New Balance vs Keen Shoes

New Balance is mainly known for making athletic shoes for running and sports, while Keen is famous for outdoor adventure shoes like hiking boots and sandals. I’ll help you understand what makes each brand special so you can decide which one might be better for your feet and activities

New Balance vs Keen Shoes

The main difference between New Balance and Keen shoes is their intended purpose. New Balance makes athletic shoes primarily for running, sports, and everyday wear, while Keen specializes in outdoor adventure footwear like hiking boots and water sandals with protective toe bumpers.

A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!

Feature	New Balance	Keen
Primary Purpose	Athletic (running, sports, gym)	Outdoor adventures (hiking, water activities)
Water Resistance	Limited (some waterproof models)	Excellent (many waterproof models, quick-dry sandals)
Width Options	Multiple (narrow, regular, wide, extra-wide)	Limited (regular with naturally wide toe box)
Weight	Lightweight (6-10 oz kids’ sizes)	Heavier (8-14 oz kids’ sizes)
Toe Protection	Minimal	Extensive (signature toe bumper)
Traction	Designed for pavement, indoor surfaces	Deep lugs for trail, rocks, slippery surfaces
Durability	Good for athletic use	Excellent for rough terrain
Price Range	$40-$100 (kids)	$55-$100 (kids)
Best For	Running, PE class, sports, everyday wear	Hiking, camping, water activities, outdoor play
Breathability	Highly breathable mesh	Balanced (waterproof models) or open (sandals)
Cushioning	Soft, impact-absorbing	Firmer, supportive
Founded	1906	2003
Brand Focus	Athletic performance	Outdoor protection

In summary: New Balance and Keen shoes are made for totally different activities. New Balance makes shoes that are great for running, sports, and PE class. They’re lightweight and come in lots of width sizes. Keen makes super tough outdoor shoes like hiking boots and protective sandals that are great for camping, trails, and playing in water.

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Brand History: Where They Came From

New Balance: Running Shoes Since 1906

New Balance started in 1906 in Boston by a man named William Riley. Believe it or not, he got his inspiration by watching chickens walk in his yard! He noticed how the chicken’s three-toed foot gave it perfect balance, and he wanted to create shoes that would help people balance better too.

New Balance began by making arch supports (special inserts that go inside shoes) and later started making full shoes. Today, they’re famous for making athletic shoes in many different widths, which is super helpful for people with wide or narrow feet.

Keen: Born for Outdoor Adventure

Keen is much newer than New Balance. It was started in 2003 by Martin Keen in Portland, Oregon. The company began with just one product – a sandal with a protective toe bumper called the Newport.

This unique sandal was perfect for activities like kayaking and sailing because it protected your toes while still letting your feet breathe. People loved these sandals so much that Keen quickly grew and started making many different types of outdoor shoes, including hiking boots, work boots, and casual shoes.

Purpose: What Are These Shoes Made For?

New Balance Athletic Focus

New Balance mainly makes shoes for sports and fitness activities. Their shoes are designed for movements like running, walking, and training. They make specialized shoes for different sports as well as casual athletic shoes that are comfortable for everyday wear. New Balance focuses on making shoes that give you cushioning and support during active movements.

Keen Outdoor Adventure Design

Keen shoes are built for outdoor adventures and exploring nature. Their shoes are made to handle rough terrain, water, rocks, and trails. Keen makes hiking boots, trail shoes, and those special sandals with toe protection.

They focus on making shoes that are durable, grippy, and protective while you’re exploring the outdoors. Many Keen shoes are also waterproof, which is great for hiking through streams or on rainy days.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

New Balance Toughness

New Balance shoes are designed to handle the wear and tear of athletic activities. They use durable materials and reinforced stitching in areas that get a lot of stress, like the toe and heel. The outsoles (bottom parts) are made with rubber that can withstand the friction of running on pavement.

Most New Balance shoes will last about 300-500 miles of running or walking before they need to be replaced. For a typical kid who uses them as everyday shoes, this might mean they’ll last about 6-12 months, depending on how quickly you grow and how hard you are on your shoes.

Keen Heavy-Duty Construction

Keen shoes are built to be super tough. They’re made to withstand rocks, water, mud, and all kinds of outdoor challenges. The materials are heavy-duty, with thick rubber soles and sturdy upper parts often made from waterproof leather or strong synthetic materials.

The stitching is reinforced, and many models have extra protection around the toes and heels. Keen shoes typically last a long time – many people report using the same pair for several years of regular outdoor adventures. For growing kids, you’ll probably outgrow your Keens before they wear out completely.

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Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool

New Balance Ventilation

New Balance uses breathable mesh materials in many of their shoe uppers (the top parts). This mesh has tiny holes that allow air to flow in and out of the shoe, which helps keep your feet cool and dry when you’re running or playing sports.

They design their shoes to balance breathability with support, so different models might have more or less ventilation depending on what they’re made for. Their running shoes tend to be the most breathable.

Keen Airflow System

Since Keen makes outdoor shoes, they approach breathability differently. Their closed shoes, like hiking boots, often use waterproof-breathable membranes (like KEEN.DRY) that keep water out while still allowing some sweat to escape.

Their sandals, of course, are extremely breathable since they have open spaces that allow air to reach your feet directly. Keen tries to balance protecting your feet from the elements with preventing them from getting too hot and sweaty.

Cushioning: The Softness Under Your Feet

Cushioning Feature	New Balance	Keen
Main Technology	Fresh Foam, FuelCell	KEEN.ReGEN, PU Midsoles
Focus Area	Heel and forefoot impact zones	Full foot support for long hikes
Softness Level	Medium to plush	Firm to medium
Purpose	Impact absorption for running/walking	Support and protection for rough terrain
Special Features	Extra cushioning for longer runs	Shock absorption for rocky trails

New Balance Cushioning Technology

New Balance is known for their cushioning technologies that make running and walking more comfortable. They use special foams with names like “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell” that absorb the impact when your foot hits the ground.

These cushioning materials are designed to be soft but also responsive, helping to return energy to your feet as you push off with each step. The amount of cushioning varies between different New Balance models, with some providing more plush softness and others focusing on a firmer, more responsive feel.

Keen Cushioning Approach

Keen shoes focus more on supportive cushioning rather than the soft, bouncy feel of running shoes. They use materials like PU (polyurethane) midsoles and their KEEN.ReGEN technology that provide a stable platform while still absorbing shock from rocky or uneven terrain.

Keen’s cushioning is generally firmer than what you’d find in New Balance shoes because it’s designed to protect your feet from rocks and roots on the trail rather than just the repeated impact of running on pavement. Their sandals have contoured footbeds that mold to your feet for comfort during long days of walking.

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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

New Balance Sizing Options

One of the biggest advantages of New Balance is that they offer multiple width options. While most shoe brands only make regular width shoes, New Balance makes 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 generally run true to size in length, meaning you can usually buy your normal shoe size. They typically have a roomy toe box (the front part where your toes go), giving your toes plenty of space to spread out.

Keen Fit Philosophy

Keen shoes are known for having a wider toe box than many other brands, which gives your toes room to spread out naturally. This is especially helpful when hiking downhill, as it prevents your toes from jamming against the front of the shoe.

However, Keen doesn’t offer as many specific width options as New Balance. Most Keen shoes have a secure fit in the heel and midfoot with that roomier toe area. Many people find they need to go down a half-size in Keen shoes compared to their normal size, especially in their sandals.

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 are “stability” shoes that help prevent your foot from rolling inward too much (called overpronation).

These stability features often include a firmer piece of foam on the inner side of the shoe and a supportive heel counter that helps keep your foot aligned. The amount of stability varies between different New Balance models.

Keen Stability Features

Keen shoes are built to provide stability on uneven terrain. They have wider bases than many athletic shoes, which helps prevent ankle rolls on rocky trails. Many Keen hiking boots have higher ankle collars that support and protect your ankles.

Their footbeds are often contoured to support your arch and keep your foot in a proper position. Keen’s focus is on keeping you stable and preventing injuries when walking on unpredictable outdoor surfaces rather than correcting running form issues.

Comfort: Feeling Good All Day

New Balance Comfort Elements

New Balance designs their shoes with comfort for athletic activities in mind. They typically have good padding around the ankle collar and tongue to prevent rubbing. The cushioning is distributed to absorb impact during running and walking.

New Balance shoes are generally lightweight, which helps reduce foot fatigue during long periods of wear. Their variety of width options also contributes to comfort, as wearing the correct width prevents pinching or sliding.

Keen All-Day Comfort

Keen shoes are made for all-day comfort during outdoor adventures. Their footbeds are anatomically designed to support your foot’s natural shape. Many models have extra padding in the heel and arch areas.

Although Keen shoes are typically heavier than New Balance, they’re designed to provide long-lasting comfort when you’re on your feet all day hiking or exploring. The toe protection is also a comfort feature, preventing painful stubbed toes on trails.

Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?

New Balance Material Quality

New Balance uses quality materials in their shoes. The upper parts might be made of engineered mesh, synthetic overlays, or sometimes suede or leather depending on the model.

The midsoles use their proprietary foam cushioning technologies, and the outsoles feature durable rubber. New Balance is also notable because they still make some of their shoes in the USA, which is rare for athletic shoes these days.

Keen Premium Construction

Keen is known for using high-quality, durable materials. Many of their shoes use waterproof leather or heavy-duty synthetic fabrics for the uppers. Their outsoles are made from tough rubber compounds with deep lugs (the bumpy parts on the bottom) for traction.

Keen pays attention to details like metal eyelets for laces and reinforced stitching. They also focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing, using materials like leather from certified tanneries that minimize environmental impact.

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Style: Looking Good On Your Feet

New Balance Fashion Appeal

New Balance started as purely functional athletic shoes, but in recent years they’ve become quite fashionable too! Models like the 574 and 990 are now considered trendy and are often worn by celebrities and fashion influencers. New Balance offers shoes in many different colors, from bright and bold to simple and classic. Their “dad shoe” style has unexpectedly become very popular in fashion circles.

Keen Outdoor Aesthetic

Keen has a distinctive outdoor look that’s recognizable, especially their sandals with the big toe bumper. Their style is more about function and outdoor readiness than fashion, though they do offer various colors and designs.

In recent years, Keen has created some more casual styles that blend their outdoor durability with everyday wearability. Their shoes definitely have a rugged, adventure-ready appearance that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.

Size Range: Will They Fit You?

New Balance Size Availability

New Balance offers a huge range of sizes. They make kids’ sizes starting from very small (little kid size 10.5) all the way up through big kids’ sizes, and then a full range of adult sizes. As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options. This makes it more likely you’ll find New Balance shoes that fit well, even if your feet are an unusual size or shape.

Keen Size Options

Keen makes shoes in a good range of sizes for kids and adults. Their kids’ line, called Keen Kids, includes sizes for toddlers through big kids. Keen doesn’t offer as many width options as New Balance, but their naturally wider toe box works well for many people. They do offer half sizes in most models, which helps get a more precise fit.

Material: What Are They Made Of?

Material Feature	New Balance	Keen
Upper Material	Mesh, synthetic, sometimes leather/suede	Waterproof leather, synthetic, webbing
Midsole	EVA foam, Fresh Foam, FuelCell	PU foam, EVA, KEEN.ReGEN
Outsole	Carbon rubber, blown rubber	Non-marking rubber with deep lugs
Special Features	Reflective details on some models	Toe protection, waterproof membranes
Environmental Focus	Some recycled materials	Eco Anti-Odor, environmentally preferred leather

New Balance Materials

New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes. The upper parts are usually made from engineered mesh for breathability, often combined with synthetic overlays for support and structure.

Some lifestyle models use suede or leather for a more premium look and feel. The midsoles are typically made from EVA foam or their proprietary cushioning foams. The outsoles use carbon rubber in high-wear areas for durability and sometimes softer blown rubber in other areas for comfort.

Keen Material Selection

Keen uses tough, durable materials suited for outdoor use. Many of their hiking boots and shoes use waterproof leather or synthetic uppers, often with a waterproof membrane inside. Their sandals often use quick-drying webbing made from recycled plastic.

The midsoles are typically made from long-lasting PU (polyurethane) or EVA foam. The outsoles are made from non-marking rubber with deep lug patterns for excellent grip on various surfaces. Keen also uses environmentally friendly materials where possible, including their Eco Anti-Odor treatment that avoids using harmful chemicals.

Weight: How Heavy Are They?

New Balance Lightness

New Balance shoes are generally designed to be lightweight, especially their running models. This helps reduce fatigue during athletic activities.

Kids’ New Balance shoes typically weigh between 6-10 ounces per shoe, depending on the model and size. Their focus on lightweight design makes them comfortable for all-day wear and active play.

Keen Solid Construction

Keen shoes tend to be heavier than New Balance due to their durable construction and rugged materials. Their hiking boots especially have substantial weight to provide support and protection on rough terrain. Kids’ Keen shoes typically weigh between 8-14 ounces per shoe. While this extra weight provides durability and protection, it can make them feel more substantial on your feet.

Flexibility: How They Bend and Move

New Balance Flex Patterns

New Balance designs their shoes with flexibility in mind, especially for running and walking. They typically have flex grooves in the outsole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot naturally bends.

Their running shoes are engineered to flex in the forefoot area to allow for a natural toe-off as you push forward with each step. Different New Balance models offer different levels of flexibility based on their intended use.

Keen Bend Points

Keen shoes are generally less flexible than New Balance, which is intentional for their purpose. Hiking boots need to be somewhat stiff to provide support and protection on uneven terrain.

However, Keen does build in strategic flex points to allow for natural foot movement while maintaining structure. Their sandals offer more flexibility than their hiking boots. The stiffness in Keen shoes actually helps protect your feet from feeling every rock and root on the trail.

Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry

New Balance Weather Protection

Most standard New Balance shoes aren’t designed to be waterproof, though they can handle light splashes or brief rain. The mesh uppers that make them breathable also allow water to enter easily.

New Balance does make some waterproof models that use membranes like GORE-TEX, which are clearly labeled as waterproof. These specialized models are good for rainy conditions but are less common in their lineup.

Keen Waterproof Technology

Water resistance is where Keen really shines! Many Keen shoes and boots are fully waterproof, using their own KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane or sometimes GORE-TEX. Their hiking boots are designed to keep your feet dry when crossing streams or hiking in rainy conditions.

Even their sandals, while not waterproof, are designed to handle water activities and dry quickly. Water protection is a core feature of many Keen shoes, making them excellent for outdoor adventures in all weather conditions.

Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe

New Balance Sole Technology

New Balance designs different sole patterns for different activities. Their running shoes have soles with cushioning and flex grooves positioned for forward movement.

The outsoles use durable rubber with various tread patterns for good grip on pavement and gym floors. New Balance soles focus on providing cushioning for impact and appropriate traction for athletic movements.

Keen Traction Design

Keen soles are built for grip and durability on various outdoor surfaces. They feature deep, multi-directional lugs (bumps on the bottom) that provide excellent traction on dirt, rocks, and slippery surfaces.

The rubber compounds are formulated to grip well even on wet surfaces. Keen’s iconic non-marking rubber outsoles are designed to leave no scuffs on boat decks, which is why they were originally popular for water sports. The sole often wraps up around the toe to create their famous toe protection.

User Reviews: What Real Kids Think

Model	Brand	Price Range	User Rating	Review Highlight
574 Core	New Balance	$50-$70	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“So comfortable for school and PE class. I like all the cool colors.” – Alex, age 12
Fresh Foam Arishi	New Balance	$60-$80	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Great for running but got dirty easily. Super comfy though!” – Taylor, age 13
Newport H2	Keen	$55-$75	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Best sandals ever! I can wear them in water and they don’t get smelly.” – Jordan, age 12
Targhee Waterproof	Keen	$70-$90	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Kept my feet dry during camp in the rain. Kind of heavy but super tough.” – Riley, age 13

“I love my New Balance shoes because they come in extra wide sizes. Finally found shoes that don’t squish my toes!” – Miguel, age 12

“My Keen sandals are awesome for summer camp. I can go from hiking to the lake without changing shoes.” – Emma, age 13

“New Balance shoes feel light when I’m running in PE class. They help me run faster!” – Tyler, age 12

“I’ve had the same Keen boots for two years and they still look almost new. They’re great for Scout camping trips.” – Olivia, age 13

Price: What Do They Cost?

New Balance Cost Range

New Balance offers shoes at various price points. Their basic kids’ models might cost around $40-60, while their more advanced performance shoes could be $70-100. New Balance frequently has sales and older models available at discounted prices, making them accessible for different budgets.

Keen Price Points

Keen shoes tend to be in the mid-to-premium price range, reflecting their durable construction and technical features. Their kids’ sandals typically cost between $55-75, while their waterproof hiking boots may range from $70-100. Keen shoes are generally viewed as an investment in quality that will last longer than cheaper alternatives.

Pros and Cons

Brand	Pros	Cons
New Balance	Comes in many width options for all foot types	Not good for hiking on rough trails
	Lightweight and easy to run in	Gets wet easily in rain and puddles
	Great for PE class and sports	Less toe protection than Keen
	More affordable options available	Not as durable for outdoor adventures
	Lots of cool colors and styles	Can wear out faster with rough play
	Better for everyday school wear	Poor grip on slippery outdoor surfaces
Keen	Amazing for hiking and outdoor adventures	Heavier than New Balance shoes
	Special toe bumper prevents stubbed toes	More expensive on average
	Many waterproof options for rainy days	Not as good for running fast
	Great for water activities and camps	Fewer width options available
	Super tough and last a long time	Not as many fashion-forward styles
	Excellent grip on rocks and slippery surfaces	Can feel hot on warm days

Both brands make great shoes but for completely different activities! Think about what you do most often when choosing between them

Conclusion

After looking at both New Balance and Keen shoes, it’s clear that they serve different purposes and have different strengths. The best choice depends on what activities you enjoy and what you need shoes for.

Choose New Balance if:

• You need shoes mainly for running, sports, or PE class
• You have very wide or narrow feet that need special width sizes
• You want lightweight shoes for everyday activities
• You prefer a more fashion-forward athletic look
• You need shoes primarily for use on pavement, gym floors, or indoor surfaces

Choose Keen if:

• You love outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or water sports
• You need waterproof shoes that can handle streams and puddles
• You want super durable shoes that will last a long time
• You need extra toe protection for rough terrain
• You prefer shoes with excellent grip for slippery or uneven surfaces

Many active kids actually have both in their closet – New Balance for school, sports, and everyday wear, and Keen for outdoor adventures, summer camps, and wet conditions. Think about what activities you do most often, and that will help you decide which brand might be better for you!

Frequently Asked Questions