Both brands make awesome shoes, but they have some important differences that might make one better for you than the other. 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 company that makes all kinds of athletic shoes. Yeezys are designer sneakers created by Kanye West (now known as Ye) and made by Adidas. Both are popular shoes but for very different reasons. Let’s explore everything about these two shoe types – from how they’re made to how they look – so you can decide which one is right for you!
Contents
- 1 Between New Balance vs Yeezy Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Yeezy
- 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 Pricing
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
Between New Balance vs Yeezy Shoes
New Balance and Yeezy shoes is their design philosophy. New Balance focuses on comfort and athletic performance with classic styling, while Yeezy prioritizes bold fashion statements with unique silhouettes created by Kanye West. Both offer quality footwear but appeal to different consumer preferences and lifestyles.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Yeezy |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Type | Athletic shoe company (since 1906) | Designer fashion line by Kanye West/Ye (since 2015) |
| Price Range | $60-$200 | $220-$1000+ (retail to resale) |
| Availability | Widely available in most stores | Limited releases, often sell out quickly |
| Primary Purpose | Athletic performance and everyday wear | Fashion statement and style |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Standard width only |
| Cushioning | Various technologies (Fresh Foam, ENCAP) | Primarily Adidas Boost technology |
| Design Aesthetic | Classic athletic, sometimes “dad shoe” style | Futuristic, unique, fashion-forward |
| Material | Mesh, suede, synthetic combinations | Primarily Primeknit, premium materials |
| Target Market | Athletes, everyday wearers, comfort-seekers | Fashion enthusiasts, sneakerheads, collectors |
| Cultural Status | Practical, increasingly fashion-relevant | High-fashion status symbol |
| Buying Experience | Simple retail purchase | Often requires raffles, waitlists, or resale market |
| Size Consistency | Generally true to size | Often runs small, sizing advice varies by model |
| Durability for Sports | Excellent | Limited, not designed for athletic performance |
| Water Resistance | Some models offer decent resistance | Poor, especially knit models |
| Color Palette | Wide variety, bright and neutral options | Primarily earth tones, muted colors |
| Celebrity Association | Some athlete endorsements | Created by celebrity, worn by many celebrities |
In summary: New Balance and Yeezy shoes represent completely different approaches to footwear. New Balance focuses on practical athletic performance, comfort, and durability with multiple width options at accessible prices.
Yeezys are high-fashion designer shoes created by Kanye West with unique styling, premium materials, and limited availability at much higher prices. New Balance shoes are built for everyday wear and athletic activities, while Yeezys are statement pieces designed primarily for style and status rather than performance.
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The History of New Balance and Yeezy
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 foot problems. Later, the company 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 makes all kinds of shoes for running, walking, basketball, and just everyday wear. They’re popular for being comfortable and long-lasting, and some of their shoes are even made in the United States.
Yeezy History
Yeezys have a much shorter but very exciting history! They were created by famous rapper and designer Kanye West. The first Yeezys were actually made with Nike in 2009, but in 2013, Kanye partnered with Adidas instead. The first Adidas Yeezy shoes (the Yeezy Boost 750) came out in 2015.
Yeezys quickly became super popular and hard to get. People would line up for hours or enter online raffles just for a chance to buy them! They’re known for their unique designs and limited availability, which makes them very special in the sneaker world.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are built to last! They use strong materials and solid construction techniques that help their shoes handle lots of wear and tear. The stitching is usually very secure, and the soles are made to withstand daily use 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. New Balance tests their shoes thoroughly to make sure they’re durable.
Yeezy Durability
Yeezys are generally well-made shoes, but durability isn’t their main focus. They’re designed more for style than heavy-duty use. The knit upper material (called Primeknit) on many Yeezy models can stretch out over time or show dirt more easily than the materials used in some New Balance shoes.
The soles of Yeezys, especially the Boost material, are quite durable and keep their cushioning for a long time. However, if you’re looking for shoes to wear every day for sports and rough play, New Balance might last longer overall.
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 sweaty.
Yeezy Breathability
Most Yeezy shoes use a knit material called Primeknit for the upper part. This material is actually quite breathable despite looking solid. The knit pattern has tiny spaces between the threads that allow air to pass through.
Some Yeezy models have better airflow than others. For example, the Yeezy 350s have decent breathability, while models with more solid materials might keep your feet warmer. Overall, both brands offer good breathability, though New Balance might have an edge for very hot weather or sports activities.
Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance uses different cushioning technologies in their shoes. Some popular ones include “Fresh Foam” and “ENCAP,” which provide soft, bouncy feelings under your feet. The amount of cushioning varies depending on which New Balance model you choose.
New Balance designs their cushioning to provide both comfort and support. Their shoes often have good shock absorption, which helps protect your feet and legs when walking or running on hard surfaces.
Yeezy Cushioning
Yeezys are famous for their amazing cushioning! Most Yeezy shoes use Adidas “Boost” technology, which is made up of thousands of tiny foam pellets squished together. This creates a super bouncy, energetic feeling when you walk or run.
The Boost cushioning in Yeezys is one of their best features. It’s very responsive, meaning it gives you back some energy with each step. Many people say walking in Yeezys feels like walking on clouds! If maximum cushioning is important to you, Yeezys might have an advantage here.
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 fit true to size, which means if you know your regular shoe size, that same size in New Balance will probably fit you well. They usually have a roomier toe box, which gives your toes space to spread out naturally.
Yeezy Fit
Yeezys have a more complicated fit that can vary between different models. Many Yeezys run small, so people often need to go up half a size or even a full size. For example, most people buy Yeezy 350s a half size larger than their normal shoe size.
Yeezys come in standard width only, which can be a problem if you have wide feet. The Primeknit material does stretch a bit to conform to your foot shape, but if you have very wide feet, Yeezys might feel too tight. New Balance definitely offers more options for different foot widths.
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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.
Yeezy Stability
Yeezys offer decent stability, but it’s not their main focus. The Boost cushioning, while super comfortable, can sometimes feel a bit soft or unstable if you’re doing quick side-to-side movements.
Different Yeezy models offer different levels of stability. For example, the Yeezy 700s tend to be more stable than the softer, more flexible Yeezy 350s. If stability is really important to you, especially for sports, New Balance would likely be the 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.
Yeezy Comfort
Yeezys are generally very comfortable shoes, especially because of their amazing Boost cushioning. The Primeknit upper molds to your foot shape over time, creating a custom-like fit.
However, some people find that Yeezys need a short break-in period before they feel their best. The fit can also be an issue if you don’t get the right size or if you have wider feet. Once you find the right size, though, Yeezys can be extremely comfortable for casual wear.
Both brands offer excellent comfort, just in different ways. New Balance provides more structured comfort with support, while Yeezys offer more of a soft, cushioned comfort experience.
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.
Yeezy Quality
Yeezys are premium shoes with generally good quality. The materials are high-end, and the construction is carefully done. However, because they’re produced in limited quantities and sometimes rushed to market, some people have reported quality issues with certain pairs.
The quality can also vary between different Yeezy models. Some models are more consistently well-made than others. Overall, though, the quality of most Yeezys is good, especially considering their fashion-forward design.
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 trendy, with models like the 550 and 990 being especially popular with both kids and adults.
Yeezy Style
Yeezys are all about unique, futuristic style! They have very distinctive designs that look unlike most other sneakers. Kanye West wanted to create shoes that would stand out and make a fashion statement, and he definitely succeeded!
Yeezys come in interesting colorways (color combinations) that often use earth tones like tan, gray, and olive green. The designs can be polarizing – some people absolutely love them, while others think they look weird. But there’s no denying that Yeezys have changed sneaker fashion and created their own unique style category.
If standing out and having the most fashionable shoes is important to you, Yeezys definitely have an edge in the style department.
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.
Yeezy Size Range
Yeezys have a more limited size range. Most models are only available in adult sizes, though some come in kids’ sizes too. They don’t offer half sizes in all models, and as mentioned before, they only come in standard width.
Finding Yeezys in your size can be challenging not just because of the limited size range, but also because they sell out so quickly. If you need a specific size, especially if it’s unusual, New Balance would give you many more options.
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.
Yeezy Materials
Yeezys use premium, sometimes unexpected materials:
- Primeknit (a special knit fabric) for most uppers
- Boost foam for cushioning
- Continental rubber for outsoles
- Suede accents on some models
- Reflective materials for special editions
The materials used in Yeezys are chosen not just for performance but also for their unique look and feel. They’re generally high-quality materials, though they might not always be the most practical for everyday use.
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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.
Yeezy Weight
Yeezys vary in weight depending on the model. Some, like the Yeezy 350s, are quite lightweight despite their chunky appearance. Others, like the Yeezy 700s, are heavier and more substantial.
The Boost cushioning adds some weight but also provides that special comfortable feeling. Overall, Yeezys aren’t the lightest shoes around, but they’re not overly heavy either. They’re designed more for style and comfort than for being super lightweight.
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.
Yeezy Flexibility
Yeezys have varying flexibility depending on the model. The Yeezy 350s are quite flexible thanks to their knit upper and relatively soft sole. Other models like the 700s are a bit stiffer and more structured.
The Boost cushioning in Yeezys allows for good flexibility while still providing bouncy comfort. Overall, most Yeezys offer decent flexibility for casual wear, though they’re not specifically designed for activities that require extreme foot bending.
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.
Yeezy Water Resistance
Yeezys are generally not water-resistant at all. The Primeknit material, while comfortable and breathable, can soak up water quite easily. If you wear Yeezys in the rain, your feet will likely get wet.
There are some Yeezy models with more water resistance, like the 500 High and some of the boots, but most popular Yeezys should be kept away from water. If you need shoes for rainy or wet conditions, New Balance would be a much better choice.
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
- Trail shoes have deeper lugs for grip on dirt and rocks
The soles are designed to provide good grip on different surfaces while lasting a long time without wearing down.
Yeezy Soles
Yeezy soles are a big part of their unique look! Most Yeezys use rubber outsoles with distinctive patterns that are as much about style as they are about function. The Boost midsole is visible on many models, adding to their futuristic appearance.
Different Yeezy models have very different sole designs. The 350s have a curved, ribbed sole, while the 700s have a chunky, more complex design. The grip is generally good for everyday wear but not necessarily designed for sports or slippery conditions.
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.” |
| Yeezy Boost 350 V2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These look amazing and feel like walking on clouds! Have to be careful not to get them dirty though.” |
| New Balance 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Best cushioning ever! Like walking on clouds, and they last forever even with rough play.” |
| Yeezy 700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “So cool looking! Everyone asks about them. Pretty comfortable but took a few days to break in.” |
Pricing
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Yeezy Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Models | $60-$90 | N/A (Yeezys are all premium) | Everyday wear, school, sports |
| Popular Models | $100-$150 | $220-$300 (retail price) | Fashion, casual wear |
| Limited Editions | $150-$200 | $300-$1000+ (resale market) | Collecting, special occasions |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Come in many different widths for all foot types | Not as trendy or cool-looking as Yeezys |
| Much more affordable and easier to buy | Fewer people will notice your shoes |
| Great for sports and PE class | Not as unique or special looking |
| Last a long time even with rough play | Not designed by a famous person |
| Available in many stores | Some styles look like “dad shoes” |
| Good for wide feet or narrow feet | Not as valuable for collecting |
| Perfect for everyday activities | Less exciting to show friends |
| Easy to clean and take care of | Not as popular on social media |
Yeezy Shoes
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Super cool design that stands out | Very expensive (cost a lot of money) |
| Created by famous designer Kanye West | Hard to find and often sell out quickly |
| Special and rare – not everyone has them | Only come in standard width (not for wide feet) |
| The Boost cushioning feels amazing | Not good for sports or PE class |
| People will notice and compliment your shoes | Need special care to keep clean |
| Great for photos and social media | Can be uncomfortable if you get the wrong size |
| Can be worth more money later | Some people might think you’re showing off |
| Feel like you’re part of sneaker culture | Easy to get dirty and hard to clean |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose New Balance if:
- You need shoes for sports, PE class, or active play
- You have wide or narrow feet and need different width options
- You want shoes that will last a long time with heavy use
- You need shoes you can wear in any weather
- You want comfortable shoes at a reasonable price
- You need shoes that are easy to find and buy
Choose Yeezy if:
- Style and looking cool are very important to you
- You want shoes that stand out and get noticed
- You’re willing to pay more for designer fashion
- You love the super-bouncy Boost cushioning
- You take good care of your shoes and keep them clean
- You’re interested in sneaker collecting and culture
Both New Balance and Yeezys are great shoes, but they serve very different purposes. New Balance excels in practical comfort, support, and versatility for active kids. Yeezys shine in style, uniqueness, and cultural cachet as fashion items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Yeezys so expensive?
Yeezys are expensive because they’re designer shoes created by a famous person (Kanye West/Ye), they’re made in limited quantities, and they use premium materials. They’re as much a fashion item as they are a shoe, which is why they cost more than regular sneakers.
Are Yeezys good for playing sports?
Not really. Yeezys weren’t designed for sports – they were made for fashion and casual wear. While they’re comfortable for walking around, they don’t have the right support and stability for most sports. New Balance would be a much better choice for PE class and sports activities.
How can I tell if Yeezys are real or fake?
There are many fake Yeezys out there! Real Yeezys have specific details like precise stitching patterns, correct label information, and authentic Boost material with a certain look and feel. If the price seems too good to be true, they might be fake. It’s best to buy from official stores or trusted resellers.
Do New Balance shoes look as cool as Yeezys?
This depends on your personal style! Yeezys are currently more exclusive and trendy in the fashion world. However, some New Balance models like the 550 and 990 have become very popular with fashion-conscious people too. Both can look cool in different ways!
How do I clean my Yeezys?
Yeezys require special care! For Primeknit Yeezys (like the 350s), use a soft brush and mild soap with water to gently clean them. Never put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage them. Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Which shoe is more comfortable for all-day wear?
Both can be very comfortable, but in different ways. New Balance shoes often provide better all-day comfort for active kids because they have more support and are designed for extended wear. Yeezys have amazing cushioning but might not be as supportive for very long days on your feet.
Are Yeezys worth the money?
This really depends on what’s important to you! If you value fashion, uniqueness, and owning something special that not everyone has, Yeezys might be worth it. If you’re more practical and want the best value for your money in terms of durability and versatility, New Balance would give you more bang for your buck.