Both are super popular brands that lots of kids wear, but they’re actually pretty different from each other. I’m going to help you understand what makes each brand special so you can figure out which one is best for you!
New Balance and Vans are both famous shoe companies, but they were created for different reasons. New Balance started out making shoes for running and sports, while Vans began as skateboarding shoes. Because of this, they have different features that might make one better for you depending on what you like to do.
We’ll look at everything from how comfortable they are to how they look. By the end, you’ll know exactly which brand fits your needs better!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Vans Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Vans
- 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 Vans Shoes
New Balance and Vans shoes lies in their intended purposes. New Balance specializes in athletic footwear with advanced cushioning and support for runners and athletes, while Vans originated as skateboarding shoes with flat soles and canvas uppers that became iconic in casual streetwear. Both brands maintain loyal customer bases for their distinctive styles.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Vans |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Origin | Athletic company founded in 1906 | Skateboarding company founded in 1966 |
| Primary Purpose | Running and athletic performance | Skateboarding and casual style |
| Cushioning | Plush, thick cushioning with specialized foam | Minimal cushioning with flat profile |
| Width Options | Multiple widths (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Standard width only |
| Sole Design | Contoured with arch support and flex grooves | Flat waffle pattern for board grip |
| Upper Material | Mesh, synthetic materials, suede | Primarily canvas and suede |
| Breathability | Excellent with mesh panels | Moderate with canvas material |
| Best For | Sports, running, all-day comfort | Skateboarding, casual style, fashion |
| Price Range | $50-$130, higher on average | $40-$85, lower on average |
| Arch Support | Strong arch support in most models | Minimal to no arch support |
| Water Resistance | Some models offer water resistance | Most models not water resistant |
| Weight | Medium to lightweight | Lightweight |
| Break-in Period | Minimal to none | Usually requires breaking in |
| Color/Design Options | Athletic color schemes | Vast array of colors, patterns, collaborations |
| Cultural Association | Athletic/running culture | Skateboarding/street culture |
In Summary: New Balance and Vans serve completely different purposes despite both being popular shoe brands. New Balance focuses on athletic performance with cushioned soles, arch support, and multiple width options, making them ideal for sports and all-day comfort.
Vans prioritizes style and skateboarding functionality with flat, grippy soles and canvas uppers that come in countless designs but offer less support. New Balance is better for active kids who need comfort and support, while Vans appeals to style-conscious kids and skateboarders.
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The History of New Balance and Vans
New Balance History
New Balance was 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!
Vans History
Vans has a cool history too! It was started in 1966 in California by Paul Van Doren. On their very first day of business, they sold 12 pairs of shoes! Vans became super popular with skateboarders in the 1970s because the shoes had grippy rubber soles that worked great for skateboarding.
Today, Vans are popular with all kinds of people, not just skateboarders. Their classic styles like the “Old Skool” and “Slip-On” are worn by kids, teens, and adults all over the world.
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.
If you’re the kind of person who is hard on your shoes – maybe you play sports a lot or just wear your shoes every single day – New Balance might be a good choice. They’re designed to handle daily use and still look good months later.
Vans Durability
Vans are pretty durable too, but in a different way. Since they were made for skateboarding, the shoes are designed to handle the rough treatment that skateboards can give them. The canvas material they often use is strong, and the rubber soles are thick and tough.
However, Vans might show signs of wear a bit sooner than New Balance, especially if you’re using them for sports other than skateboarding. The canvas can get dirty more easily, and the flat soles might wear down faster with running.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants sweaty, stinky 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 your feet from getting too hot.
Vans Breathability
Vans shoes are usually made with canvas, which is a fabric that allows some air to pass through. This means Vans do let your feet breathe, but not as much as the mesh material that New Balance uses.
If you live somewhere very hot or your feet sweat a lot, New Balance might keep your feet cooler. But for normal everyday wear, Vans provide enough breathability for most kids.
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.
Vans Cushioning
Vans shoes have a different approach to cushioning. They typically have thinner, flatter soles that give you a better “board feel” when skateboarding. This means you can feel the ground beneath your feet more, which skaters like because it helps them control their boards better.
However, this means Vans generally don’t have as much cushioning as New Balance. If you’ll be doing a lot of running or jumping, or if you need extra comfort for all-day wear, New Balance might feel better to you.
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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 roomier toe box, which means there’s more space for your toes to spread out naturally. This can make them more comfortable for growing feet or if your feet are a bit wider.
Vans Fit
Vans shoes usually come in standard widths only. They tend to be true to size, which means if you know your regular shoe size, that same size in Vans will probably fit you well. Vans are known for having a consistent fit across their different styles.
Vans are generally wider in the toe area and narrower in the heel, which works well for many people. However, if you have especially narrow or wide feet, you might find that New Balance offers better 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.
Vans Stability
Vans shoes have a different kind of stability. They have flat, wide soles that give you a steady base when standing or walking. This is great for skateboarding because it helps you balance on the board.
However, Vans don’t offer the same kind of arch support or structured stability that New Balance does. If you need extra support for your feet, especially for sports, New Balance might be a better choice.
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.
Vans Comfort
Vans shoes have a different kind of comfort. They often need a short “break-in period” before they feel their best. Once broken in, many people find Vans very comfortable for everyday wear, but maybe not for running or sports.
The classic Vans styles have a simple design without a lot of extra padding. This can be good if you like a more streamlined feel, but might not be as comfortable if you need extra support or cushioning.
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.
Vans Quality
Vans also makes quality shoes that are built to last. They’ve been perfecting their classic designs for over 50 years! The stitching on Vans is usually very strong, and the rubber soles are attached securely to the upper part of the shoe.
Both brands offer good quality shoes that should hold up well with normal wear, though they’re designed for different purposes.
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.
Vans Style
Vans has a very distinct style that’s been cool for decades! Their classic designs like the Slip-On, Old Skool, and Sk8-Hi are instantly recognizable. Vans come in tons of colors and patterns – from simple black and white to checkerboard, flowers, flames, and even custom designs.
Vans have a strong connection to skateboarding, surfing, art, and music cultures, which makes them popular with kids who are into these things. They’re easy to match with jeans, shorts, skirts, and almost any casual outfit.
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.
Vans Size Range
Vans offers a good range of sizes too, including kids’ sizes. They even make shoes for toddlers! However, they don’t offer different width options like New Balance does.
One thing to know about Vans is that some styles may fit differently than others. For example, their Slip-Ons sometimes fit a bit differently than their lace-up styles. It’s always a good idea to try them on if possible.
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.
Vans Materials
Vans primarily uses these materials:
- Canvas for the upper part of most shoes
- Suede for some styles, especially skate shoes
- Rubber for the soles
- Leather for some premium models
- Special materials for limited edition shoes
The canvas that Vans uses is durable but can get dirty more easily than some other materials. The good news is that many Vans shoes can be cleaned in the washing machine (on gentle cycle) if they get really dirty!
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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.
Vans Weight
Vans shoes are generally lightweight, especially the canvas styles. The rubber soles add some weight, but overall, Vans won’t feel heavy on your feet.
Both brands offer lightweight options, though the lightest New Balance running shoes might be lighter than Vans.
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.
Vans Flexibility
Vans shoes have good flexibility once they’re broken in. The canvas material is naturally flexible, and the rubber soles will become more flexible over time.
Brand new Vans might feel a bit stiff at first, but after wearing them for a few days, they’ll start to bend more easily with your foot.
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.
Vans Water Resistance
Vans canvas shoes are not water-resistant at all. In fact, canvas soaks up water quickly, which means your feet will get wet if you wear Vans in the rain or step in puddles.
Vans does make some water-resistant models, usually with special coatings or materials, but their standard canvas shoes will not keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
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.
Vans Soles
Vans are famous for their waffle-pattern rubber soles! This special pattern was designed to give skateboarders better grip on their boards. The rubber is thick and durable, and the waffle pattern helps you grip the ground.
Vans soles are flat, which is good for skateboarding and casual walking but not ideal for running or other sports. The rubber compound they use is specially formulated to be sticky, which gives excellent traction on most surfaces.
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.” |
| Vans Old Skool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These look so cool with everything I wear! Took a few days to break in but now they’re comfortable.” |
| New Balance Fresh Foam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Best cushioning ever! Like walking on clouds, perfect for PE class and playing sports.” |
| Vans Slip-On | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “So easy to put on and they go with everything. Everyone at my school has them!” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Vans Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Kids Models | $50-$70 | $40-$60 | Everyday wear, school |
| Athletic/Sports Models | $70-$100 | $55-$75 | Sports, activities |
| Premium/Special Editions | $100-$130 | $65-$85 | Style, collecting |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Super comfortable cushioning for your feet | Usually cost more money than Vans |
| Come in different widths for all foot types | Not as many cool designs and patterns |
| Great for running and sports | Not as popular for style and fashion |
| Excellent support for your arches | Can look bulkier on your feet |
| Don’t need to be broken in | Not great for skateboarding |
| Good for PE class and recess | Less cool factor with some friend groups |
| Help prevent foot pain | Not as many color choices |
| Keep feet drier in wet weather | Not as easy to match with different outfits |
Vans Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Very stylish and look cool with everything | Not good for running or sports |
| Come in tons of awesome designs and colors | Don’t have much cushioning |
| Perfect for skateboarding | Get wet easily in rain and puddles |
| Usually cost less than New Balance | Don’t come in different widths |
| Almost everyone thinks they look cool | Can hurt your feet if you stand all day |
| Easy to slip on and off (slip-on styles) | Need time to break in when new |
| Match with almost any outfit | Don’t have arch support |
| Popular with kids at most schools | Can wear out quickly if used for sports |
Remember, the best shoes for you depend on what you’ll be doing in them! If you play sports and run a lot, New Balance might be better. If you care more about looking cool or skateboarding, Vans might be the way to go. Some kids even have both kinds for different activities!
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 running, sports, or PE class
- You want more cushioning and support
- You have wide or narrow feet and need different width options
- Comfort is your top priority
- You’ll be wearing them for long periods of walking or standing
- You need shoes that don’t need to be broken in
Choose Vans if:
- Style and looking cool is really important to you
- You skateboard or like skateboard culture
- You want shoes that go with lots of different outfits
- You prefer a simple, classic design
- You like choosing from tons of colors and patterns
- You want shoes that most kids will think are cool
Both New Balance and Vans make great shoes that kids love. The main differences come down to what you’ll be using them for and what features matter most to you. New Balance is better for sports and all-day comfort, while Vans win for style and skateboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand lasts longer, New Balance or Vans?
For most everyday activities, New Balance might last a bit longer because they’re built for sports. But for skateboarding specifically, Vans are designed to handle that kind of wear and tear. How you use your shoes matters more than the brand!
Are New Balance or Vans shoes better for school?
Both work great for school! If you do a lot in PE class or have to walk a long way to school, New Balance might be more comfortable. If style is more important to you, Vans are very popular and go with almost any outfit.
Can I run in Vans?
You can, but they’re not designed for running. Vans have flat soles without much cushioning or support, which isn’t ideal for running. New Balance makes much better running shoes with proper cushioning and support.
How do I clean my Vans or New Balance shoes?
For Vans canvas shoes, you can usually put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle (without the laces) and let them air dry. For New Balance, it’s better to clean them with a soft brush and mild soap, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Why do skateboarders like Vans?
Skateboarders like Vans because the rubber sole gives good grip on the skateboard, the flat bottom helps with balance, and the shoes are flexible enough to feel the board but tough enough to handle skating. Plus, Vans has supported skateboarding culture for decades!
Will my feet get wet if I wear Vans in the rain?
Yes, regular canvas Vans will get wet in the rain, and your feet will probably get wet too. If you need shoes for rainy days, look for New Balance shoes that mention water resistance, or check out Vans’ special weather-resistant models.
Which is more popular with kids my age?
Both brands are popular! Vans might have a slight edge with kids who care a lot about style and fitting in with certain groups. New Balance has become more fashionable in recent years too. The best thing is to wear what YOU like and what feels good on your feet!