New Balance is known for sporty, comfortable shoes, while Lacoste has that cool crocodile logo and is famous for style. If you’re around 12 or 13 years old and wondering which brand might be better for you, this guide will help you understand the differences between these two popular shoe brands.
We’ll compare New Balance and Lacoste shoes in all the important areas like comfort, style, durability, and price. By the end, you’ll have a much better idea about which brand might be the right choice for your feet and your style!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Lacoste Shoes
- 2 The History of Both Brands
- 3 Style: Fashion vs Function
- 4 Comfort: What Feels Better On Your Feet?
- 5 Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
- 6 Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool
- 7 Cushioning: Support and Bounce
- 8 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
- 9 Stability: Keeping You Steady
- 10 Quality: What You’re Getting For Your Money
- 11 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 12 Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
- 13 Flexibility: How Well Do They Bend?
- 14 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 15 Sole Design: What’s on the Bottom?
- 16 User Reviews and Ratings
- 17 Price Comparison
- 18 Which Brand Is Right For You?
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Lacoste Shoes
New Balance and Lacoste shoes lies in their brand positioning and design focus. New Balance prioritizes athletic performance with technical features and cushioning, while Lacoste emphasizes casual elegance with minimalist designs that complement their preppy fashion aesthetic. New Balance offers specialized width options, whereas Lacoste focuses on lifestyle appeal.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Lacoste |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Origin | American athletic company (1906) | French fashion brand by tennis player (1933) |
| Brand Focus | Athletic performance, comfort | Style, fashion, preppy look |
| Logo | “N” on the side | Green crocodile |
| Price Range | $40-$200 | $65-$250 |
| Primary Use | Sports, everyday comfort | Fashion, casual style |
| Cushioning | Advanced (Fresh Foam, FuelCell) | Basic, standard cushioning |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow to extra wide) | Standard width only |
| Durability | Very good, made for activity | Good for casual use, not for sports |
| Best For | Sports, running, all-day comfort | Fashion, casual outings, style |
| Breathability | Excellent (mesh materials) | Varies (good in canvas, poor in leather) |
| Weight | Lightweight to medium | Medium weight |
| Flexibility | Very good, designed for movement | Average, not designed for athletics |
| Stability | Excellent support features | Basic everyday support |
| Water Resistance | Some water-resistant models | Minimal water protection |
| Popularity With Kids | Trending for comfort and sports | Popular with fashion-conscious kids |
| Materials | Mesh, suede, synthetic, rubber | Canvas, leather, synthetic, rubber |
| Sole Design | Performance tread patterns | Basic casual patterns |
| Style Appeal | Sporty, casual, chunky | Sleek, fashionable, preppy |
| Color Options | Wide variety of colors | More limited, classic colors |
| Size Accuracy | True to size | Often runs small/narrow |
In Summary: New Balance and Lacoste shoes serve different purposes. New Balance focuses on comfort, athletic performance, and durability with special cushioning technologies and multiple width options.
Lacoste prioritizes style and fashion with their iconic crocodile logo and sleeker designs. Choose New Balance for sports and all-day comfort; choose Lacoste when style matters more than athletic function.
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The History of Both Brands
New Balance: From Arch Supports to Athletic Stars
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. At first, they made arch supports for people who needed help with their feet. Later, they began making running shoes and became very popular with athletes. Today, many people wear New Balance shoes not just for sports, but for everyday comfort and style too.
Lacoste: From Tennis Courts to Fashion Streets
Lacoste was founded by René Lacoste, a famous French tennis player, in 1933. René was nicknamed “the Crocodile” because of his determination on the tennis court, which is why Lacoste uses a crocodile as their logo. While they started with tennis clothing, today Lacoste makes all kinds of fashion items including shoes that are known for being stylish.
Style: Fashion vs Function
New Balance Style
New Balance shoes have a sporty, athletic look. They’re known for their chunky soles and that famous “N” logo on the side. In recent years, many kids and teens have started wearing New Balance shoes as fashion items, especially models like the 550 and 574, because they look cool with jeans and casual clothes.
Lacoste Style
Lacoste shoes are all about looking classy and stylish. They often have a sleeker, more polished appearance than New Balance. Most Lacoste shoes feature that famous green crocodile logo. They make casual sneakers, but also dressier shoes that you might wear to a nice event or when you want to look a bit more put-together.
| Style Factor | New Balance | Lacoste |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Look | Sporty, chunky, athletic | Sleek, polished, preppy |
| Logo | “N” on the side | Green crocodile |
| Best For | Casual everyday, sports | Fashion, casual to slightly dressy |
| Color Options | Many bright and neutral options | More limited, classic colors |
| Popular With | Athletes, comfort-seekers, trend followers | Fashion-conscious, preppy style fans |
Comfort: What Feels Better On Your Feet?
New Balance Comfort Features
New Balance is famous for comfort. Their shoes often have thick cushioning in the sole and lots of padding inside. Many New Balance shoes are designed to support your feet during activities like running or playing sports. They also come in different widths (narrow, normal, wide, extra wide), which helps them fit many different foot shapes.
Lacoste Comfort Level
Lacoste shoes are usually comfortable for casual wear but aren’t designed specifically for athletic performance or all-day comfort like New Balance. They have less cushioning and are made more for style than for activity. For just hanging out or going to school, they’re comfortable enough, but they’re not the best choice if you’re going to be running around all day.
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Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to handle sports and activities, so they tend to be quite durable. The rubber soles are thick and can take a lot of wear and tear. If you’re rough on your shoes, New Balance is generally a good choice because they’re made to last through lots of running, jumping, and playing.
Lacoste Durability
Lacoste shoes are well-made, but they’re designed more for fashion than for hard use. The materials are good quality, but they might show signs of wear faster than New Balance if you use them for sports or play rough in them. They’re better for normal everyday wear rather than intense activities.
Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool
New Balance Ventilation
Many New Balance shoes use mesh materials in the upper part, which lets air flow through to keep your feet cool. This is especially helpful if you’re active or if it’s hot outside. Your feet can breathe, which means less sweat and more comfort.
Lacoste Breathability
Lacoste shoes vary in breathability. Their canvas and mesh sneakers breathe pretty well, but their leather shoes don’t allow as much airflow. If you tend to have sweaty feet, some Lacoste models might not be the best choice for all-day wear in hot weather.
Cushioning: Support and Bounce
New Balance Cushioning Technology
New Balance is known for their cushioning technologies like “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell.” These special foams in the soles make the shoes feel bouncy and absorb shock when you walk or run. This makes them very comfortable, especially if you’re on your feet a lot or doing sports.
Lacoste Cushioning
Lacoste shoes have standard cushioning that’s fine for normal walking and daily activities. However, they don’t have the special cushioning technologies that New Balance uses. If you need extra support or cushioning for sports or foot problems, New Balance would probably be better.
| Cushioning Feature | New Balance | Lacoste |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of Cushioning | High – lots of padding | Moderate – standard padding |
| Special Technologies | Yes (Fresh Foam, FuelCell, etc.) | No special cushioning tech |
| Shock Absorption | Excellent | Average |
| Best For | Sports, all-day standing, running | Casual walking, everyday wear |
| Heel Support | Very good | Basic |
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Size
New Balance Sizing and Width Options
One of the best things about New Balance is that they offer many width options: narrow (B), normal (D), wide (2E), and extra wide (4E). This means almost everyone can find a good fit. They also tend to be true to size, so the size you normally wear will probably fit well in New Balance too.
Lacoste Sizing Tendencies
Lacoste shoes usually come in standard width only. Some people find that Lacoste shoes run a bit narrow or small, so you might need to go up half a size. If you have wide feet, Lacoste might not be the most comfortable choice for you.
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Stability: Keeping You Steady
New Balance Support Structure
New Balance designs their shoes to keep your feet stable. Many of their shoes have special features that prevent your foot from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. This makes them good for sports and can help prevent injuries.
Lacoste Stability Features
Lacoste shoes provide basic stability for everyday walking, but they aren’t designed with special support features like New Balance. If you need extra stability for sports or because of the way your feet are shaped, New Balance would probably be a better choice.
Quality: What You’re Getting For Your Money
New Balance Materials and Construction
New Balance uses durable materials like strong mesh, suede, and rubber. Their shoes are built to handle activity and daily wear. The stitching and construction are usually very good, which is why they tend to last a long time even with regular use.
Lacoste Quality Standards
Lacoste is a premium brand that uses good quality materials. Their shoes often feature leather, canvas, and synthetic materials that look nice. The focus is more on appearance and style than performance, but the overall quality is good for casual wear.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Material Choices
New Balance uses a mix of materials including:
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Suede and synthetic overlays for support
- EVA foam and rubber for cushioning and soles
- Some models use recycled materials
Lacoste Common Materials
Lacoste tends to use:
- Canvas for casual sneakers
- Leather for more premium models
- Synthetic materials for details and linings
- Rubber for outsoles
Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
New Balance shoes vary in weight, but many models are designed to be lightweight for sports. They use light foam materials in the soles while still providing good cushioning.
Lacoste shoes are generally mid-weight – not super heavy but not as light as running shoes. The fashion-focused design means they aren’t trying to be the lightest option.
Flexibility: How Well Do They Bend?
New Balance Flex Points
Many New Balance shoes are made to be flexible where your foot naturally bends when you walk or run. This makes movement feel more natural and comfortable, especially during activities or sports.
Lacoste Bending Ability
Lacoste shoes have average flexibility. Their casual canvas sneakers tend to be quite flexible, but their leather shoes can be stiffer, especially when new. They’re made more for style than for athletic movement.
Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
Neither brand makes their regular shoes waterproof, but New Balance does offer some water-resistant models that can handle light rain. Most Lacoste shoes aren’t designed to keep out water, though their leather options might handle a light sprinkle better than their canvas shoes.
| Feature | New Balance | Lacoste |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Some models have water-resistant coatings | Minimal water resistance |
| Drying Time | Mesh models dry faster | Canvas and leather take longer to dry |
| Best for Wet Conditions | Better option of the two | Not ideal for rainy weather |
| Waterproof Options | A few waterproof models available | Very limited waterproof options |
Sole Design: What’s on the Bottom?
New Balance Tread Patterns
New Balance soles are designed with good grip patterns that work well on different surfaces. Many of their shoes have thick rubber outsoles that provide good traction for running, walking, and playing sports.
Lacoste Sole Features
Lacoste shoes typically have simpler sole designs with basic traction patterns. They’re fine for normal walking but aren’t designed for sports performance or slippery conditions like New Balance might be.
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User Reviews and Ratings
Here’s what other kids and parents say about these brands:
| Review Category | New Balance Rating | Lacoste Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “New Balance feels like walking on clouds!” |
| Style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Lacoste looks cooler with nice clothes.” |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “My New Balance lasts the whole school year.” |
| Sports Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | “Can’t play basketball in my Lacoste shoes.” |
| School Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Feet don’t hurt after wearing NB all day.” |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Lacoste costs more but doesn’t last longer.” |
| Overall Satisfaction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Both brands have happy customers for different reasons |
Price Comparison
How much will you need to spend? Here’s a general idea:
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price Range | Lacoste Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sneakers | $40-$80 | $65-$110 |
| Premium Models | $90-$150 | $100-$175 |
| Kids’ Specific | $35-$75 | $55-$95 |
| Limited Editions | $100-$200+ | $120-$250+ |
Which Brand Is Right For You?
When to Choose New Balance:
New Balance might be better for you if you:
- Play sports or are very active
- Need comfortable shoes for all day
- Have wide or narrow feet
- Want shoes specifically for running or athletics
- Need extra cushioning or support
When to Choose Lacoste:
Lacoste might be better if you:
- Care a lot about fashion and style
- Want shoes that look good with nicer outfits
- Like designer brands with recognizable logos
- Mostly wear your shoes for casual occasions
- Prefer a sleeker, less bulky look
Pros and Cons
New Balance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super comfortable for all-day wear | Not as fashionable or dressy as Lacoste |
| Great for sports and running around | Some styles look chunky or too sporty |
| Come in many widths for all foot types | Not as recognized as a “cool” brand by some kids |
| Special cushioning helps tired feet | Most styles are very casual looking |
| More affordable than Lacoste | Popular styles can sell out quickly |
| Durable and last a long time | Not the best choice for dressier occasions |
| Good for PE class and recess | Some friends might think they’re “dad shoes” |
| Available in lots of colors |
Lacoste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very stylish with the famous crocodile logo | More expensive than New Balance |
| Look great with nicer clothes | Not good for sports or running |
| Recognized as a premium brand | Come in fewer width options |
| Sleek, clean designs | Less comfortable for all-day wear |
| Good for parties and dressier events | Not as durable for rough play |
| Make outfits look more put-together | Can be uncomfortable if you have wide feet |
| Many kids think they look “cool” | Not as much cushioning or support |
| Simple, classic styles | Can get dirty easily and show wear |
Conclusion
New Balance and Lacoste are both good shoe brands, but they’re designed for different purposes. New Balance focuses on comfort, support, and athletic performance, coming in many widths and with special cushioning. Lacoste is more about style and fashion, with that famous crocodile logo and a more dressy appearance.
If you’re active, play sports, or just want super comfortable shoes for everyday wear, New Balance is probably the better choice. If style is most important to you and you want shoes that look great with different outfits, Lacoste might be more your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is better for school, New Balance or Lacoste?
New Balance is usually better for school because they’re more comfortable for all-day wear and can handle recess and gym class. Lacoste shoes look nice but might not be as comfortable for a full school day.
Can I play sports in Lacoste shoes?
Lacoste shoes aren’t really made for sports. They’re fine for just hanging out, but if you want to play basketball, soccer, or run around a lot, New Balance would be a much better choice.
Do New Balance and Lacoste shoes cost the same?
No, Lacoste shoes usually cost more than New Balance. Lacoste is considered more of a premium fashion brand, which is why their prices are higher.
Which brand is more popular with kids my age?
Both brands are popular, but in different ways. New Balance is trending now for comfortable, chunky sneakers. Lacoste is popular with kids who like fashion brands and a preppier style.
How do I know what size to get in each brand?
For New Balance, your regular size usually works well. For Lacoste, you might need to go up half a size, especially if you have wider feet. If possible, try them on before buying!