New Balance and Puma are famous shoe companies that make all kinds of shoes for sports, school, and just hanging out with friends. They both make quality shoes, but they have different styles, fits, and features that might make one better for you than the other.
Let’s explore everything about these two popular shoe brands – from how long they last to how they look. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which one to choose!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Puma Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Puma
- 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 Puma Shoes
New Balance and Puma shoes is their design philosophy. New Balance focuses on performance and comfort with wider size options and more technical support features, while Puma emphasizes sleek style and fashion-forward designs that blend athletic performance with streetwear appeal.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!.
| Feature | New Balance | Puma |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Origin | American (founded 1906) | German (founded 1948) |
| Fit | Offers multiple widths (narrow to extra wide) | Mostly standard width, tends to run narrower |
| Style | Classic, chunky, retro designs | Bold, trendy, fashion-forward designs |
| Cushioning Feel | Plush, soft cushioning | Bouncy, responsive cushioning |
| Width Options | Excellent (offers narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Limited (mostly standard width) |
| Price Range | $50-$150, slightly higher average price | $45-$140, slightly lower average price |
| Celebrity Partnerships | Fewer celebrity collaborations | Many celebrity and designer collaborations |
| Best For | Comfort, support, people with wide feet | Fashion, lightweight performance, narrow to medium feet |
| Athletic Focus | Running, walking, general training | Soccer, running, lifestyle fashion |
| Logo Recognition | “N” logo on side | Jumping cat logo or formstrip |
| Durability | Excellent, built to last | Very good, with some fashion models less durable |
| Target Audience | Performance-focused, comfort-seeking | Fashion-conscious, trend-following |
| Signature Technology | Fresh Foam, ENCAP cushioning | PROFOAM, NRGY cushioning |
| Color Schemes | More subdued, classic colors | Brighter, bolder color options |
| Heritage | Known for supportive running shoes | Known for soccer cleats and athletic fashion |
In summary: New Balance and Puma both make quality athletic shoes but with different strengths. New Balance offers more width options, better support, and a classic style with plush cushioning. Puma provides trendier designs, a narrower fit, and bouncy cushioning at a slightly lower price point. New Balance excels in comfort and support while Puma stands out in style and lightweight performance
The History of New Balance and Puma
New Balance History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. A man named William J. Riley began making arch supports to help people’s feet feel better. Later, the company started making running shoes. New Balance became famous for making shoes in different widths, which helps people find the perfect fit.
Today, New Balance is known for making shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting. They make their shoes in many different countries, including the United States.
Puma History
Puma was started in 1948 in Germany by a man named Rudolf Dassler. Fun fact: Rudolf’s brother Adolf started Adidas, another famous shoe company! The brothers had a big argument and decided to start separate companies.
Puma quickly became popular for making soccer shoes, but now they make all kinds of athletic and casual shoes. Puma is known for cool designs and working with famous athletes and celebrities to create special shoe collections.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are super tough! They use strong materials and solid construction that helps their shoes last a long time. Many kids who wear New Balance find their shoes still look good even after months of playing sports, running around at recess, and everyday walking.
New Balance tests their shoes a lot to make sure they won’t fall apart quickly. They use machines that bend the shoes thousands of times to check that they can handle lots of activity.
Puma Durability
Puma makes durable shoes too, especially their sports models. The rubber soles are tough and can handle plenty of use. However, some of Puma’s fashion shoes might not last quite as long as their sports shoes because they focus more on looking cool.
If you’re hard on your shoes or wear them every day for sports, New Balance might last a bit longer. But for normal use, both brands make shoes that will last you a good while.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants hot, sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and makes their shoes with special mesh materials that let air flow through. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active all day.
Many New Balance shoes have tiny holes or mesh panels on the top and sides. These let hot air escape and fresh air come in, which helps prevent stinky shoes!
Puma Breathability
Puma also makes shoes with good breathability. Their running and training shoes often have mesh uppers that let air circulate. Some of Puma’s newer shoes use special knit fabrics that are both stretchy and breathable.
For hot weather, both brands offer shoes that will keep your feet from getting too sweaty. But if breathability is super important to you, look for models with lots of mesh in the upper part of the shoe.
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 like walking on clouds! This cushioning helps protect your feet when you jump, run, or walk on hard surfaces.
The cushioning in New Balance shoes is especially good for kids who play sports or have to stand a lot during the day. It helps prevent tired, achy feet.
Puma Cushioning
Puma has their own cushioning technologies too! They use things called “PROFOAM” and “NRGY” that provide soft, bouncy cushioning. Puma’s cushioning tends to be a bit more springy compared to New Balance’s plush feel.
If you like a shoe that feels really soft and squishy, you might prefer New Balance. If you want something that feels bouncy and energetic, Puma might be better for you.
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 more generous toe box, which means there’s more room for your toes to spread out naturally. This can make them more comfortable for growing feet.
Puma Fit
Puma shoes usually come in standard widths. They tend to fit a bit narrower than New Balance, especially in the toe area. This can give a snug, secure feeling that’s good for sports where you need to change direction quickly.
If you have wider feet, New Balance might be more comfortable for you. If you have narrow or average-width feet, Puma might fit just right.
Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
New Balance Stability
Stability in shoes helps prevent your ankles from rolling inward or outward too much. New Balance designs many of their shoes with special support features that keep your foot aligned properly.
New Balance shoes often have a firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe) and supportive midsole that work together to keep your foot stable. This is especially important when you’re running, jumping, or changing direction quickly during sports.
Puma Stability
Puma also makes shoes with good stability features, particularly in their running and training models. Many Puma shoes have reinforced heels and supportive midsoles to help keep your feet in the right position.
For most activities, both brands provide enough stability to help prevent injuries. But if you have specific foot problems or need extra stability, New Balance might offer more options with their wider range of supportive shoes.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
New Balance Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for New Balance. Besides cushioning, they focus on making shoes that feel good from the first time you put them on. Many New Balance shoes don’t need a “break-in period” – they feel comfortable right away!
New Balance uses soft linings inside their shoes and padding around the ankle collar to prevent blisters and irritation.
Puma Comfort
Puma also values comfort in their shoes. They use soft materials and padding in key areas to make their shoes feel good. Some Puma shoes might need a short break-in period before they feel their best.
Both brands make comfortable shoes, but New Balance might have a slight edge for all-day comfort, especially if you have wider feet or need more arch support.
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. They check each pair multiple times during manufacturing to catch any problems.
Puma Quality
Puma also makes quality shoes with good attention to detail. Their sports performance shoes are especially well-made since athletes need reliable footwear.
Both brands offer good quality shoes, though the most premium materials are usually found in the higher-priced models from both companies.
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. They’re not as flashy as some other brands, which some kids like because they’re more versatile.
Puma Style
Puma is known for making shoes with bolder, more eye-catching designs. They often work with famous designers, athletes, and celebrities to create unique styles. Puma shoes usually have the famous Puma “jumping cat” logo or the Puma “formstrip” on the side.
If you want shoes that really stand out and make a fashion statement, Puma might be more your style. They offer bright colors, cool patterns, and unique designs that can help you express your personality.
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 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.
Puma Size Range
Puma offers a good range of sizes too, including kids’ sizes. However, they don’t offer as many width options as New Balance, mostly sticking to standard widths.
If you need special sizes or widths, New Balance might be the better choice for you.
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.
Puma Materials
Puma also uses a mix of materials:
- Engineered mesh for breathability
- Synthetic leather and suede
- Foam cushioning
- Rubber for outsoles
- Special knit fabrics for some models
Puma sometimes uses more innovative or fashion-forward materials in their designs, especially in their lifestyle shoes.
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.
Puma Weight
Puma shoes are often designed to be lightweight, especially their running and training models. Even their casual shoes tend to be pretty light compared to some other brands.
If having very lightweight shoes is important to you, Puma might have a slight advantage here, but both brands offer lightweight options.
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.
Puma Flexibility
Puma shoes are usually quite flexible, especially their running and training models. They design their soles with flex grooves and use materials that bend easily with your foot’s natural movement.
Both brands provide good flexibility for natural movement, though specific models vary in how flexible they are.
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.
Puma Water Resistance
Like New Balance, most regular Puma shoes aren’t completely waterproof, but they do offer some resistance to light moisture. Puma also makes some special waterproof models for outdoor activities.
If keeping your feet dry in wet conditions is really important to you, look for shoes from either brand that specifically mention water resistance in their description.
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.
Puma Soles
Puma also uses rubber for their outsoles, often with their own special patterns for different sports and activities. Their running shoes typically have grooves for flexibility, while their soccer shoes have cleats for traction on grass.
Puma sometimes uses a special rubber called “DUBRATEK” in high-wear areas to make their soles last longer.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style | User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Super comfortable for all-day wear. My feet never hurt even after walking all day at school.” |
| Puma Smash v2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These look so cool! Everyone asks where I got them. Pretty comfy too.” |
| New Balance Fresh Foam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Best cushioning ever! Like walking on clouds and they last forever.” |
| Puma RS-X | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “The colors are amazing. Get compliments every time I wear them.” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Puma Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Casual Shoes | $50-$70 | $45-$65 | Everyday wear, school |
| Athletic Running Shoes | $80-$120 | $70-$110 | Sports, running |
| Limited Edition/Fashion | $100-$150 | $90-$140 | Style, collecting |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Come in different widths for all foot types | Usually cost a bit more money |
| Super comfortable cushioning feels like clouds | Not as many trendy designs |
| Great support for your feet | Can look chunky or “dad shoe” style |
| Very durable and last a long time | Fewer celebrity collaborations |
| Perfect for wide feet | Not as many bright color choices |
| Excellent for running and walking | Not as popular for soccer |
| Good arch support for flat feet | Can be heavier than some Puma shoes |
| Made with quality materials | Less fashionable to some kids |
Puma Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Cool, trendy designs | Usually only come in standard width |
| Often less expensive | Might feel tight for wide feet |
| Bright, bold color options | Sometimes less durable than New Balance |
| Lightweight and flexible | Less support for your arches |
| Popular with celebrities | Can wear out faster if used daily for sports |
| Great for soccer and fashion | Cushioning isn’t as plush |
| Sleek, modern look | May need to be broken in |
| Many special edition designs | May run small or narrow |
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 special sizes or widths (especially wide feet)
- You want the most comfortable cushioning for all-day wear
- You prefer a classic, versatile style
- You need extra support or stability for your feet
- You want shoes that will last as long as possible
Choose Puma if:
- You want bold, trendy styles that stand out
- You prefer lightweight, flexible shoes
- You like a more snug, secure fit
- You want shoes with a bouncy, energetic feel
- You’re looking for slightly lower prices
Both New Balance and Puma make great shoes that kids love. The main differences come down to fit, style, and the specific features that matter most to you. New Balance might be better for comfort and support, while Puma might win for style and lightweight design.
Remember, the best shoe is the one that fits YOUR feet and YOUR needs the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand lasts longer, New Balance or Puma?
Most kids find that New Balance shoes tend to last a bit longer, especially for everyday wear and sports. But how long shoes last really depends on how you use them and take care of them.
Are New Balance or Puma shoes better for sports?
Both brands make good sports shoes! New Balance might be better for running and all-day comfort, while Puma excels in soccer shoes and lightweight training shoes. Pick the brand that makes shoes specifically for your sport.
Which brand is more popular at school?
This changes all the time! Right now, both brands are popular with kids. New Balance has a cool “dad shoe” look that many kids like, while Puma partners with celebrities that make their shoes trendy.
How do I know what size to buy?
For both brands, use a soft brush to remove dirt, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Never put them in the washing machine or dryer!
Are these shoes good for kids with foot problems?
New Balance is often recommended by doctors for kids with foot issues because of their supportive designs and multiple width options. Puma can work well too, but they have fewer options for kids with special foot needs.
How do I clean my shoes?
For both brands, use a soft brush to remove dirt, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Never put them in the washing machine or dryer!
Which brand is more expensive?
On average, the prices are similar, but New Balance tends to be slightly more expensive than Puma for comparable models. Both brands have shoes at different price points, from budget-friendly to premium options.