New Balance has been around for more than 100 years and is famous for athletic shoes, while Kizik is a newer company known for their special hands-free technology that lets you slip shoes on without using your hands. I’ll compare these two interesting shoe brands to help you decide which might be better for your feet and lifestyle.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Kizik Shoes
- 2 Brand History: Where Did They Come From?
- 3 Special Features: What Makes Each Brand Unique?
- 4 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 5 Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool
- 6 Cushioning: The Bounce in Your Step
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping Your Feet Balanced
- 9 Comfort: Feeling Good All Day
- 10 Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
- 11 Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
- 12 Size Range: Will They Fit You?
- 13 Material: What Are They Made Of?
- 14 Weight: How Heavy Are They?
- 15 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 16 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 17 Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe
- 18 User Reviews: What Real People Think
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Kizik Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Kizik shoes is their design purpose and technology. New Balance focuses on athletic performance with various width options (narrow to extra-wide) and specialized cushioning for different sports, while Kizik features hands-free F.A.S.T.® technology that lets you step into shoes without using your hands or tying laces.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Kizik |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Athletic performance, sports | Convenience, hands-free entry |
| Special Technology | Fresh Foam, FuelCell cushioning | F.A.S.T.® hands-free entry system |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, regular, wide, extra-wide) | Limited (mostly medium, some wide) |
| History | Founded 1906 (over 100 years old) | Founded 2017 (very new company) |
| Size Range | Extensive (kids through adult, all sizes) | Limited (mostly adult, some kids) |
| Best For | Sports, athletic activities, wide feet | Easy on/off, people who struggle with laces |
| Price Range | $60-$150 | $90-$130 |
| Sport-Specific Models | Many options for different sports | Not sport-specific |
| Style Variety | Extensive (hundreds of models) | Limited (handful of models) |
| Target User | Athletes, active people, wide feet | Convenience-seekers, busy people |
| Standout Feature | Multiple width options | No bending or hands needed to put on |
| Waterproof Options | Some available | Not currently available |
In summary: New Balance and Kizik shoes are very different. New Balance makes athletic shoes that come in many widths for all foot types. They’re great for sports and have been around for over 100 years. Kizik is a newer company that makes special hands-free shoes you can step into without bending down or using your hands, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
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Brand History: Where Did They Come From?
New Balance: A Century of Comfort and Support
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, William Riley, got his inspiration by watching chickens in his yard! He noticed how chickens stay perfectly balanced on their three-toed feet, 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 complete shoes. They became famous for offering shoes in different widths, which helps people with wide or narrow feet find shoes that fit well.
Kizik: The Hands-Free Innovation
Kizik is much newer than New Balance. It was founded in 2017 by Michael Pratt, who wanted to create shoes that could be put on without using your hands.
The company invented a special heel technology called F.A.S.T.® (Foot Activated Shoe Technology) that lets you step into the shoe without bending down or using your fingers to pull it on. This makes Kizik shoes super convenient for everyone, but especially helpful for people who have trouble bending over or using their hands.
Special Features: What Makes Each Brand Unique?
New Balance Width Options
One of New Balance’s most special features is that they make shoes in many different widths. While most shoe companies only make “regular” width shoes, New Balance offers 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 is also known for their cushioning technologies like “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell” that make their shoes comfortable for athletic activities.
Kizik Hands-Free Technology
Kizik’s standout feature is definitely their hands-free design. The back of each Kizik shoe has a special springy heel that compresses when you step into it and then springs back into place around your heel. This means you can put on your shoes without using your hands at all – just step in and go! Kizik calls this their F.A.S.T.® technology, and it’s what makes their shoes different from almost any other brand.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
New Balance Toughness
New Balance shoes are generally well-made and durable. They use strong rubber on the bottoms of their shoes and reinforced stitching in areas that get a lot of stress. Athletic shoes naturally wear out faster than casual shoes because of the intense movements they’re designed for, but most New Balance shoes will last 300-500 miles of running or about 6-12 months of regular everyday wear. The exact durability depends on which model you choose and how you use them.
Kizik Longevity
Despite having a special springy heel, Kizik shoes are built to last. The company has engineered their F.A.S.T.® technology to withstand thousands of uses without losing its shape or springiness.
The materials they use for the upper parts and soles are high-quality and designed for everyday wear. Most Kizik shoes should last about a year of regular use, though this depends on how often you wear them and what activities you do in them.
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Breathing: Keeping Feet Cool
New Balance Ventilation
New Balance uses breathable mesh materials in many of their shoes, especially their running and athletic models. This mesh has tiny holes that allow air to flow in and out, which helps keep your feet cool and prevents them from getting too sweaty.
The amount of ventilation varies by model, with their running shoes typically having the most breathable upper materials and their casual or lifestyle shoes sometimes using less breathable materials like leather or suede.
Kizik Airflow Design
Kizik also pays attention to breathability in their shoes. Many Kizik models use engineered mesh uppers that allow good airflow. They design their shoes to keep feet comfortable during everyday activities, so while they may not be as ventilated as specialized running shoes, they provide enough breathability for normal daily wear.
Kizik also offers different models with varying levels of breathability depending on their intended use and the season they’re designed for.
Cushioning: The Bounce in Your Step
| Cushioning Feature | New Balance | Kizik |
|---|---|---|
| Main Technology | Fresh Foam, FuelCell | ContourKnit™, foam midsole |
| Focus Area | Impact areas for running/walking | Full foot comfort for everyday wear |
| Softness Level | Varies by model (soft to responsive) | Medium-soft, consistent across models |
| Purpose | Athletic performance, impact absorption | All-day comfort, casual wear |
| Special Features | Different cushioning for different activities | Cushioning that works with hands-free entry |
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.
The amount and type of cushioning varies between different New Balance models. Some are designed to be soft and plush for maximum comfort, while others are more firm and responsive for better athletic performance.
Kizik Cushioning Approach
Kizik focuses on creating consistent, comfortable cushioning for everyday wear. Their shoes typically feature foam midsoles that provide a good balance of softness and support. While they don’t market specialized cushioning technologies like New Balance does, Kizik designs their shoes to be comfortable for all-day wear. The cushioning in Kizik shoes works together with their hands-free technology to create a comfortable experience from the moment you step in.
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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Sizing Guide
As mentioned earlier, New Balance offers multiple width options, which is a huge advantage for getting the right fit. Their shoes generally run true to size in length, meaning you can usually order your normal shoe size.
New Balance shoes typically have a roomy toe box (the front part where your toes go), giving your toes space to spread out naturally. Different New Balance models have different fits, with some being more snug and performance-oriented and others being more relaxed for casual wear.
Kizik Fit Features
Kizik shoes are designed to fit well right out of the box and to maintain that fit with their hands-free entry system. They tend to run true to size in length. Most Kizik models come in medium width only, which works well for most people but might not be ideal if you have particularly wide or narrow feet. The toe box is generally roomy to allow for comfortable everyday wear. Kizik shoes need to fit properly for the hands-free technology to work correctly – if they’re too loose, your heel won’t be secure.
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. New Balance offers a range of stability options across their many models.
Kizik Stability Design
Kizik shoes are designed primarily for everyday casual wear rather than athletic performance, so they focus on general comfort and natural movement rather than specialized stability features.
Most Kizik shoes provide moderate stability that works well for people with normal foot mechanics. The shoes are designed with a secure heel fit (important for the hands-free entry to work properly) and a stable base, but they don’t have the corrective features found in athletic stability shoes.
Comfort: Feeling Good All Day
New Balance Comfort Elements
New Balance designs their shoes with comfort features like padded tongues and collars, smooth interior linings, and cushioned insoles. Their athletic shoes are engineered to be comfortable during active movements, while their casual models focus on all-day standing and walking comfort. The wide range of widths available helps ensure you can find a truly comfortable fit regardless of your foot shape.
Kizik All-Day Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for Kizik, especially since their shoes are mainly designed for everyday wear. Beyond the convenience of hands-free entry, Kizik shoes feature cushioned insoles, soft linings, and flexible materials that move with your foot.
Many users report that Kizik shoes feel comfortable from the first wear without needing a “break-in” period. The hands-free technology actually contributes to comfort by eliminating pressure points that can occur when you force your foot into a traditional shoe.
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 premium shoes in the USA, which is unusual for athletic shoes today.
Kizik Premium Construction
Despite being a newer company, Kizik has established itself as a quality brand. They use premium materials like high-grade foams, durable rubber outsoles, and carefully selected upper materials that balance flexibility (needed for the hands-free entry) with structure and support. The F.A.S.T.® technology itself is well-engineered and built to last through thousands of entries and exits without losing its effectiveness.
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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 very fashionable. Models like the 574 and 990 are now considered trendy lifestyle shoes worn by celebrities and fashion influencers.
New Balance offers a huge variety of styles, from performance-focused running shoes to retro-inspired casual sneakers. They come in countless color combinations, from bright and bold to simple and classic.
Kizik Modern Designs
Kizik focuses on creating shoes that look like normal, stylish sneakers despite having the special hands-free technology. They offer clean, contemporary designs that work well with casual outfits. Kizik shoes come in several different styles, from athletic-inspired sneakers to more casual everyday shoes, and they’re available in various colors, though not as many options as New Balance offers. Their designs are modern and minimalist, appealing to people who want comfortable shoes that don’t look too “techy” or medical.
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.
Kizik Size Options
Kizik shoes are currently available in most standard adult sizes, typically from women’s size 6 to men’s size 16. They’ve recently expanded to offer some kids’ sizes, though their kids’ selection is much more limited than their adult offerings. Most Kizik models come in medium width only, with just a few styles available in wide. If you need narrow widths or extra-wide options, you’ll have more choices with New Balance.
Material: What Are They Made Of?
| Material Feature | New Balance | Kizik |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Mesh, synthetic, leather, suede | Knit fabric, mesh, leather |
| Midsole | EVA foam, Fresh Foam, FuelCell | Lightweight foam |
| Outsole | Carbon rubber, blown rubber | Rubber |
| Special Components | Support structures, reinforcements | F.A.S.T.® hands-free spring heel |
| Interior Lining | Textile, some moisture-wicking | Soft textile |
New Balance Material Selection
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes depending on the model and its intended use. Performance running shoes typically feature engineered mesh uppers with synthetic overlays for structure, while lifestyle models might use suede, leather, or textile uppers.
The midsoles are made from various foam compounds they’ve developed, and the outsoles use different types of rubber placed strategically for durability and traction.
Kizik Material Choices
Kizik selects materials that work well with their hands-free technology. The upper parts are often made from flexible knit fabrics, engineered mesh, or soft leather that can compress when you step in and then return to shape.
The heel area contains their specialized F.A.S.T.® technology, which includes a titanium spring that’s engineered to maintain its shape through thousands of uses. The midsoles are typically made from lightweight foam, and the outsoles use rubber compounds designed for everyday wear.
Weight: How Heavy Are They?
New Balance Lightness
New Balance shoes vary in weight depending on the model. Their lightweight racing shoes can be very light, while their more cushioned or supportive models are heavier. Most New Balance everyday models fall in the medium weight range, providing a good balance of cushioning and support without feeling too heavy on your feet.
Kizik Weight Factors
Kizik shoes are designed to be lightweight for everyday comfort. Despite having the special heel technology, most Kizik shoes don’t feel noticeably heavier than regular sneakers. They’re engineered to distribute weight evenly so they feel balanced on your feet. Kizik shoes are typically lighter than bulky athletic shoes but might be slightly heavier than minimalist sneakers.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their shoes with specific flex points that match how your foot naturally moves. Many of their models have flex grooves in the outsole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot wants to bend. 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.
Kizik Bending Dynamics
Kizik shoes need to be flexible in specific ways to allow their hands-free technology to work properly. The heel area is designed to compress when you step in and then spring back, while the rest of the shoe offers natural flexibility for walking comfort. The toe area is typically flexible enough for everyday activities, though perhaps not as specialized as running-specific shoes. The overall flexibility of Kizik shoes is balanced to provide both comfort and the functionality of their unique entry system.
Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
New Balance Weather Protection
Most standard New Balance shoes aren’t specifically 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 using 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.
Kizik Water Handling
Like most casual sneakers, standard Kizik shoes aren’t waterproof. They can handle small splashes and light rain, but aren’t designed for heavy water exposure. Some Kizik models with leather uppers naturally provide better water resistance than their knit or mesh styles. Kizik doesn’t currently offer specifically waterproof models like some New Balance options, so they’re better suited for dry conditions or light precipitation.
Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe
New Balance Sole Technology
New Balance creates different sole designs for different activities. Their running shoes have soles with cushioning and flex grooves positioned for forward movement. Walking shoes have soles designed for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The outsoles use durable rubber with various tread patterns for good grip on different surfaces. New Balance puts a lot of engineering into making soles that work well for specific activities.
Kizik Sole Design
Kizik designs their soles for everyday comfort and versatility. Most models feature rubber outsoles with tread patterns that provide good traction on regular surfaces like sidewalks, indoor floors, and light trails. The midsoles focus on all-day comfort rather than specialized athletic performance. What makes Kizik soles unique is how they work together with the hands-free entry system – they need to be flexible enough to allow the heel compression while still providing structure and support for everyday wear.
User Reviews: What Real People Think
| Model | Brand | Price Range | User Rating | Review Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 574 | New Balance | $85-$95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “So comfortable for school and they look cool with everything!” – Alex, age 13 |
| Fresh Foam 880v12 | New Balance | $140-$150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Great for track team practice and they come in wide sizes for my feet.” – Taylor, age 12 |
| Lima | Kizik | $99-$129 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “I love not having to tie laces! Perfect for rushing to the bus in the morning.” – Jordan, age 13 |
| Roamer | Kizik | $99-$109 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Super easy to put on and really comfortable, but I wish they came in more colors.” – Riley, age 12 |
“I love my New Balance shoes because they come in extra wide sizes. Finally found shoes that don’t hurt my feet!” – Miguel, age 12
“My Kizik shoes are awesome for when I’m running late. I just step in and go – no more being tardy because I had to tie my shoes!” – Emma, age 13
“The cushioning in my New Balance shoes helps when I run in PE class. My feet don’t hurt like they used to.” – Tyler, age 12
“I got Kiziks because I hate tying shoes and these are so much better. They feel good all day at school too.” – Olivia, age 13
Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Comes in many width sizes for all foot types | Takes time to put on and tie laces |
| Great for sports and running | Not as easy to slip on quickly | |
| Many different styles and colors to choose from | Some models can be expensive | |
| Available in kids sizes through adult sizes | Can take time to break in | |
| Good for people with wide or narrow feet | Not as innovative with new technology | |
| Many models designed for specific sports | Some styles look too “athletic” for fashion | |
| Kizik | Super easy to put on without using hands | Doesn’t come in many width options |
| Perfect for when you’re in a hurry | More expensive on average | |
| No need to tie or untie laces | Not specifically designed for sports | |
| Usually comfortable right away | Fewer style and color choices | |
| Great for people who have trouble bending down | Newer company with less history | |
| Looks like normal shoes despite special technology | Limited availability in stores |
Both brands make great shoes but for totally different reasons! Think about what matters most to you – athletic performance or convenient, hands-free wear.
Conclusion
After comparing New Balance and Kizik shoes, it’s clear that both brands make quality footwear but with different strengths and focuses.
Choose New Balance if:
- You need shoes specifically for sports or athletic activities
- You have wide or narrow feet that need special width sizes
- You want more style and color options to choose from
- You’re looking for specialized shoes for specific activities like running, walking, or basketball
- You need waterproof options for rainy weather
Choose Kizik if:
- You want the convenience of hands-free, step-in shoes
- You’re often in a rush and don’t want to deal with tying laces
- You have trouble bending over or using your hands to put on shoes
- You prefer casual, everyday sneakers rather than athletic performance shoes
- You want shoes that are comfortable right away without a break-in period
Both brands make excellent shoes, but they serve different needs. Think about what’s most important to you in shoes – special widths, athletic performance, hands-free convenience, or style – and that will help you decide which brand might be better for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kizik shoes good for sports?
Kizik shoes are comfortable for light activities, but they’re not specifically designed for sports performance. If you need shoes for running, basketball, or other athletic activities, New Balance offers more specialized options with sport-specific features.
Do Kizik shoes really work without using your hands?
Yes! Kizik’s hands-free technology allows you to step into the shoes without using your hands or bending over. The heel compresses as you step in and then springs back around your heel to secure the shoe.
How do I know what size to get?
For both brands, 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 most Kizik shoes come in medium width only.
How do I clean these shoes?
For both brands, wipe dirt off with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and water with a soft brush or cloth. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the special features. Let them air dry away from direct heat.
Do hands-free shoes wear out faster than regular shoes?
Kizik has designed their F.A.S.T.® technology to withstand thousands of entries and exits without losing its effectiveness. While the heel spring is an additional moving part that regular shoes don’t have, Kizik shoes are well-engineered and should last about as long as other casual sneakers with similar use.