Both brands make really popular shoes that lots of kids love, but they have some important differences. I’m going to help you understand what makes each brand special so you can pick the perfect pair for your feet!
New Balance and Skechers are famous shoe companies that make all kinds of shoes for sports, school, and just hanging out with friends. They both make comfortable shoes, but they have different styles, fits, and features that might make one better for you than the other.
We’ll look at everything from how durable they are to how they look. By the end, you’ll know exactly which brand fits your needs better!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Skechers Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Skechers
- 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 Skechers Shoes
New Balance and Skechers lies in their design philosophy. New Balance focuses on performance-oriented running shoes with technical features and stability, while Skechers emphasizes casual comfort and trendy styles. New Balance tends to offer better support for serious athletes, whereas Skechers provides affordable, lightweight options for everyday wear.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Skechers |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Origin | American athletic brand founded 1906 | American lifestyle brand founded 1992 |
| Width Options | Multiple widths (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Mostly standard width, some wide options |
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam, ENCAP (firmer, more supportive) | Memory Foam, ULTRA GO (softer, more plush) |
| Weight | Medium to lightweight | Very lightweight |
| Price Range | $50-$150 (generally higher) | $40-$100 (generally lower) |
| Primary Focus | Athletic performance, support | Comfort, style, lightweight feel |
| Durability | Excellent, built to last | Good, but varies by model |
| Style | Athletic, retro, classic designs | Trendy, diverse styles, sometimes flashy |
| Support | Strong arch and ankle support | Moderate support, focus on cushioning |
| Target Audience | Athletes, runners, those needing support | Casual wearers, comfort seekers, fashion-conscious |
| Design Philosophy | Function first, stability important | Comfort first, lightweight design |
| Made in USA | Some models made in USA | No models made in USA |
| Light-up Features | None | Many kids’ models have lights |
| Break-in Period | Minimal | Very minimal |
| Heritage | Running and athletic heritage | Fashion and lifestyle heritage |
In Summary: New Balance and Skechers serve different needs in the shoe market. New Balance focuses on athletic performance, support, and durability with multiple width options and a more substantial build.
Skechers prioritizes extreme comfort, lightweight design, and style variety with their memory foam cushioning and trendy looks. New Balance typically costs more but offers better support and durability, while Skechers provides immediate comfort, lower prices, and more fashion-forward designs.
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The History of New Balance and Skechers
New Balance History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. A man named William J. Riley began making special arch supports to help people with feet problems. 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 good for sports. They still make some of their shoes in the United States, which is pretty special!
Skechers History
Skechers is much newer than New Balance. It was started in 1992 in California by Robert Greenberg. At first, Skechers made mainly casual and trendy shoes. Over time, they expanded to make all kinds of shoes, including ones for sports, walking, and kids.
Skechers has become super popular because they make shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. They’re known for using memory foam in their shoes and for making lightweight designs.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to be tough! They use strong materials and solid construction that helps their shoes last a long time. The stitching is usually very secure, and the soles are made to handle lots of activity without wearing down quickly.
Many kids who wear New Balance find that their shoes still look good even after months of playing sports, running around at recess, and everyday walking. The company tests their shoes a lot to make sure they won’t fall apart easily.
Skechers Durability
Skechers shoes can be durable too, but it really depends on which model you choose. Their sporty lines like Skechers Sport and GOrun tend to be more durable than their fashion-focused shoes. The mesh material used in many Skechers shoes is strong but might show wear sooner than the materials used in New Balance shoes.
If you’re really tough on your shoes, New Balance might last a bit longer. But for normal everyday use, both brands should hold up well through the school year.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants hot, sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and makes many of 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!
Skechers Breathability
Skechers also makes shoes with good breathability, especially their athletic lines. They use lots of mesh in their uppers (the top part of the shoe) to keep air flowing. Some Skechers shoes even have special cooling features or extra ventilation holes.
Both brands do a good job at making shoes that let your feet breathe. If you have particularly sweaty feet or live somewhere very hot, look for models with lots of mesh from either brand.
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 shoes is especially good for kids who play sports or have to stand a lot during the day. It helps prevent tired, achy feet.
Skechers Cushioning
Skechers is probably even more famous for their cushioning! Many Skechers shoes use memory foam insoles called “Memory Foam” or “Air-Cooled Memory Foam” that mold to the shape of your foot. This can feel super comfortable, like walking on a soft pillow!
Skechers also has a special cushioning technology called “ULTRA GO” or “GOga Mat” in some shoes that gives them a soft, bouncy feel. If cushioning is the most important thing to you, Skechers might have an edge here.
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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 space for your toes to spread out naturally. This can make them more comfortable for growing feet.
Skechers Fit
Skechers mostly makes shoes in standard widths, though they do offer some models in wide widths. Many Skechers shoes have a stretchy upper material that can accommodate slightly wider feet even in their standard width.
Because of the memory foam insoles, Skechers often mold to your feet over time, which can give you a more custom fit. However, if you have very wide or very narrow feet, New Balance probably offers more options for you.
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.
Many New Balance shoes 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.
Skechers Stability
Skechers shoes vary in how much stability they provide. Their casual and fashion shoes often focus more on cushioning than stability. However, their athletic lines do provide decent stability for activities like walking and running.
If you need a lot of ankle support or have flat feet that require extra stability, New Balance might be a better choice. If you have normal feet and don’t need special support, Skechers should work fine for you.
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. The multiple width options also help make sure you get a comfortable fit.
Skechers Comfort
Skechers is known for making super comfortable shoes! Their memory foam insoles conform to your feet, which can feel amazing, especially if you’re standing or walking all day. Many Skechers shoes also have soft fabric linings and padded collars for extra comfort.
One thing to note about Skechers: sometimes their memory foam can take a short time to “break in” before it fully molds to your feet. But once that happens, many people find them incredibly comfortable.
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.
Skechers Quality
Skechers also makes quality shoes, though the quality can vary somewhat across their different product lines. Their performance shoes tend to be made with higher quality materials than some of their less expensive casual shoes.
Both brands make good quality shoes, but New Balance might be slightly more consistent in their quality across all their models.
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.
Skechers Style
Skechers offers a huge variety of styles! They make everything from sparkly light-up shoes for younger kids to cool sporty styles and trendy fashion sneakers. Skechers often incorporates fun colors, patterns, and sometimes even lights or characters from movies and shows.
If you want shoes that really stand out or show your personal style, Skechers might have more fun options. They tend to follow fashion trends more closely than New Balance does.
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.
Skechers Size Range
Skechers also offers a great range of sizes for kids of all ages. They make shoes for toddlers, little kids, and big kids. Some of their styles also come in wide widths, though not as many as New Balance offers.
Both brands should have plenty of size options for kids aged 12-13, but if you need special widths, New Balance offers more choices.
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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.
Skechers Materials
Skechers also uses different materials:
- Stretchy knit fabrics for comfort
- Mesh for breathability
- Memory foam for cushioning
- Lightweight synthetic materials
- Rubber and foam for outsoles
Skechers tends to use more lightweight and flexible materials overall, which helps make their shoes comfortable right out of the box.
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.
Skechers Weight
Skechers is known for making very lightweight shoes! This is one of their big selling points. Many Skechers shoes use special lightweight materials and foam that make them feel super light on your feet.
If having very lightweight shoes is important to you, Skechers might have an advantage here, especially with their GOrun and GOWalk lines.
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.
Skechers Flexibility
Skechers shoes are generally very flexible! This is another thing they’re known for. Many Skechers shoes can bend and twist easily, which helps your foot move naturally when walking or running.
The flexible nature of Skechers shoes means they often feel comfortable right away without needing to be broken in. If you want shoes that move easily with your feet, Skechers might be a good choice.
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.
Skechers Water Resistance
Like New Balance, most regular Skechers shoes aren’t waterproof. However, Skechers does make some waterproof models in their work shoe line and some of their outdoor shoes.
If you need shoes that can handle wet conditions, look for specific waterproof models from either brand. For normal everyday use in dry conditions, both brands will work fine.
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.
Skechers Soles
Skechers often uses a combination of rubber and foam in their soles. This helps make the shoes lightweight while still providing good traction. Their GOrun line has special designed soles for running, while their casual shoes have more general-purpose soles.
Skechers soles tend to be very flexible and cushioned, which adds to the comfort of their shoes. The trade-off is that some Skechers soles might not last quite as long as the tougher rubber soles on New Balance shoes.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style | User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “These shoes are super tough! I’ve had mine all school year and they still look good.” |
| Skechers GOrun | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Most comfortable shoes ever! Like walking on clouds. They did wear down a bit after a few months though.” |
| New Balance 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Great support for PE class and sports. My feet never hurt even after running all day.” |
| Skechers D’Lites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Love these shoes! They look cool and the memory foam feels amazing when I’m standing all day at school.” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Skechers Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Kids Models | $50-$70 | $40-$60 | Everyday wear, school |
| Athletic/Sports Models | $70-$100 | $50-$80 | Sports, running, PE class |
| Fashion/Trendy Models | $80-$110 | $50-$90 | Style, looking cool |
| Premium Models | $100-$150 | $70-$100 | Extra features, durability |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Come in lots of different widths for all foot types | Usually cost more money than Skechers |
| Very durable and last a long time | Not as many fun designs or light-up options |
| Great support for sports and PE class | Can feel heavier on your feet |
| Some are made in the USA | Take longer to break in and feel comfy |
| Excellent for wide feet | Not as soft-feeling right away |
| Good for people with foot problems | Fewer color and style choices |
| Better ankle support | Not as cushiony feeling |
| Trendy “dad shoe” look that’s popular now | Some styles look too plain or boring |
Skechers Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Super comfortable memory foam feels amazing | Don’t last as long as New Balance |
| Usually cost less money | Don’t come in as many width options |
| Very lightweight on your feet | Less support for sports and running |
| Lots of cool designs and color choices | Can wear out quickly if used for sports |
| Some have fun features like lights | Not as good for wide feet |
| Feel comfortable as soon as you put them on | Memory foam can flatten over time |
| Flexible and easy to move in | Not as much ankle support |
| Many styles to match your personality | Not as good for serious athletes |
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 serious sports or running
- You have very wide or narrow feet
- You need extra support or stability
- You want shoes that will last as long as possible
- You like a classic, athletic style
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for durability
Choose Skechers if:
- Comfort is your absolute top priority
- You want super lightweight shoes
- You prefer shoes with memory foam
- You’re looking for fun styles, colors, or light-up features
- You want to spend a bit less
- You like shoes that are flexible and feel good right away
Both New Balance and Skechers make great shoes that kids love. The main differences come down to what’s most important to you. New Balance might be better for sports and support, while Skechers might win for comfort and style variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand lasts longer, New Balance or Skechers?
In general, New Balance shoes tend to last a bit longer, especially if you’re using them for sports or are tough on your shoes. But how long shoes last really depends on how you use them and take care of them.
Are New Balance or Skechers shoes better for PE class?
Both can work well for PE! New Balance might provide better support for running and sports, while Skechers might be more comfortable and lightweight. For general PE activities, either brand should work fine.
Which brand is more popular with kids my age?
Both brands are popular with kids! Skechers might be more popular with kids who care about comfort and fun designs. New Balance has become trendier recently with their retro styles. Wear what YOU like and what feels good on your feet!
How do I know what size to buy?
Try to measure your foot or try the shoes on in a store first. Both brands tend to run true to size, but everyone’s feet are different. When in doubt, read the reviews for that specific shoe model.
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. Skechers can work well too, especially if cushioning would help the foot problem.
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, New Balance tends to be a bit more expensive than Skechers for comparable models. However, both brands have shoes at different price points, from more affordable options to premium models