I’ll compare these two brands to help you figure out which might be better for your feet and activities. Whether you’re looking for shoes for PE class, sports, or just hanging out with friends, understanding the differences can help you make a good choice.
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New Balance vs Karhu Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Karhu shoes is their design philosophy and availability. New Balance offers numerous models with multiple width options (narrow to extra-wide) at various price points, while Karhu features unique Fulcrum technology for efficient running motion with a distinctive European fit and Finnish design aesthetic.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Karhu |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | USA (1906) | Finland (1916) |
| Signature Technology | Fresh Foam, FuelCell | Fulcrum Technology, AeroFoam |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, regular, wide, extra-wide) | Limited (mostly regular, some wide) |
| Price Range | $40-$100 (kids/youth) | $80-$120 (when available in youth sizes) |
| Fit Characteristics | Roomy toe box, true to size | European fit, may need to size up ½ size |
| Design Aesthetic | Athletic, increasingly fashionable | Nordic influence, distinctive color blocking |
| Size Availability | Extensive (kids through adults) | Limited youth sizes |
| Special Feature | Made in USA options | Finnish design heritage |
| Availability | Widely available in many stores | Limited distribution, harder to find |
| Weight | 7-10 oz per shoe (youth sizes) | 8-11 oz per shoe (junior sizes) |
| Best For | Multiple activities, wide feet | Efficient running, unique style |
| Famous For | Multiple width options | Olympic “Flying Finns” heritage |
In summary: New Balance and Karhu both make really good running shoes, but they’re quite different. New Balance shoes are easier to find, come in lots of different widths for all foot types, and have more options for kids at lower prices. Karhu shoes have special Fulcrum technology that helps you run more efficiently, look more unique with cool Finnish designs, but are harder to find and usually cost more money.
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Brand History: Where Did They Come From?
New Balance: An American Classic
New Balance began in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, William Riley, got inspired by watching chickens in his yard! He noticed how chickens stay perfectly balanced on their three-toed feet, and this gave him ideas for making shoes with better support.
New Balance started by making arch supports for shoes and later expanded to making complete shoes. They became famous for offering different width options, making it easier for people with wide or narrow feet to find shoes that fit well.
Karhu: The Flying Finns
Karhu (which means “bear” in Finnish) started in 1916 in Finland. They actually began making sports equipment like javelins and discuses before moving into shoes. Karhu became famous when Finnish Olympic runners wore their shoes while winning gold medals in the 1920s and 1930s.
These runners were nicknamed the “Flying Finns,” which helped make Karhu shoes popular. Interestingly, Karhu sold three stripes to Adidas in the early days, which became Adidas’ famous logo. Karhu now uses an “M” symbol that stands for “Mestari” (champion in Finnish).
Cushioning: The Bounce in Your Step
New Balance Cushioning Technology
New Balance uses several types of cushioning in their shoes. Their most famous technologies include “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell.” Fresh Foam gives a soft, consistent feel under your foot, making it comfortable for long walks or runs.
FuelCell is bouncier and gives you more energy return when you push off. Different New Balance shoes use different amounts and types of cushioning depending on what they’re designed for.
Karhu Fulcrum Technology
Karhu is known for their special “Fulcrum” technology. Imagine a seesaw or teeter-totter on a playground – the middle part that makes it work is called a fulcrum. Karhu puts something similar in their shoes to help your foot roll forward more naturally when you walk or run.
This helps move you forward efficiently and can reduce strain on your body. Their newer shoes also use “AeroFoam” which provides soft cushioning while still being responsive.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Toughness
New Balance shoes are generally built to last. They use sturdy materials and good construction techniques. The outsoles (bottom parts) are made with durable rubber that can handle lots of miles.
New Balance puts extra rubber in high-wear areas like the heel and forefoot where shoes tend to wear out first. Most New Balance shoes will last about 300-500 miles of running or walking, which is about average for good running shoes.
Karhu Longevity
Karhu shoes are well-made in Europe with quality materials. They use abrasion-resistant rubber on the outsoles, focusing on the areas that get the most wear. The upper parts of Karhu shoes are constructed with attention to detail and strong stitching.
Like New Balance, most Karhu shoes should last around 300-500 miles before the cushioning starts to break down. Many Karhu fans report that their shoes hold up well even after months of regular use.
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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
| Fit Feature | New Balance | Karhu |
|---|---|---|
| Width Options | Multiple (Narrow, Regular, Wide, Extra Wide) | Limited (Regular, some Wide) |
| Toe Box | Generally roomy | Comfortable but more European fit |
| Heel Fit | Secure in performance models | Snug, shaped heel |
| Sizing Recommendation | True to size, consider width | Consider half size up from normal |
| Kids Sizing | Extensive options | Limited availability |
New Balance Sizing Guide
One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer many different width options. They make shoes in narrow (B), regular (D), wide (2E), and even extra-wide (4E) sizes. This is super helpful if your feet are wider or narrower than average.
New Balance shoes typically have a roomy toe box (the front part where your toes go), giving your toes space to spread out naturally. Their shoes generally run true to size, meaning you can usually order your normal shoe size.
Karhu Fit Philosophy
Karhu shoes have what some people call a “European fit.” This means they might feel a bit narrower than American brands, especially in the midfoot area. The toe box is comfortable but not as wide as some New Balance models.
Karhu does offer some shoes in wide widths, but not as many options as New Balance. Some people find they need to go up a half size in Karhu shoes. The heel area is designed to cup your heel securely to prevent slipping.
Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool
New Balance Ventilation
New Balance uses breathable mesh materials in many of their shoes. This mesh has tiny holes that allow air to flow in and out, which helps keep your feet cool and dry. The amount of ventilation varies by model, with running shoes typically being the most breathable. Some New Balance shoes also use special moisture-wicking materials inside that help pull sweat away from your feet.
Karhu Airflow Design
Karhu also uses engineered mesh in their shoe uppers to provide good ventilation. Their mesh is designed to be breathable while still offering structure and support. Many Karhu models have strategically placed ventilation zones in areas where feet tend to get hottest. The inside of Karhu shoes often features moisture-managing materials to help keep your feet comfortable during exercise.
Stability: Keeping Your Feet Balanced
New Balance Support Systems
New Balance makes different shoes for different stability needs. Some of their shoes are “neutral,” meaning they don’t try to correct your foot motion. Others have features to help prevent your foot from rolling inward too much (called overpronation). These stability shoes often have firmer material on the inner side of the midsole and supportive structures to guide your foot into a better position.
Karhu Fulcrum Stability
Karhu’s Fulcrum technology isn’t just for cushioning – it also helps with stability. The Fulcrum sits under your midfoot and helps guide your foot through a proper movement pattern when you run or walk. This technology helps your foot transition smoothly from heel to toe and can help reduce excess motion. Karhu makes both neutral shoes and those with more guidance for people who need extra support.
Comfort: All-Day Feel on Your Feet
New Balance Comfort Features
New Balance prioritizes comfort in their shoe design. They use soft, padded collars around the ankle opening and cushioned tongues to prevent rubbing and irritation. Many New Balance shoes have removable insoles that you can replace with your own if needed. The combination of good cushioning and proper width options means most people can find a New Balance shoe that feels comfortable all day long.
Karhu Comfort Approach
Karhu shoes are designed to be comfortable during running and walking activities. Their Fulcrum technology helps reduce fatigue by making your movement more efficient. Many Karhu shoes have well-padded heel collars and tongues for comfort.
The AeroFoam cushioning provides a nice balance of softness and responsiveness. Some people find that the more contoured European fit of Karhu shoes actually increases comfort by holding their foot more securely.
Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
New Balance Materials and Construction
New Balance is known for good quality construction. Some of their higher-end shoes are still made in the USA or UK, which is unusual in today’s shoe market. They use durable materials like strong mesh, synthetic overlays, and solid rubber outsoles. New Balance pays attention to details like reinforced stitching in high-stress areas and secure attachment between the upper and midsole.
Karhu Craftsmanship
Karhu takes pride in their European craftsmanship. Their shoes are currently made in China under strict quality control standards. They use premium materials throughout their shoes, from the engineered mesh uppers to the AeroFoam midsoles and durable rubber outsoles. Karhu is particularly attentive to the details of construction, ensuring that all components are well-attached and properly aligned.
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Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
New Balance Fashion Appeal
New Balance has become quite fashionable in recent years. Their classic running shoes, especially models like the 574 and 990, are now considered trendy casual wear. New Balance offers many color options, from bright and colorful to subtle and classic. While they started as purely functional athletic shoes, many New Balance models are now worn for style even by people who don’t use them for sports.
Karhu Distinctive Look
Karhu has a unique style that stands out from other running shoe brands. Their shoes often feature bold color blocks and the distinctive “M” symbol on the side. Karhu draws inspiration from Finnish nature and design, giving their shoes a distinctive Nordic look.
They’ve developed a cult following among runners who appreciate both performance and unique style. In recent years, Karhu has released special “Colour Of” collections inspired by Finnish landscapes, which have been very popular.
Size Range: Will They Fit You?
New Balance Size Availability
New Balance offers one of the widest size ranges of any shoe company. They make shoes from little kids’ sizes all the way up to very large adult sizes. As mentioned earlier, they also provide multiple width options. This extensive size range makes New Balance accessible to almost anyone, regardless of foot size or shape.
Karhu Size Options
Karhu has a more limited size range compared to New Balance. They focus primarily on adult sizes, with fewer options for children. Their shoes come in regular width for most models, with some available in wide. Karhu does offer half sizes to help get a better fit. If you have very small or very large feet, or need specific width accommodations, you might have fewer options with Karhu.
Material: What Are They Made Of?
| Material Feature | New Balance | Karhu |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh, synthetic overlays | Engineered mesh, suede or synthetic overlays |
| Midsole Material | Fresh Foam, FuelCell, EVA | AeroFoam, Fulcrum technology |
| Outsole Material | Carbon rubber, blown rubber | Abrasion-resistant rubber |
| Weight | 7-10 oz (typical youth model) | 8-11 oz (typical junior model) |
| Special Features | Reflective elements on some models | “M” symbol, Finnish design elements |
New Balance Material Selection
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes. The upper parts often feature engineered mesh combined with synthetic overlays for structure and support. The midsoles use their proprietary cushioning foams like Fresh Foam or FuelCell. The outsoles typically use carbon rubber in high-wear areas for durability and sometimes softer blown rubber in other areas for comfort.
Karhu Material Choices
Karhu selects materials that balance performance, durability, and style. Their uppers commonly use engineered mesh with synthetic or suede overlays that add both support and visual appeal. The midsoles contain AeroFoam cushioning along with the Fulcrum technology. Outsoles use durable rubber compounds with traction patterns appropriate for road running or light trails.
Weight: How Heavy Are They?
New Balance Lightness
New Balance shoes vary in weight depending on the model, but they generally aim for a good balance between cushioning and weight. Their racing shoes are quite lightweight, while their more supportive models are a bit heavier. Most youth New Balance running shoes weigh between 7-10 ounces per shoe, which is light enough to not fatigue young feet during activity.
Karhu Weight Factors
Karhu shoes tend to be in the medium weight range for running shoes. The Fulcrum technology adds a small amount of weight, but Karhu works to keep their shoes reasonably light overall. Junior sizes typically weigh between 8-11 ounces per shoe. Karhu focuses more on performance and proper support than on making the absolute lightest shoes possible.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their shoes with intentional flex points that match how your foot naturally moves. Many of their shoes have flex grooves in the outsole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot wants to bend. Their running shoes typically have good forefoot flexibility to allow for toe-off when running or walking, while providing more stability in the midfoot area.
Karhu Bending Dynamics
Karhu shoes are designed with a specific flexibility profile that works with their Fulcrum technology. The shoes are engineered to be somewhat firm in the midfoot where the Fulcrum is located, while allowing appropriate flexibility in the forefoot for a smooth toe-off. This controlled flexibility helps guide your foot through an efficient motion path when running or walking.
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Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
New Balance Weather Protection
Standard New Balance running shoes aren’t designed to be waterproof, though they can handle light splashes. New Balance does make some waterproof models using membranes like GORE-TEX, which are great for wet conditions. These waterproof models are clearly labeled and perfect for rainy days. The mesh used in regular models does dry relatively quickly if it does get wet.
Karhu Weather Handling
Like most running shoes, standard Karhu models aren’t waterproof. The engineered mesh will repel light moisture but won’t keep your feet dry in heavy rain or puddles. Karhu does make some models with water-resistant treatments that help shed light rain. For truly wet conditions, they occasionally release models with waterproof membranes, though these are less common in their lineup than in New Balance’s.
Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe
New Balance Sole Technology
New Balance creates different sole designs for different activities and foot types. Their running shoe soles typically feature impact-absorbing cushioning with rubber in high-wear areas. The tread patterns are designed for good grip on roads and light trails. New Balance often uses their proprietary outsole rubbers that balance durability with flexibility and traction.
Karhu Fulcrum Sole
The sole is where Karhu’s unique technology really stands out. The Fulcrum component sits in the midsole under your midfoot and helps guide your foot forward. Karhu soles often have a distinctive look with the Fulcrum visible from the side of the shoe. The outsole rubber is placed in patterns that work with the Fulcrum technology to provide good traction and durability where needed most.
User Reviews and Pricing
| Model | Brand | Price Range | User Rating | Review Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Foam 880v12 (Youth) | New Balance | $70-$90 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Super comfortable for PE class and running. The wide size is perfect for my feet.” – Tyler, 13 |
| 574 Core (Grade School) | New Balance | $50-$70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “I like how they look and feel. I can wear them all day at school.” – Emma, 12 |
| Synchron Classic (Junior) | Karhu | $80-$100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Different from what everyone else wears. Really comfortable for running.” – Jayden, 14 |
| Ikoni (Small Sizes) | Karhu | $90-$120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “My feet don’t get tired even after running for a long time.” – Sophia, 13 |
“I love my New Balance shoes because they come in extra wide, and I have really wide feet. They don’t pinch my toes like other brands.” – Marcus, age 12
“My Karhu shoes make me feel fast when I run! The bounce in the middle helps me keep going.” – Lily, age 13
“New Balance shoes last me the whole school year, even though I’m pretty tough on shoes.” – Jackson, age 12
“I like that my Karhu shoes look different from what all the other kids wear. The colors are cool!” – Zoe, age 13
New Balance vs Karhu Shoes: Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Comes in many width options for all foot types | Not as unique looking as Karhu |
| More affordable price choices | So common that many kids have the same shoes | |
| Easy to find in most shoe stores | Some models can look a bit plain | |
| Great for wide or narrow feet | Not as much running technology as Karhu | |
| Lots of kids’ and youth sizes | Some models can be a bit heavy | |
| Long history of making comfortable shoes | Less exciting brand story | |
| Karhu | Special Fulcrum technology helps you run better | More expensive than New Balance |
| Unique Finnish design looks different from other shoes | Harder to find in regular stores | |
| Cool Olympic “Flying Finns” history | Limited width options | |
| Excellent quality materials | Few options for younger kids | |
| Not many other kids will have the same shoes | May need to order online | |
| Distinctive “M” logo stands out | European fit may feel narrow to some kids |
Both brands make great running shoes, but they’re good for different reasons. New Balance is better if you need special sizes or want more affordable options. Karhu is perfect if you want a unique shoe with special running technology that stands out from what everyone else wears!
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, both New Balance and Karhu make excellent running shoes, but they have different strengths that might make one better for you than the other.
Choose New Balance if:
- You need specific width options (especially wide or narrow feet)
- You want more affordable choices
- You need a huge range of size options
- You like having many different models to choose from
- You want a brand that’s easy to find in many stores
Choose Karhu if:
- You want unique, standout style that’s different from other kids
- You’re interested in the Fulcrum technology for efficient running
- You appreciate European design and craftsmanship
- You’re looking for something less common than what everyone else wears
- You want a brand with an interesting Olympic history
Remember, the best shoes for you are the ones that fit your feet well and feel comfortable during your activities. If possible, try both brands on to see which feels better on your unique feet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Karhu shoes good for kids?
Karhu makes some smaller sizes that can work for older kids and teens, but they don’t have as many options specifically designed for children as New Balance does. The technology and quality are excellent when they do offer junior sizes.
How do I know what size to get?
It’s best to try shoes on in a store if possible. If buying online, measure your feet and check the brand’s size chart. Remember that New Balance offers multiple width options, while Karhu has a European fit that might feel slightly narrower.
Can I use these shoes for sports other than running?
Both brands make shoes primarily designed for running, but they can work well for PE class, general exercise, and casual sports. If you play specific sports like basketball or soccer regularly, you might want shoes designed specifically for those activities.
How do I know if I need a wide shoe?
If your feet feel squeezed from the sides in regular shoes, or if you see bulging at the edges of your shoes, you might need a wide size. New Balance offers more width options if this is an issue for you.
How do I clean my running shoes?
For both brands, wipe dirt off with a damp cloth. You can hand wash them with mild soap and water if they get very dirty. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the special cushioning materials. Let them air dry away from direct heat.