New Balance is a popular brand that makes all kinds of athletic shoes. Orthofeet is more specialized – they make shoes specifically designed to help people with foot pain or special foot needs. In this article, I’ll help you understand what makes each brand unique so you can figure out which one might be right for you!
Let’s explore everything about these two shoe brands – from how comfortable they are to how they look. By the end, you’ll know the key differences between New Balance and Orthofeet shoes!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Orthofeet Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Orthofeet
- 3 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 4 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
- 9 Quality: How Well They’re Made
- 10 Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
- 11 Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
- 17 User Reviews and Ratings
- 18 Price Comparison
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Orthofeet Shoes
New Balance and Orthofeet shoes is their primary purpose. New Balance makes athletic shoes with good support for general use, while Orthofeet specializes in therapeutic footwear specifically designed for people with foot problems, diabetes, arthritis, and other medical conditions requiring maximum comfort and support.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Orthofeet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Athletic and casual everyday shoes | Therapeutic, orthopedic comfort shoes |
| Target Audience | General population, athletes | People with foot problems, diabetes, arthritis |
| Medical Focus | Basic support | Specifically designed for foot conditions |
| Width Options | Multiple widths available | Multiple widths plus extra depth |
| Cushioning | Good athletic cushioning | Maximum therapeutic cushioning |
| Price Range | $50-$180 | $110-$150 (generally higher) |
| Style Options | Many trendy and athletic designs | Limited, focus on function over fashion |
| Kids’ Sizes | Full range of children’s sizes | Limited (primarily adult sizes) |
| Arch Support | Varies by model | Built-in anatomical arch support in all models |
| Design Input | Athletic performance experts | Podiatrists and foot specialists |
| Specialty Features | Performance technologies | Pain relief, pressure distribution |
| Interior Design | Standard | Seam-free, extra padding for sensitive feet |
| Insoles | Standard, replaceable | Anatomical, premium orthotic insoles |
| Available At | Most shoe stores, sporting goods | Medical supply stores, specialty retailers |
| Marketing Focus | Athletic performance, style | Foot pain relief, comfort |
In summary: New Balance and Orthofeet serve different purposes and customers. New Balance is a mainstream athletic brand making performance and casual shoes for everyone, with good support and multiple width options.
Orthofeet is a specialized therapeutic footwear company creating shoes specifically for people with foot problems, diabetes, or arthritis. New Balance offers more style options, kids’ sizes, and athletic features, while Orthofeet provides maximum cushioning, anatomical support, and medical features designed to reduce foot pain.
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The History of New Balance and Orthofeet
New Balance History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. A man named William J. Riley founded the company to make special arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, they started making running shoes. New Balance became famous for making shoes in different widths, which helps more people find the perfect fit.
Today, New Balance is known for making comfortable, supportive shoes that are great for sports and everyday wear. They still make some of their shoes in the United States, which is pretty special!
Orthofeet History
Orthofeet is a newer company compared to New Balance. It was founded in the 1980s by two brothers who wanted to create shoes specifically for people with foot pain and medical conditions. The founders worked with foot doctors (called podiatrists) to design shoes that would be extra comfortable and supportive.
Orthofeet focuses completely on making shoes for comfort and health, rather than for sports or fashion. Their main goal is to help people who have foot pain, diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions that make regular shoes uncomfortable.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to be tough! They’re designed for activities like running, walking, and playing sports, so they need to handle a lot of wear and tear. Many New Balance shoes have reinforced stitching and durable rubber soles that resist wearing down.
Kids who wear New Balance find that their shoes often last through the school year, even with daily wear and active play. The more expensive New Balance models tend to be especially durable.
Orthofeet Durability
Orthofeet shoes are also well-made and durable, but they’re designed more for comfort than for athletic activities. The materials are chosen for softness and support rather than maximum toughness.
For everyday walking and normal activities, Orthofeet shoes hold up well. However, they might not last as long as New Balance if used for sports or rough play, since that’s not what they’re designed for.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants hot, sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and makes many of their shoes with mesh materials that let air flow through. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active all day.
Different New Balance models have different levels of breathability. Their running shoes usually have the most mesh and airflow, while their casual shoes might have less.
Orthofeet Breathability
Orthofeet also cares about keeping your feet comfortable and not too hot. Many of their shoes use special fabrics designed to wick away moisture and let your feet breathe. However, because Orthofeet shoes often have more padding and support materials, they might not be quite as breathable as some athletic shoes.
If having super-breathable shoes is really important to you, especially for sports in hot weather, New Balance might have more options for you.
Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. They use special foam called “Fresh Foam” or “ENCAP” that feels soft and bouncy under your feet! This cushioning helps protect your feet when you jump, run, or walk on hard surfaces.
The cushioning in New Balance varies by model. Some shoes have more cushioning for comfort, while others have firmer cushioning for support during sports.
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Orthofeet Cushioning
Cushioning is where Orthofeet really shines! Their shoes are designed with multiple layers of cushioning specifically to make walking as comfortable as possible. Many Orthofeet shoes have extra cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot – areas where people often feel pain.
Orthofeet uses special foam that’s designed to absorb shock and reduce pressure on your feet. If you need maximum cushioning, especially if you have foot pain, Orthofeet might be the better choice.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Fit
One really cool thing about New Balance is that they make shoes in different widths. This is super helpful because not everyone’s feet are the same width! They offer narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide options in many of their styles.
New Balance shoes tend to have a roomy toe box, which means there’s more space for your toes to spread out naturally. This can make them more comfortable for growing feet.
Orthofeet Fit
Orthofeet is also excellent when it comes to fit, especially for people with foot problems. Like New Balance, they offer multiple width options. But Orthofeet goes even further with features designed for specific foot needs.
Many Orthofeet shoes have extra depth, which means there’s more space inside the shoe. This is great for people who need to use special insoles or who have high arches. Orthofeet also designs their shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes plenty of room.
Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
New Balance Stability
Stability in shoes helps prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. New Balance offers different levels of stability in their shoes:
- Some models have neutral stability for people with normal feet
- Other models have more support for people whose feet roll inward too much
- They even make shoes with special stability features for specific foot types
New Balance stability features include firm midsoles and supportive materials on the inner side of the shoe.
Orthofeet Stability
Orthofeet puts a big focus on stability since many of their customers have foot problems that require extra support. Their shoes often include:
- Arch support built right into the shoe
- Deep heel cups that cradle your heel
- Supportive insoles that help align your feet properly
If you need maximum stability for foot problems, Orthofeet is designed specifically for this purpose. Their shoes are made to keep your feet aligned and supported with every step.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
New Balance Comfort
Comfort is important to New Balance. Their shoes have good cushioning and support, and many models feel comfortable right out of the box without needing to be “broken in.” The multiple width options help ensure a comfortable fit for different foot shapes.
New Balance shoes are designed to be comfortable for active use – running, walking, and playing sports. They balance comfort with the support needed for these activities.
Orthofeet Comfort
Comfort is the number one priority for Orthofeet! Every feature of their shoes is designed to maximize comfort, especially for people with foot pain. From the soft, seam-free interior to the extra cushioning and support, Orthofeet shoes aim to make walking as pain-free as possible.
Many people with foot problems find that Orthofeet shoes are more comfortable than any other brand they’ve tried. If comfort is your top concern, especially if you have pain when walking, Orthofeet might be the better choice.
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Quality: How Well They’re Made
New Balance Quality
New Balance has been making shoes for a very long time, and they’ve gotten really good at it! They pay attention to small details like even stitching, secure gluing, and durable materials.
The quality control for New Balance shoes is very strict. Some New Balance shoes are even made in the United States, where they have close control over the manufacturing process.
Orthofeet Quality
Orthofeet makes high-quality shoes with careful attention to detail. Since their shoes are designed for people with foot problems, they need to be well-made to provide the proper support and comfort.
Both brands offer good quality shoes, though they focus on different aspects of quality. New Balance emphasizes durability for active use, while Orthofeet focuses on comfort features for people with foot needs.
Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
New Balance Style
New Balance has a style that’s a mix of sporty and classic. Their shoes often have a chunky, retro look that has become very popular in fashion recently. They offer lots of color options, from simple white, black, and gray to brighter colors like blue, red, and green.
New Balance shoes are great for everyday wear and can go with lots of different outfits. Many kids find them stylish and cool to wear to school.
Orthofeet Style
Orthofeet focuses more on comfort and function than on fashion. Their shoes tend to have a more medical or orthopedic look to them. While they’ve improved their style in recent years, they still look more like comfort shoes than fashion shoes.
If looking cool and trendy is really important to you, New Balance probably offers more stylish options. But if comfort is more important than style, Orthofeet’s look won’t matter as much.
Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers one of the widest size ranges of any shoe company. They make kids’ shoes starting at very small sizes for toddlers all the way up to big adult sizes. This makes them great for growing feet!
As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options, which can be really helpful if you have narrow or wide feet.
Orthofeet Size Range
Orthofeet focuses mainly on adult sizes, though they do make some shoes in smaller sizes that might work for older kids with foot problems. They offer multiple width options like New Balance does.
If you’re a younger kid with smaller feet, you’ll have more options with New Balance. If you’re an older kid with bigger feet (typically age 12-13 and up), you might be able to wear some Orthofeet shoes.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes:
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Synthetic leather for structure and support
- Foam for cushioning
- Rubber for durable outsoles
- Suede for some lifestyle models
They choose materials based on what each shoe is designed for. Running shoes use more mesh for breathability, while casual shoes might use more suede or leather-like materials.
Orthofeet Materials
Orthofeet uses materials chosen specifically for comfort and support:
- Soft, stretchable uppers that won’t rub or pinch
- Special foam cushioning that absorbs shock
- Smooth interior fabrics that prevent irritation
- Supportive but lightweight materials for the sole
Orthofeet puts a lot of thought into choosing materials that will be gentle on sensitive feet while still providing the support needed.
Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
New Balance Weight
New Balance makes shoes in a range of weights. Their running and athletic shoes tend to be lightweight to help you move faster. Their casual shoes and those designed for extra support might be a bit heavier.
For kids, New Balance generally tries to keep the weight down since heavy shoes can be tiring to wear all day.
Orthofeet Weight
Orthofeet shoes tend to be a bit heavier than athletic shoes because of all the extra cushioning and support features they include. However, they work hard to keep their shoes as lightweight as possible while still providing the comfort and support needed.
If having very lightweight shoes is important to you, especially for sports, New Balance probably offers lighter options. For everyday walking, the slight extra weight of Orthofeet shoes might not be noticeable.
Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
New Balance Flexibility
Flexibility is important because your foot needs to bend naturally when you walk and run. New Balance designs their shoes with flex grooves in the sole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot naturally bends.
Different New Balance models offer different levels of flexibility based on their intended use. Running shoes tend to be more flexible, while shoes for sports like basketball might be a bit stiffer for support.
Orthofeet Flexibility
Orthofeet shoes are designed to have the right balance of flexibility and support. They want the shoe to bend at the ball of the foot where your foot naturally bends, but they also include supportive elements that prevent too much flexibility in other areas.
For people with foot pain or problems, this controlled flexibility can be better than shoes that are too flexible. It helps your foot move naturally while still providing the support it needs.
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Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most standard New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many have water-resistant features that help keep your feet dry in light rain or wet grass. They use materials that don’t soak up water easily and designs that keep water from getting inside the shoe.
New Balance does make some fully waterproof shoes, but these are usually specialized models for hiking or outdoor activities.
Orthofeet Water Resistance
Orthofeet shoes are generally not designed to be waterproof or highly water-resistant. Their focus is on comfort, support, and helping with foot problems rather than handling wet conditions.
If you need shoes for rainy weather or wet conditions, New Balance probably offers more water-resistant options than Orthofeet.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
New Balance Soles
New Balance uses durable rubber for their outsoles (the bottom part that touches the ground). They design different tread patterns for different activities:
- Running shoes have flexible grooves and cushioning
- Training shoes have flat, stable soles for gym activities
- Casual shoes have smoother soles for everyday wear
The soles are designed to provide good grip on different surfaces while lasting a long time without wearing down.
Orthofeet Soles
Orthofeet designs their soles with comfort and support as the main goals. Their outsoles are made of lightweight rubber with special features:
- Ergonomic design that helps distribute pressure evenly
- Mild rocker bottom that helps with forward motion
- Wide base for extra stability
- Non-slip tread for safety
The Orthofeet sole is designed to make walking easier and less painful, which is especially important for people with foot problems.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style | User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “These shoes last forever! I’ve worn them for PE class and everyday, and they still look good.” |
| Orthofeet Coral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Most comfortable shoes ever! My feet used to hurt all the time, but now I can walk without pain.” |
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Love the style and colors. They go with everything and are pretty comfortable too.” |
| Orthofeet Sprint | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “These shoes helped my plantar fasciitis so much! Not the coolest looking, but my feet don’t hurt anymore!” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Orthofeet Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Kids Models | $50-$70 | Limited options | Everyday wear, school |
| Athletic/Sports | $80-$130 | $120-$140 | Sports, running, PE class |
| Casual/Everyday | $70-$110 | $110-$130 | Daily wear, walking |
| Premium/Special Needs | $120-$180 | $120-$150 | Foot problems, maximum comfort |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Come in kids’ sizes for all ages | Not made specifically for foot problems |
| Many cool styles and colors to choose from | Less cushioning than Orthofeet |
| Great for sports and PE class | Not as good for people with foot pain |
| You can find them in most shoe stores | Some models can be expensive |
| Available in different widths | Not designed by foot doctors |
| Lighter weight for running and playing | Less support for people with flat feet |
| Popular brand that kids think looks cool | Not as helpful for medical foot conditions |
| Good for everyday school wear | Basic insoles compared to Orthofeet |
Orthofeet Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Super comfortable with maximum cushioning | Don’t come in small kids’ sizes |
| Specially made for people with foot pain | More expensive than regular shoes |
| Designed with help from foot doctors | Not many cool styles or colors |
| Extra support for flat feet | Not good for sports or running fast |
| Special insoles that help foot problems | Hard to find in regular shoe stores |
| Very soft inside with no rubbing | Look more like “medical shoes” |
| Help people walk without pain | Heavier than athletic shoes |
| Extra depth for custom insoles | Friends might not think they look cool |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe brand is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose New Balance if:
- You need shoes for sports and active play
- You’re a younger kid or have smaller feet
- Style and looking cool are important to you
- You want a good balance of comfort and performance
- You need shoes for PE class and running
- You want more color and style options
Choose Orthofeet if:
- You have foot pain or problems that make walking uncomfortable
- Maximum comfort is your top priority
- You have been recommended orthopedic shoes by a doctor
- You need extra depth for special insoles or orthotics
- You have diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions affecting your feet
- You’re willing to sacrifice some style for comfort
Both New Balance and Orthofeet make great shoes, but they serve different purposes. New Balance is better for kids who need all-around good shoes for sports and everyday wear. Orthofeet is specialized for people with foot problems who need maximum comfort and support.
Remember, the best shoe is the one that fits YOUR feet and YOUR needs the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Orthofeet shoes just for old people?
No! While many older people do wear Orthofeet because they often have foot problems, these shoes are for anyone who needs extra comfort and support. Kids and teens with foot pain, flat feet, high arches, or other issues can benefit from Orthofeet too.
Can kids wear Orthofeet shoes?
Older kids with bigger feet (usually around age 12-13 and up) might be able to wear the smallest adult sizes of Orthofeet. Younger kids will need to stick with New Balance or other brands that make smaller sizes.
Why are Orthofeet shoes more expensive?
Orthofeet shoes cost more because they include special features for foot comfort and pain relief. They’re designed with input from foot doctors and use multiple layers of cushioning and support. You’re paying for shoes that are like medical devices, not just regular sneakers.
Are New Balance shoes good for kids with flat feet?
Yes! New Balance makes several models that provide good support for flat feet. Their shoes with more stability features can help keep your feet aligned properly. However, if flat feet are causing significant pain, Orthofeet or another orthopedic brand might provide even more support.
Do doctors recommend these brands?
Many doctors do recommend both brands, but for different reasons. Podiatrists (foot doctors) often recommend New Balance because they offer various widths and good support. Orthofeet is frequently recommended by doctors for patients with specific foot problems, diabetes, or arthritis.
How do I know if I need Orthofeet instead of New Balance?
If regular shoes like New Balance feel comfortable and you don’t have foot pain, you probably don’t need specialized Orthofeet shoes. But if you experience foot pain when walking, have been diagnosed with a foot condition, or find regular shoes uncomfortable, Orthofeet might be worth trying.
Can I use New Balance for sports and Orthofeet for everyday wear?
Yes! This is actually a great approach for some kids with foot issues. You could use more specialized Orthofeet shoes for everyday walking and comfort, then switch to New Balance for PE class or sports activities where you need more athletic features