Which shoe brand would you choose? A brand that provides quality shoes to the US military, or one that has been featured in the New York Times Fashion Week seven times in a row? That too for the past 30 years. Yes, choosing between New Balance and Skechers is difficult.
In terms of comfort, both brands are outstanding. Some people prefer New Balance because of its wide range of styles, width options, high quality, cushioning, and durability. Others prefer Skechers for casual wear due to their lightweight and vegan nature.
So, what brand should you choose and why? Continue reading.
Also check out: Are Skechers Good Shoes?
Top Picks!
Feature Comparison
| Features | New Balance | Skechers |
| Upper | Meshed (mostly), synthetic leather, Hypoknit, suede, etc. | Nylon fabric, soft suede, Canvas, etc. |
| Outsole | ENCAP( EVA+PU rim), blown rubber outsole. The outsole is a soft rubber with harder heels. Lugged. Shoes in the 996, 1006, and Fresh Foam Lav categories have a 6-month durability warranty. | Goodyear rubber outsole, textile, and lug outsoles. |
| Midsole | ENCAP, ABZORB, REVlite, etc. | HYPER BURST, ULTRA GO, Skech-Air®, Glide-Step® |
| Memory foam | Fresh Foam. | Air-cooled memory foam, recycled polyester, Skechers memory foam. |
| Lining | Nylon mesh lining, Teddy lining, and LIGHTNING DRY. | Faux fur lining. |
| Arch Support/insoles | ROLLBAR shank for overpronatorsOrtholite arch supports. | Relaxed Fit®, podiatrist-certified arch support, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™, Arch Fit, etc. |
| Slip resistance | Slip-resistant outsole in some models (ASTM F2913-19-tested). | Slip-resistant rubber traction outsole, Alloy toe. |
| Vegan | Not 100% vegan, except for 990v. | Is 100% vegan |
New Balance Vs Skechers Sizing Chart
When comparing the size charts of New Balance and Skechers, the men’s sizing of both brands is identical. However, when it comes to women’s sizing, New Balance is a half size smaller than Skechers.
Here are the size charts for your help:
Related article: Do New Balance Run Small, Big, Or True To Size?
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 |
Skechers Size Chart
Men’s Skechers Sizing Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 30 |
Women’s Skecher Sizing Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM |
| 5.5 | 3 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36.5 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37.5 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 38 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 39 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 42 | 27 |
Which Is More Comfortable, New Balance Or Skechers?
Since the majority of customers are pleased with the soles and the lightweight nature of both brands, they are both incredibly comfortable. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds. Both are podiatrist-recommended and offer a variety of cushioning technologies.
However, the comfort comparison is based on the type of Skechers and New Balance you are purchasing, the usage purpose, and whether the convenience is long-lasting. The Arch fit Skechers provide long-lasting comfort, even on flat arches, but the Memory foam ones do not. Some podiatrists advised their patients to stop wearing Skechers after experiencing pain in their limbs, back, and feet after wearing them for long hours. They are suitable for brisk walking and short errands, and are ideal for casual wear/slipper substitutes, but not for running or long-term wear.
Also check out: Are New Balance Shoes Good?
New Balance, on the other hand, is well-known for providing comfortable runs and athletic kicks all day and for many months.
Aside from a wide range of color options, New Balance offers half sizes and multiple width options. Individuals can use this to ensure that their shoes fit properly and that they can move their feet freely.
New Balance also includes a foam midsole with ample cushioning and a mesh upper to keep the feet cool. Because these shoes are so light, you can wear them anywhere. The best thing about New Balance is that they have a roomy toe box and heel for plenty of cushioning.
Along with the aforementioned features, the New Balance 1080v10 Fresh Foam running shoes offer traction and shock absorption. The sock liner in these also adds to the comfort. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of running and walking.
Which Is Better In Terms Of Quality, New Balance Or Skechers?
When it comes to quality, it’s difficult to see Skechers on the same level. So, unlike New Balance, Skechers continues to lag in terms of quality.
There are numerous reasons to support this assertion. Some customers reported fragile/cracked treads and leather after minimal wear, as well as a lack of midsole stability and good stitching, and no drops-in from heel to toe, i.e., the same level of thickness/density all around the Skechers’ sole, which interfered with overall support. They also cause unpleasant roll-ins.
But when it comes to New Balance, the quality speaks for itself. To begin, these shoes are made of a fabric and leather blend, which adds sturdiness and durability.
Read more on: New Balance Vs Adidas
Second, New Balance provides excellent stability for a wide range of foot widths and types, making them an excellent choice for runners, particularly those with wider feet. Thus, in a couple of months, you can easily cover 300 miles of painless rides without having to worry about sole-shedding.
How Do Skechers Fit Compared To New Balance?
Even though the size charts for New Balance and Skechers are similar, they fit differently. Most Skechers run big but New Balance is true to size. However, as with other brands, the fit is entirely dependent on the model purchased.
However, both brands offer a variety of fits based on foot width. Let us begin with Skechers. They provide four different types of fits:
- Classic (for a snug, medium-width fitting)
- Relaxed (medium width heel having roomier toe box)
- Wide (wider interior with loose fitting)
- Extra wide (maximum width for wide feet)
Comparatively, New Balance offers widths and support for all types of arches. Like Skechers, they also have motion-controlled, stable, and neutral shoes but provide a wide range of widths from 2A to 6E.
Skechers, on the other hand, only offer widths ranging from B to 5E.
Read more on: New Balance Vs Brooks
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 Vs. Skechers GO RUN Speed Elite Hyper
| New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 | Skechers GO RUN Speed Elite Hyper | |
| Pros | Smooth rocker from heel-toe. Immense cushioning. Responsive. Durable due to rubber outsole. The 8mm drop gives a good ground feel. Excellent for long runs. | Extremely light. Very competitive and tight-fitted. Great dynamics when covering short to medium distances. Competitive geometry. The mesh upper provides excellent breathability. Fits true to size. |
| Cons | Tight/uncomfortable tongue area. The back of the shoe is thin and fragile enough to break your heels. Walking is difficult. Heel slippages. Lasts less than a year and develops heel cracks. Wearing off after running for 100 miles is visible. The toe box is smaller than that of the 1080 v10. Not recommended for shorter, flatter races. | Insecure, inappropriate, and unsuitable for slow-paced running. Not durable enough. The toe box is less spacious/tight. Expensive. Inadequate heel support. |
| Pricing | USD 171 | USD 160 |
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight...
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Synthetic/mesh upper
Skechers OG 90 vs New Balance 550
| New Balance 550 | Skechers OG 90 | |
| Pros | Comfortable, high-quality, and durable. Fits true to size for people with wide feet and runs large for people with narrow feet. Good for walking and standing for long hours. | Better in terms of comfort and quality than the New Balance 550. Durable. Fits well and is true to size or sometimes small. Excellent for walking and exercising. Aesthetic design |
| Cons | Performance is average (unsuitable for playing basketball). Heel slippage during walks. The quality of the most recent pairs has deteriorated (glue/stains on the toe box, sock liner, poor stitching, etc.). | Not for people with flat feet. Shoe-pressing. |
| Pricing | USD 110 | USD 69 |
- Air Cooled Memory Foam
- Classic Fit
- Air Cooled
Skechers Vs. New Balance: Which Brand To Go For?
It’s a toss-up for me because both are great shoes, and the preference is determined by the person purchasing them.
While reading the reviews, I discovered that both take the lead in terms of comfort. However, some differences make one superior to the other. Let’s take a look at each brand individually:
- Sketchers are less durable and less stylish than New Balance.
- Skechers are excellent walking/casual wear shoes, but they are not suitable for running. While New Balance is ideal for running due to its athletic design.
- Skechers is unsuitable for people with flat arches or who work long hours, and the memory foam causes foot and limb pain after a while.
- Unlike Skechers, New Balance has more width options for wider feet and flat arches.
- Skechers does not have the same variety or quality as New Balance.
- Both companies need to improve their customer service.
- Skechers are generally lighter in weight than New Balance shoes and are also completely vegan, which most New Balance shoes are not.
Decide what works best for you and your personality. In terms of price, I consider both to be expensive, but because New Balance provides quality at such a low price, unlike Skechers, I would choose New Balance as a slightly better option. However, I would still avoid them because of their non-vegan specialties (except for 990v).
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