Both brands make awesome shoes for running and walking, 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 is a very famous shoe company that’s been around for a long time. Topo is newer and not as well-known, but lots of runners really love their shoes. Both brands focus on making comfortable shoes that fit well, but they have different styles and features.
We’ll look at everything about these shoes – from how long they last to how they feel on your feet. By the end, you’ll know exactly which brand might be better for you!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Topo Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Topo
- 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 Topo Shoes
New Balance and Topo shoes lies in their design philosophy. New Balance offers more cushioning and stability options with a variety of width sizes, while Topo focuses on foot-shaped toe boxes and lower heel-to-toe drops for a more natural running experience. Both brands prioritize comfort for different running preferences.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Topo |
|---|---|---|
| Company Age | Established 1906 (very old) | Established 2013 (very new) |
| Toe Box | Medium to wide, depending on model | Wide toe box on all models |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Standard width only |
| Target Market | Everyone (runners, casual, kids, adults) | Primarily serious runners |
| Kids’ Sizes | Full range of kids’ sizes | No specific kids’ models |
| Design Philosophy | Balance of cushion and support | Natural foot movement and ground feel |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | Various options (0-12mm) | Generally lower drop (0-5mm) |
| Style Range | Huge variety (athletic, casual, fashion) | Limited, focused on running |
| Price Range | $50-$180 (wide range) | $110-$160 (higher average) |
| Brand Recognition | Very well-known globally | Lesser known, niche brand |
| Available Models | Hundreds of different models | About 15-20 models |
| Cushioning | Soft to firm options available | Primarily medium cushioning |
| Lifestyle Options | Many casual and fashion models | Very few non-running options |
| Store Availability | Found in most shoe stores | Limited availability, specialty stores |
| Product Focus | All types of footwear | Almost exclusively running shoes |
In Summary: New Balance and Topo shoes serve different purposes and customers. New Balance is a large, established company offering shoes for everyone in various widths, styles, and purposes from casual wear to serious athletics.
Topo is a newer, specialized company focusing almost exclusively on running shoes with a distinctive wide toe box and natural foot movement philosophy. New Balance has more options for kids, casual wear, and specific foot needs, while Topo excels in creating running-specific shoes with a natural feel and toe freedom.
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The History of New Balance and Topo
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’s feet feel better. 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 a huge company that makes all kinds of shoes for sports, walking, and everyday wear. They still focus on comfort and good fit, just like they did when they first started.
Topo History
Topo Athletic is much newer! It was started in 2013 by Tony Post – that’s where the name “Topo” comes from (the first two letters of his first and last name). Tony used to work for another shoe company called Vibram, which makes those funny-looking “toe shoes.”
When Tony started Topo, he wanted to make shoes that give your toes plenty of room to spread out naturally, but without the separate toe pockets that Vibram has. Topo shoes have a wider toe box (the front part where your toes go) but a snug fit in the heel and middle of the shoe.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are known for being really 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.
Topo Durability
Topo shoes are also built to be durable. Since they’re mainly running shoes, they need to handle lots of miles of running or walking. Topo uses strong rubber on high-wear areas of the sole to make them last longer.
Both brands make shoes that should last you a good while, especially if you take care of them. For normal everyday use by kids, either brand 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!
Topo Breathability
Topo also focuses on making breathable shoes. Almost all Topo shoes have mesh uppers (the top part of the shoe) that allow good airflow. This is especially important for running shoes since your feet can get really hot when running.
Both brands do a good job at making shoes that breathe well, especially their running models. If you have particularly sweaty feet, 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 super 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.
Topo Cushioning
Topo shoes usually have medium cushioning – not too soft and not too firm. They want you to be able to feel the ground a bit while still having enough padding to be comfortable. Topo uses different types of foam in their shoes, like “ZipFoam” which gives a good balance of cushion and bounce-back.
If you like shoes that feel super plush and soft, you might prefer New Balance. If you like shoes that let you feel the ground more while still being comfortable, Topo 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 medium to roomy toe box, depending on the model. The heel and midfoot are usually snug to keep your foot from sliding around.
Topo Fit
Topo has a very specific fit philosophy. All Topo shoes have a wider toe box, which means there’s more room for your toes to spread out naturally. At the same time, they keep the heel and midfoot snug so your foot doesn’t slide around inside the shoe.
Topo only offers standard width, but because of the wider toe box, many people with wider feet find them comfortable. If you have very narrow feet, though, you might find Topo shoes too wide in the toe area.
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 makes many different types of stability shoes for people who need different levels of support.
Some New Balance shoes have special features like firm foam on the inner side of the shoe or supportive elements that help keep your foot aligned properly. This is especially important for kids who might have flat feet or whose ankles tend to roll inward.
Topo Stability
Topo focuses more on natural foot movement. Their shoes generally have a lower “drop” (the difference in height between the heel and toe), which can help promote better running form. They do offer some stability models, but they focus more on letting your foot work naturally.
If you need a lot of stability and support, New Balance probably has more options for you. If you prefer a more natural feel with less interference, Topo might be better.
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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.
Topo Comfort
Topo shoes are designed to be comfortable too, but in a different way. The wide toe box allows your toes to spread out naturally, which many people find more comfortable, especially for long periods of standing or walking.
Some people need to get used to the feeling of a wider toe box if they haven’t worn shoes like that before. But once they do, many find it hard to go back to narrower shoes!
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.
Topo Quality
Even though Topo is a newer company, they also focus on making high-quality shoes. They use good materials and pay attention to how the shoes are constructed. Because they make fewer shoes than a big company like New Balance, they can focus more on each model.
Both brands offer good quality shoes that should hold up well with normal wear, though they’re designed with different philosophies in mind.
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. Their “dad shoe” style has become very trendy, with models like the 550 and 990 being especially popular.
Topo Style
Topo shoes have a more streamlined, modern look. They focus more on function than fashion, so the designs tend to be simpler and more practical. Topo offers some fun colors, but their shoes generally look like serious running shoes rather than fashion statements.
If style and looking cool are really important to you, New Balance probably offers more options that are currently trendy. If you care more about function and don’t mind a simpler look, Topo shoes work well.
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.
Topo Size Range
Topo mainly makes shoes for adults, though some of their smaller sizes might work for older kids with bigger feet. They don’t make specific kids’ models or very small sizes.
If you’re a younger kid with smaller feet, you’ll probably need to stick 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 of the smaller adult Topo sizes.
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.
Topo Materials
Topo also uses high-quality materials:
- Engineered mesh for the upper parts
- Light, strong synthetic materials for support
- Various types of foam for cushioning
- Rubber compounds for the outsoles
Topo focuses on keeping their shoes lightweight while still being durable, so they carefully select materials that help with this goal.
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.
Topo Weight
Topo really focuses on making lightweight shoes. Since they mainly make running shoes, keeping the weight down is important. Most Topo shoes are quite light compared to similar shoes from other brands.
If having very lightweight shoes is important to you, Topo might have an advantage here, especially in their running models.
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.
Topo Flexibility
Topo designs their shoes to be very flexible, especially in the forefoot (the front part). This allows your foot to move naturally when running or walking. Their shoes often have flex grooves cut into the sole to help with this.
Both brands provide good flexibility, though Topo shoes might be slightly more flexible on average since they focus more on natural foot movement.
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, especially for hiking and outdoor activities.
Topo Water Resistance
Most regular Topo shoes aren’t waterproof either, but they do offer some models designed for trail running that have water-resistant uppers. These shoes help keep your feet drier in wet conditions.
Topo also makes a few waterproof models using special membranes that block water while still letting your feet breathe. These are great for rainy days or running on wet trails.
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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.
Topo Soles
Topo puts a lot of thought into their soles. They use rubber compounds that provide good grip on various surfaces. For their trail running shoes, they use deeper lugs (the bumpy parts on the bottom) for better traction on dirt, mud, and rocks.
Topo soles tend to have a more consistent design across their different models, focusing on natural foot movement and good ground feel while still providing protection.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style | User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 880 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Super comfortable for all-day wear. My feet never hurt even after walking all day at school.” |
| Topo Phantom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “The wide toe box feels amazing! It took a day to get used to, but now my toes feel free!” |
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These look so cool with everything I wear. Pretty comfortable too.” |
| Topo Ultrafly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Best running shoes ever! Super comfortable for long distances and they last forever.” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Topo Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Kids Models | $50-$70 | N/A (No kids models) | Everyday wear, school |
| Running Shoes | $80-$130 | $110-$150 | Running, sports |
| Trail Running | $90-$140 | $120-$160 | Outdoor, trails |
| Casual/Lifestyle | $70-$110 | Limited options | Fashion, everyday |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Come in kids’ sizes for all ages | Some models can be expensive |
| Available in different widths for all foot types | So many choices it can be confusing |
| Easy to find in most shoe stores | Some styles look chunky or “dad shoe” style |
| Lots of cool colors and styles | Not all models have a wide toe box |
| Some models are made in the USA | Heavier than some Topo models |
| Great for school and everyday wear | Some kids might not like the “N” logo |
| Many options for different sports | Quality can vary between models |
| Well-known brand that most people recognize | Not as specialized for serious running |
Topo Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Extra room for your toes to spread out | Don’t make shoes specifically for kids |
| Lightweight and comfortable for running | Hard to find in regular shoe stores |
| Very good quality materials | Usually more expensive |
| Good for natural foot movement | Limited style and color options |
| Great for trail running and outdoors | Not many casual or fashion choices |
| Consistent fit across different models | Only come in standard width |
| Designed by runners for runners | Not as good for other sports besides running |
| Less bulky looking than some New Balance | Most people haven’t heard of the brand |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe brand is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose New Balance if:
- You’re a younger kid or have small feet
- You need shoes in specific widths (narrow, wide, extra wide)
- You want lots of style and color options
- You prefer softer, more cushioned shoes
- You want shoes that are currently trendy and fashionable
- You need shoes for casual wear as well as sports
Choose Topo if:
- You’re an older kid with adult-sized feet
- You want a wider toe box for your toes to spread out
- You prefer a more natural running feel
- You like lightweight shoes that let you feel the ground more
- You don’t mind a simpler, more functional style
- You’re primarily looking for running shoes
Both New Balance and Topo make great shoes, but they serve different purposes and different customers. New Balance offers more variety and caters to kids of all ages, while Topo is more specialized for serious runners and people who want a more natural foot position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids wear Topo shoes?
Older kids with bigger feet (usually around age 12-13 and up) might be able to wear the smallest adult sizes of Topo shoes. Younger kids will need to stick with New Balance since Topo doesn’t make specific kids’ models.
Which brand is better for running?
Both brands make good running shoes! Topo focuses almost exclusively on running shoes, so that’s their specialty. New Balance makes great running shoes too, but they also make many other types of shoes. If you’re serious about running, both brands have excellent options.
Are New Balance or Topo shoes better for gym class?
New Balance probably offers more options that are good for general gym class activities. They have shoes designed for various sports and activities. Topo shoes would work fine for running activities in gym, but might not be as versatile for other sports.
Why does Topo make shoes with a wide toe box?
Topo believes that allowing your toes to spread out naturally is healthier for your feet. When your toes have room to splay (spread out), it can help with balance and proper foot function. It can also prevent problems like blisters between toes or black toenails from shoes that are too tight in the toe area.
How do I know what size to buy?
For New Balance, most people find they run true to size or slightly large. For Topo, they usually run true to size in length, but remember they’re wider in the toe area. When in doubt, it’s always best to try shoes on before buying them, or make sure you can return them if they don’t fit right.