According to Latana, Adidas outperforms New Balance in terms of brand consideration, with 52% versus 30%. Due to the minor differences, choosing the best pair from both brands is difficult.
New Balance and Adidas have unquestionably dominated the running shoe market for all the right reasons. Adidas is popular among some people due to its excellent landing, 100% vegan quality, durability, and branding. Others will not abandon New Balance due to its comfort, wide toe box, stiffness, and appearance.
Let’s talk about how to pick your favorite brand, and I’ll tell you mine at the end. So, to find out, read the entire guide.
Feature Comparison Between New Balance And Adidas
The majority of New Balance and Adidas’ features and construction are unique, but they do use similar low-cost construction methods. Cold Cement Construction is used by New Balance and Adidas to connect the upper to the soles. But how do they differ? The following table summarizes their characteristics:
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| Features | New Balance | Adidas |
| Upper | Hypoknit upper, Mesh, suede, leather, etc. | Primeknit, mesh, leather (suede, snakeskin, etc.). |
| Outsole | ENCAP with EVA and Polyurethane. Attached is the rubber outsole, etc. | Continental rubber, lugged, TPU |
| Insole | Orthotic, semi-rigid arch support. | Memory foam. They don’t have a removable insole in Boost or NMD. |
| Midsole | FreshFoam, ABZORB, ROLLBAR, etc. | EPU, Boost foam, Bounce foam, Lightstrike Pro. |
| Arch support | Rollbar for overpronators.Shoes for various arches. | Adidas Torsion System (allows independent motion of the forefoot and heel). |
Adidas Sizing Comparison to New Balance
When comparing the sizes of both brands, there is very little difference, and the measurements are nearly identical. Here are the size charts for you to compare:
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New Balance Size Chart
| US (MEN’S) | US (WOMEN’S) | UK | EU | LENGTH (CM) |
| 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22 |
| 4.5 | 6 | 4 | 37 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23 |
| 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28 |
Adidas Size Chart
| US – MEN | US – WOMEN | CM | UK | EUROPE |
| 4 | 5 | 22.1 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 4.5 | 5.5 | 22.5 | 4 | 36 2/3 |
| 5 | 6 | 22.9 | 4.5 | 37 1/3 |
| 5.5 | 6.5 | 23.3 | 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 7 | 23.8 | 5.5 | 38 2/3 |
| 6.5 | 7.5 | 24.2 | 6 | 39 1/3 |
| 7 | 8 | 24.6 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 | 25.0 | 7 | 40 2/3 |
| 8 | 9 | 25.5 | 7.5 | 41 1/3 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 | 25.9 | 8 | 42 |
| 9 | 10 | 26.3 | 8.5 | 42 2/3 |
| 9.5 | 10.5 | 26.7 | 9 | 43 1/3 |
| 10 | 11 | 27.1 | 9.5 | 44 |
| 10.5 | 11.5 | 27.6 | 10 | 44 2/3 |
| 11 | 12 | 28.0 | 10.5 | 45 1/3 |
| 11.5 | 12.5 | 28.4 | 11 | 46 |
| 12 | 13 | 28.8 | 11.5 | 46 2/3 |
| 12.5 | 13.5 | 29.3 | 12 | 47 1/3 |
| 13 | 14 | 29.7 | 12.5 | 48 |
| 13.5 | 14.5 | 30.1 | 13 | 48 2/3 |
| 14 | 15 | 30.5 | 13.5 | 49 1/3 |
| 14.5 | 15.5 | 31 | 14 | 50 |
| 15 | 31.4 | 14.5 | 50 2/3 | |
| 16 | 31.8 | 15 |
Another thing I like about Adidas is that, unlike New Balance, the shoes come in ⅓ and ⅔ sizes, ensuring that no one is left with an unmatched pair.
Which Is More Comfortable, New Balance or Adidas?
Both are extremely comfortable; you simply need to select the appropriate model from each brand. The majority of people, however, prefer Adidas Primeknit, which feels like a sock and is firm when worn. Even so, these findings were earlier reported in the previous pairs. Adidas flats are not as soft and comfortable as past models. They’re also not recommended for people who have plantar fasciitis. This is where New Balance takes the lead.
Which Is Good For Running, Adidas or New Balance?
There isn’t a single best running shoe. You wear your shoes, live in them, and let them cling to your feet until they get used to your routine. It is impossible to examine applied pressure, running surface, biomechanics, and foot structure in a single brand or shoe.
Fortunately, both Adidas and New Balance make excellent running shoes with distinct models. Adidas’ Boost and Bounce foam shoes, for example, are specifically designed for athletes and offer a wide range of performance and benefits.
The Boost foam is made of Expanded Thermo Polyurethane (ETPU), which is a collection of air-filled expanded plastic bubbles. As a result, when you run or walk in such shoes, you have better shock absorption and temperature regulation. However, the energy return in these shoes is quite slow. The Bounce Adidas, on the other hand, is made of EVA with elastic particles injected to provide the regression required to kick off while running. As a result, the Bounce foam will initially outperform the Boost foam.
Second, Adidas, like Nike, has a toe spring that helps the front of the foot roll forward and elevates the toes while running or walking. Because your toes are served by 18 of your 19-foot tendons. When your toes do not touch the ground, as with a flat sole, your feet can become unstable. As a result, for running and landing, I would recommend Adidas. But not if you’re going to the gym with them.
Still, the Adidas Ultra Boost and Adidas Aerobounce 2 are among the world’s best-cushioned running shoes. However, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 or 1080 is more comfortable, faster, and more durable, covering 300 miles or more while running. Adidas, on the other hand, does not cover as much ground. Second, if you have wide feet, nothing beats the New Balance Fresh foam series.
Do Adidas Or New Balance Run Small Or Big?
New Balance and Adidas both tend to run true to size. However, some shoes, such as Adidas Cloudfoam, Ultraboost, and New Balance 327, run small. As a result, make sure you convert your sizes correctly using the size charts provided.
Check out these article on Do New Balance Run Small, Big, Or True To Size?
New Balance SC Trainer vs. Adidas Prime X
Both of these shoes have a great deal of cushioning are highly stacked, and provide a soft, bouncy ride. Both shoes’ cushioned midsoles bear compression and elasticity to produce regressive yet soft landings. What else? Here’s a comparison of the New Balance SC and Adidas Prime X:
| New Balance SC trainer | Adidas Prime X | |
| Pros | 39-47 mm of stack height in the forefoot and heel, respectively. 8mm drop. Fuel Cell midsole. Extremely cushioned. Highly stable despite thick midsole. Excellent and smooth ride. Carbon-plated. Comfortable and has a sock-like feel. | 40-50 mm of the stack in the heel and forefoot, respectively. Very high-up shoe. 10 mm drop in the sole for lightweight. Light Strike Pro technology midsole. Lighter than New Balance SC trainer. A bit narrowed at the midfoot. Medial cutout on the midsole for giving pronation. Extremely responsive due to high toe-spring. |
| Cons | Expensive but cheaper than Adidas. Heavy and unsuitable for long-distance runs. Forefoot reinforcement produces pressure on the toes. | Tread breaks after a few miles. Low durability. Narrow fitted. Expensive. |
| Weight | New Balance FuelCell SuperComp: 10.45 oz. | Adidas Prime X: 9.6 oz for men’s US 9.5. Adidas Prime X: 9.25 oz for Men’s US 9. |
| Pricing | $180 | $250 |
- Men's casual skate-inspired sneakers
- SOFT UPPER: Soft suede upper for a plush look
- CUSHIONED COMFORT: Enjoy the comfort and performance of OrthoLite sockliner; Officially licensed...
New Balance 1080 vs. Adidas Ultra Boost
| New Balance 1080 | Adidas Ultra Boost | |
| Pros | Fit true to size. Extremely comfortable, soft, cushioned, and have a sock-like fitting/experience due to Fresh Foam technology. Slightly lighter than Adidas Ultra Boost. Heel: 30mm, Forefoot: 22mm8mm drop. Breathable soft-knit upper to bring more room and stretch around the feet. 30mm stack height on the heels. Feels light despite the bulky look and weight. Comfortable from the first wear. | Heel: 30.5mm, Forefoot: 20.5mm10mm dropPrime knit prime blue color upper. No heel slippage30mm stack height on the heels. Half size up for wider feet, otherwise true to size. Even on wet surfaces, the Continental Rubber embedded stretch web outsoles provide excellent traction. |
| Cons | Heel slippage in 1080v9Tread doesn’t fully cover the shoe. A cupping sensation is felt during landing, and some people dislike it during long runs. Fragile heel cup. The most recent versions are not updated in response to annual feedback. Overall traction is good, but not as good on wet surfaces as Ultra Boost. | Good for walking but not for running. Feels bulkier. Customers have complained about pinching and discomfort in the new pair. More expensive than 1080. |
| Weight | New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 1080v12: 10.3 oz. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v12: 8.3 oz. | Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 22: 12 oz. Addidas Men’s Ultraboost 21: 11.8 oz. Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 22: 10. 4oz for US size 8. Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 21: 10.9 oz |
| Pricing | $160 | $190 |
- Men's Ultraboost shoes for an energized run
- Sock-like fit; adidas Primeknit upper for support and comfort
- Midfoot cage and heel counter for support; Boost midsole for a responsive feel
If you ask me, I believe they both provide nearly the same quality and are great, cushioned footwear. However, if you look at the price, I would still go with the New Balance 1080 because they offer everything at a slightly lower cost. However, if you plan on spending a lot of time in wet areas, I recommend Ultra Boost.
Adidas Superstar vs. New Balance 880
| New Balance 880 | Adidas Superstar | |
| Pros | Fresh Foam midsole with Acteva underfoot for extra durability and reduced weight. The EVA blended Abzorb technology claims to provide compression and cushioning. Comfortable right out of the box. Easy transitions. Soft and isn’t mushy. The outsole is good for flat, dirty surfaces. | Great, classic design. Durable and premium quality shoes. The upper is easier to clean. The rubber sole makes the shoes durable, traction-friendly, and crease and damage-free. Breathable and moisture-free synthetic leather upper (though not as breathable as canvas and mesh). |
| Cons | The external heel counter is supportive but bulky. Overall heavy for long-distance hikes and climbs. Lesser rebound energy. Limited flexibility. Unpleasant look due to puffy tongue. Not for uneven surfaces. | Give blisters without inserts. Expensive for a shoe made with leather and rubber. No option for narrow and wide widths. Less variety of colors at such a price. Feels stiff initially. |
| Weight | New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10: 10.7 oz. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11: 9.7 oz. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v12: 10.3 oz. | Adidas Superstar: 6 oz. |
| Pricing | $135 | $110 |
How Does Adidas Fit Compare To New Balance?
As previously stated, Adidas and New Balance have varying fits but are mostly true to size and are supposed to fit snugly. However, unlike New Balance, Adidas requires break-in time. As a result, you won’t be able to run in Adidas right away. Similarly, you don’t have many width options for wider feet like New Balance in Adidas, which also fits better for wider feet than Adidas.
New Balance Vs Adidas: Which Brand To Go For?
Although both brands are doing well among runners and sneakerheads, I would vote for Adidas. Because it is not always the performance of a shoe that distinguishes it from others; there are other factors as well. Here’s my takeaway:
- Most New Balance shoes aren’t 100% vegan, but Adidas is and is even recognized by PETA.
- Both make use of excellent midsole technologies and provide a lot of comfortable, cushioning, and durable shoes.
- The outsole of New Balance’s FreshFoam shoes is mostly lugged, which provides significant traction on uneven surfaces but causes discomfort on smooth or stone surfaces due to stones getting stuck between the lugs. In comparison, the majority of popular Adidas shoes use Continental rubber, which is both durable and traction-rich (+30%).
- However, neither brand has a good reputation for providing excellent customer service.
- Fresh foam leads the pack in terms of pace, mileage, plushness, and comfort. However, it is not good for the heel. Adidas, on the other hand, feels great on the heels and has excellent energy return (Bounce foam) and performance (Boost).
- Some Adidas features are distinctive, such as ENERGY RODS, which mimic the metatarsals of the foot and provide stiffness and energy hold.
- If you have wide feet and want to look better, go with New Balance rather than Adidas.
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