When searching for the perfect pair of sneakers, the question of “which brand is appropriate” always comes to mind.
Also, the most hyped discussion that has been on the internet for years is the battle of the classic sneakers by Vans and New Balance.
So, the main concern is whether or not these brands are comparable, what the intended use of their sneakers is, and which is better than the other.
To kick things off, let’s get to know about both brands.
Comparison Table Between Vans And New Balance:
| Vans | New Balance |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1966 | Founded in 1906 |
| Best Known for Skateboarding and everyday use | Variety of Casual, Performance, sportswear, and athletic shoes |
| Flat soles | Thick, Chunky soles |
| Famous among artists, musicians, teenagers | Popular among Young and professional athletes |
| Iconic, vintage styles | Colorful sporty appearance |
| Durable | Highly Durable |
| Not good for flat feet | Best for flat feet and foot issues |
| Styles did not match everyone’s taste | More Versatile options |
| More Breezy | Might feel hot in high temperatures |
| Water Resistant | Waterproof options |
Overview of New Balance:
New Balance is an American brand of sports shoes and clothes that has been around since 1906.
The New Balance Arch Support Company was the first company to incorporate the brand. Today, the brand is linked to New Balance Athletics, an American multinational company, and its parent, New Balance, Inc.
The headquarters for both companies is in Boston, Massachusetts and it is one of the biggest companies in the world that makes sports shoes and apparel.
It makes some of its most popular and best-seller models like the 990 in both the United States and the United Kingdom for the European market.
Many of its competitors, on the other hand, only make their products outside of the United States and Europe.
The company claims that its shoes are different because they have technical features like blended gel inserts, heel counters, and a wider range of sizes, especially for people with very narrow or very wide feet.
Since 1992, the company has made about $69 billion in profits as a whole. And From 2021 to 2022, New Balance’s sales grew by 200 percent, making it the sixth-fastest-growing sneaker brand on the platform.
Overview of Vans:
Vans is a well-known American footwear brand that manufactures casual, comfy sneakers for men, women, and kids.
Paul Van Doren and his three other partners founded the company on March 16, 1966, in Anaheim, California. The company used to make shoes and clothes for skateboarding, but now become a household name by selling a variety of products.
The brand offers both the original heritage line and updated classic models with softer, more cushioned outsoles and other advanced features.
In addition, Vans Classic Slip-Ons and casual shoes are stylish, comfy, and easy to pair with a wide variety of outfits. The solid-colored variants of their shoes are modest and adaptable, you will also get “classic checkerboard patterns” delivering the vintage aesthetic that the majority of people prefer.
However, the brand’s bestselling Old Skool shoes are the most popular line right now. These low-top suede sneakers have an old-looking design yet are modern in feel and stylish to wear. The sleek side stripe on the upper is easily recognizable and offers a unique appearance that set apart this footwear from others.
This brand is also conscious about the protection of the environment and claims that they are aware of its roots in youth culture, and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.
Major Differences between the Brands:
In this section, we will look at key aspects of New Balance and Vans, aiming to identify differences between these two brands and help you find the right shoes for your needs.
1) Comfort:
Vans sneakers have robust soles and flexible yet lightweight canvas construction, walking in them is a breeze. Their unique DuracapTM reinforced materials absorb impact completely, while enhanced toe shields and increased sidewall heights protect your feet more effectively.
In addition to having adequate cushioning on the inside of the shoe and the collar for support, they are also moderately breathable. These characteristics make them an excellent choice if you value comfort and ease.
Also, if you are looking for a pair of Vans shoes that are extremely comfortable, you can try their “ComfycushTM” updated line of classic designs with better padding, more arch support, and super soft outsoles. However, the key to comfort is choosing the right style that fits your needs.
On the other hand, New Balance footwear is renowned for its “squishy comfort” and superior manufacturing. Most of their shoes have impact-absorbing, cushioned midsoles and well-designed footbeds with arch support.
Depending on the kind of shoe, New Balance employs Fresh Foam or FuelCell foam, both of which are designed to provide significant cushioning and responsiveness without adding extra weight.
Moreover, you can get wide or extra-wide options according to your foot type, which gives toes enough room to move around. Many doctors also recommend their shoes for different foot conditions.
2) Popularity:
New Balance manufactures some of the world’s finest athletic shoes and apparel. In addition, the “brand is ranked #993 on the list of the Global Top 1000 Brands”, as rated by customers. Its sales have gone up by 200 percent over the years, making it the “sixth-fastest-growing sneaker brand” on the platform.
This brand also has a strong reputation for making high-quality shoes that put comfort and performance first and this makes its shoes globally popular among athletes, sneakerheads, old-aged, and dads.
Whereas, Vans has established itself as the go-to brand for affluent urban young people who engage in sports activities like “skateboarding and BMX riding”. It’s not uncommon to spot musicians, comedians, and other creative types of people wearing them on the red carpet.
The brand sponsored many athletes and well-known celebrities which also helped them grow rapidly and got the “footwear product of the year” three times at the SIMA Image awards.
3) Target Market:
Since Van’s founding, its primary target market has been male skateboarders, snowboarders, and BMX riders. Now teens, males, and females between the ages of 10 to 34 make up most of their target demographic.
Additionally, New Balance’s target market consists of two segments including beginner and professional athletes. They have a variety of collections for men, women, and children from the upper middle class aged between 16 and 30.
4) Price:
You may find most of the new balance models to be more expensive than Vans, particularly if you’re looking at the brand’s top-of-the-range athletic options. However, New Balance shoes cost you from $49 to more than $200, whereas Vans will set you back around $40 to $150.
5) Design:
Vans were originally designed for skateboarders so most Vans shoes have flat soles and a low profile to enhance skateboard grip and security. The vulcanized rubber outsoles of these shoes absorb impact and offer superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces and their soles allow you to maintain balance during any activity.
Also, due to their slightly broader shape, they are more comfortable walking shoes for longer durations whereas their deck shoes and boat shoes are ideal for the beach.
So, the brand’s value lies in its remarkable adaptability as they are stylish enough to wear from work to the weekend, and they are weather resistant as well.
Alternately, Style and function come together in New Balance shoes to give you the ideal choice you desire. In addition to running and athletic shoes, the brand offers sneakers for walking, casual wear, skateboarding, and sports.
As a symbol of the “fashionably unfashionable” trend, they were designed with functionality over aesthetics in mind making them a favorite among fitness walkers. These sneakers are recognized for their chunky, bulky, and colorful athletic appearance. Moreover, the brand also markets its sneakers for various types of wearers, such as those with flat feet or fallen arches that need additional support.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
To wrap it up both brands can be good for you but are made for different purposes so you have to select according to your needs. They also use technologies to improve their shoes and cater to their customer’s demands.
However, for skateboarding, Vans are unmatched also if you are extremely active or walk a lot, then you should definitely consider buying Vans.
Furthermore, for athletic wear and fitness walkers, we would suggest that New Balance sneakers are superior, due to their versatility and added features.
I hope I’ve shed some light on the discussion between Vans and New Balance, your personal preference will ultimately determine the winner.