Many people wonder which brand will give them the most comfort and support. We’ll compare these two popular shoe brands to help you make the best choice for your feet.
Both New Balance and KURU make shoes that many people love, but they have different features that might make one better for you than the other. We’ll look at things like comfort, style, and price so you can find your perfect pair!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs KURU Shoes
- 2 The History Behind the Brands
- 3 Comfort: Which Feels Better on Your Feet?
- 4 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: The Bounce Factor
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady
- 8 Quality: What You’re Paying For
- 9 Style: Looking Good While Feeling Good
- 10 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 11 Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
- 12 Flexibility: How Well Do They Bend?
- 13 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 14 Sole Design: What’s on the Bottom?
- 15 User Reviews and Ratings
- 16 Price Comparison
- 17 Which Brand Is Right for You?
- 18 Pros and Cons
- 19 Conclusion
- 20 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs KURU Shoes
New Balance and KURU shoes lies in their design focus. New Balance prioritizes athletic performance with supportive features for runners and athletes, while KURU specializes in orthopedic technology with patented heel-hugging designs specifically engineered to alleviate foot pain and provide therapeutic benefits for those with foot conditions.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | KURU |
|---|---|---|
| Company Age | Founded in 1906 | Founded in 2008 |
| Main Focus | Athletic performance, everyday wear | Foot pain relief, foot health |
| Signature Technology | Fresh Foam, FuelCell cushioning | KURUSOLE heel technology |
| Price Range | $40-$150 | $90-$175 |
| Width Options | Multiple widths available (narrow to extra-wide) | Standard width with accommodating design |
| Style Variety | Extensive range of designs and colors | Limited selection, focus on function |
| Best For | Sports, everyday use, fashion-conscious buyers | People with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, heel issues |
| Weight | Generally lightweight | Slightly heavier due to support features |
| Cushioning Focus | Full-foot cushioning, responsive feel | Targeted heel support and alignment |
| Target Audience | Athletes, casual wearers, fashion-forward | People seeking foot pain relief, all-day comfort |
| Availability | Widely available in many stores | Primarily available online |
| Kids’ Options | Many kids’ styles and sizes | Very limited kids’ offerings |
| Athletic Performance | Designed for various sports | Designed for comfortable walking/standing |
| Foot Pain Relief | Moderate support | Specialized support, excellent for foot problems |
In summary: New Balance shoes and KURU shoes are both good choices but for different reasons. New Balance makes lightweight athletic shoes that come in lots of cool styles and colors at more affordable prices.
KURU shoes cost more but are specially designed to help with foot pain using their unique heel technology. Choose New Balance for sports and style, or KURU if comfort and foot support are your top priorities.
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The History Behind the Brands
New Balance: From Arch Supports to Athletic Shoes
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston. At first, they made arch supports for people who needed help with their feet. Later, they began making shoes for athletes. Today, New Balance is known around the world for making quality athletic shoes in many different styles.
KURU: The Foot Pain Specialists
KURU is a newer company that started in 2008. They focus on making shoes that help people with foot pain. Their special technology called KURUSOLE is designed to cradle your heel and give support where you need it most.
Comfort: Which Feels Better on Your Feet?
New Balance Comfort Features
New Balance shoes often use foam cushioning called “Fresh Foam” or “FuelCell” that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Many kids and teens say these shoes feel great right away – no need to “break them in”!
KURU Comfort Technology
KURU shoes are built differently. They have a special heel cup that hugs your foot and helps with pain. If your feet hurt after playing sports or walking a lot, KURU shoes might be just what you need.
| Comfort Feature | New Balance | KURU |
| Cushioning Type | Fresh Foam, FuelCell | KURUSOLE Technology |
| Break-in Period | Minimal | May need short adjustment |
| Best For | Everyday use, sports | Foot pain relief, all-day standing |
| Insole Feel | Soft, bouncy | Supportive, molding |
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Ventilation
Nobody wants sweaty feet! New Balance puts mesh panels in most of their shoes so air can flow through. This keeps your feet dry even when you’re running around all day.
KURU Air Flow Design
KURU shoes also have good airflow with special linings that pull moisture away from your feet. This is great for hot days or when you’re active.
Cushioning: The Bounce Factor
New Balance Cushioning Systems
New Balance has different types of cushioning in their shoes. Some are super bouncy for running, while others are firmer for stability when you’re playing sports.
KURU Shock Absorption
KURU shoes absorb shock when you walk or run. This is really helpful if you have sensitive feet or if harder surfaces like concrete make your feet hurt.
| Cushioning Aspect | New Balance Rating (1-5) | KURU Rating (1-5) |
| Heel Cushioning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Forefoot Cushioning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Impact Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Energy Return | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Sizing Guide
New Balance shoes come in lots of widths, which is great if you have narrow or wide feet. They range from narrow (B) to extra-wide (4E). This means you can find shoes that fit just right, not too tight and not too loose.
KURU Fit Experience
KURU shoes tend to fit true to size, but they’re designed to hug your feet more than some other brands. Some people find they need to go up half a size in KURU shoes.
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Stability: Keeping You Steady
New Balance Support Features
New Balance puts extra support in their shoes to help keep your ankles safe when you’re playing sports or running. This can help prevent injuries and make you feel more confident when you move.
KURU Balancing Technology
KURU shoes have great stability because of their heel design. This keeps your foot in the right position and helps with balance.
Quality: What You’re Paying For
Both brands make high-quality shoes, but they focus on different things. New Balance is known for making durable athletic shoes that can handle lots of activities. KURU puts most of their attention on making shoes that help with foot problems and provide amazing comfort.
Style: Looking Good While Feeling Good
New Balance Design Options
New Balance has tons of cool styles and colors! From classic white sneakers to bright colorful shoes, you can find something that matches your style. They have retro looks that are super popular right now, too.
KURU Fashion Choices
KURU has fewer style options than New Balance, but their shoes still look nice. They focus more on making shoes that work well for your feet rather than following the latest trends.
| Style Category | New Balance Options | KURU Options |
| Athletic Sneakers | Wide variety, many colors | Limited selection |
| Casual Everyday | Classic designs, trendy options | Comfort-focused designs |
| School-Friendly | Many neutral and colorful choices | Mostly earth tones |
| Special Editions | Collaborations with artists/brands | Rarely offered |
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses materials like:
- Mesh fabric that lets your feet breathe
- Suede panels that look cool and last a long time
- Rubber soles that grip the ground well
- Foam cushioning that’s light and bouncy
KURU Materials
KURU uses:
- Breathable mesh that keeps feet dry
- High-quality leather that molds to your feet
- Special heel technology that supports your foot
- Durable rubber outsoles that don’t wear down easily
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Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
New Balance shoes are generally lightweight, which is great for running and playing. KURU shoes might feel a bit heavier because of their special support features, but they’re still comfortable for all-day wear.
Flexibility: How Well Do They Bend?
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their shoes to bend where your foot naturally bends. This makes walking, running, and jumping feel more natural and comfortable.
KURU Movement Support
KURU shoes have good flexibility in the front but more support in the middle and heel. This helps guide your foot in the right way when you walk.
Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
Neither brand makes fully waterproof shoes in their main collections, but both have options with water-resistant materials that can handle light rain or morning dew on the grass.
Sole Design: What’s on the Bottom?
New Balance Tread Patterns
New Balance puts different patterns on the bottom of their shoes depending on what they’re for. Running shoes have one kind of sole, while basketball shoes have another to help you move better.
KURU Grip and Support
KURU shoes have soles designed to support your foot’s natural movement while giving you good grip on different surfaces.
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User Reviews and Ratings
Here’s what real kids and their parents say about these brands:
| Review Category | New Balance Rating | KURU Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | KURU rated higher for all-day comfort |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Both brands hold up well over time |
| Style Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Kids prefer New Balance styles |
| Support for Activities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | New Balance preferred for sports |
| Help with Foot Pain | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | KURU much better for foot issues |
Price Comparison
How much will these shoes cost? Here’s a general idea:
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price Range | KURU Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kids’ Models | $40-$75 | $90-$125 |
| Teen/Adult Casual | $65-$100 | $125-$150 |
| Athletic Performance | $80-$150 | $130-$165 |
| Special Support Models | $90-$130 | $140-$175 |
New Balance is generally more affordable, especially for growing feet. KURU shoes cost more because of their special technology, but many parents say they’re worth it if your child has foot pain.
Which Brand Is Right for You?
Choose New Balance if:
- You play lots of sports
- You like having many styles to choose from
- You’re looking for shoes at a lower price
- You want shoes that are really light
- You prefer a well-known brand that your friends might wear too
Choose KURU if:
- You have foot pain or problems
- Comfort is the most important thing to you
- You need extra support in your heel
- You don’t mind paying more for shoes that help your feet
- You want shoes specifically designed to prevent foot pain
Pros and Cons
New Balance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of cool styles and colors | Not the best for serious foot pain |
| More affordable prices ($40-$150) | Some styles can wear out quickly if used hard |
| Great for sports and activities | So many choices it can be confusing |
| Available in many different stores | Not as much heel support as KURU |
| Come in many width options for all foot types | Not specifically designed for foot problems |
| Lightweight and comfy for all-day wear | Some models need breaking in |
| Popular brand that many friends might wear | Higher-end models can be expensive |
| Good balance of style and comfort |
KURU
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Amazing for foot pain and sore heels | More expensive ($90-$175) |
| Special heel technology gives great support | Not as many fun styles and colors |
| Built to last a long time | Heavier than many New Balance shoes |
| Molds to your foot shape over time | Not as good for sports and running |
| Excellent for standing all day | Not as easy to find in regular stores |
| Very supportive for arches | Might feel stiff at first |
| Helps with foot problems | Limited options for kids |
| Great customer service | Not as “cool” looking as New Balance |
Conclusion
Both New Balance and KURU make great shoes, but they’re designed for different needs. New Balance offers more styles at better prices, making them perfect for most kids and teens who need everyday shoes for school and sports.
KURU shoes cost more but provide special support that can really help if you have foot pain. Think about what matters most to you – style, price, or special foot support – and that will help you make the best choice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are New Balance or KURU shoes better for playing sports?
New Balance shoes are generally better for sports because they’re designed with athletics in mind. They have different shoes for running, basketball, and other activities.
How long do New Balance and KURU shoes usually last?
With regular wear, both brands typically last about 6-12 months for kids who are active. KURU might last a bit longer for casual wear because they’re built with durability in mind.
Can KURU shoes help with foot pain?
Yes! KURU shoes are specifically designed to help with foot pain. Their special heel technology supports your foot and can reduce discomfort.
Which brand offers more styles and colors?
New Balance has many more styles and color options, especially for kids and teens. KURU has fewer choices but focuses on comfort-first designs.
Are these shoes good for school?
Both brands work well for school. New Balance offers more affordable options that look cool, while KURU provides excellent support for standing and walking around all day.