which is common in cricket. While they’re not fully waterproof, many models have water-resistant uppers to help keep feet drier when playing in damp conditions.
Since cricket is often played outdoors in varying weather, the shoes need to perform even when the field is not perfectly dry.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom?
New Balance Sole
New Balance uses different types of soles for different models:
- Running shoes have flexible soles with patterns for grip
- Walking shoes have firmer soles for stability
- Lifestyle shoes often have thicker, more cushioned soles
The soles are designed for specific activities, with tread patterns that provide good grip on various surfaces.
Gray Nicolls Sole
Gray Nicolls cricket shoes come with two main types of soles:
- Spiked (or studded) soles for playing on soft, grassy fields
- Rubber soles with special patterns for harder surfaces
The spikes or rubber patterns are specifically designed to give cricket players good traction when running, bowling, or batting on cricket fields.
User Reviews and Ratings
New Balance User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Versatility | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Fresh Foam Arishi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 327 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Gray Nicolls User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Cricket Performance | Overall |
| Velocity Spike | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Velocity Rubber | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Omega | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Ultimate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price Comparison
| Brand | Model | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Cricket Spikes | $80-150 |
| New Balance | Running Shoes | $70-180 |
| New Balance | Training Shoes | $60-140 |
| Gray Nicolls | Cricket Spikes | $75-130 |
| Gray Nicolls | Indoor Cricket Shoes | $65-100 |
| Gray Nicolls | Batting Shoes | $70-120 |
Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Great for many different sports | Not specialized for cricket |
| Very comfortable for everyday wear | Can be expensive for some models | |
| Comes in many width sizes for all feet | Not designed for cricket spikes | |
| Lots of cushioning for running and jumping | Less grip on cricket pitches | |
| Available in many bright colors | Not as protective for cricket-specific movements | |
| Good for PE class and general sports | Not designed for cricket fielding | |
| Gray Nicolls | Perfect for cricket players | Not good for everyday wear |
| Special spikes for better grip on cricket fields | Only useful for cricket | |
| Extra protection for cricket movements | Limited style options | |
| Designed for batting, bowling, and fielding | Not comfortable for long walks | |
| Made specifically for cricket surfaces | Harder to find in stores | |
| Trusted by professional cricket players | More expensive for a single-sport shoe |
Conclusion
New Balance and Gray Nicolls serve different purposes in the shoe world. New Balance makes versatile athletic shoes for many activities and everyday wear. Gray Nicolls specializes in cricket shoes designed specifically for that sport.
If you play cricket regularly, Gray Nicolls shoes would be a good investment for your cricket games and practices. If you need shoes for school, running around with friends, and general activities, New Balance would likely be a better choice.
You could even end up with both – New Balance for everyday wear and Gray Nicolls for when you play cricket! The most important thing is choosing shoes that fit well and are designed for what you’ll be using them for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear cricket shoes for other sports?
Cricket shoes, especially spiked ones, are not good for other sports or everyday wear. The spikes can damage indoor floors and aren’t comfortable on hard surfaces. Even rubber-soled cricket shoes are designed specifically for cricket movements.
Are New Balance shoes good for cricket?
While you could play casual cricket in New Balance athletic shoes, serious cricket players should use proper cricket shoes. Cricket-specific shoes like Gray Nicolls have features designed for the sport, like spikes for grass or special rubber patterns for cricket movements.
How do I know what size to get?
For both brands, it’s best to try shoes on if possible. If ordering online, check the brand’s size chart. Remember that New Balance offers wide sizes if you need them, while Gray Nicolls typically comes in standard width.
How do I clean my cricket shoes?
For Gray Nicolls cricket shoes, brush off dirt after each use and let them dry naturally if they get wet. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the special features and materials.
Which shoes will last longer?
Both brands make durable shoes, but how long they last depends on how you use them. Using Gray Nicolls cricket shoes only for cricket will help them last longer. Similarly, not using New Balance running shoes for cricket will help them last longer for their intended purpose.
Do I need different cricket shoes for different playing surfaces?
Yes! For soft, grassy fields, spiked cricket shoes provide the best grip. For harder surfaces or indoor cricket, rubber-soled cricket shoes are better. Gray Nicolls makes both types to suit different playing conditions.