Adidas and New Balance are international shoe and apparel manufacturers with a global customer base. Both multinational brands have been around for a long time and continue to appeal to everyone, allowing them to dominate the footwear market.
We know they create stylish and innovative shoe designs, but in this article, we will compare the comfort level of their shoes and determine which brand is better.
Related: Adidas vs Under Armour – 2023 Review
Adidas vs New Balance- Ownership
Adidas is a German multinational company that was established by Adolf Dassler with its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria.
New Balance is currently owned by Jim Davis. He purchased the company in 1972 and pivoted it to become one of the most successful footwear brands across the globe.
A Peek into History
Adidas was formerly known as Gebruder Dassler Schuhfabrik. Adolf Dassler started this company from his mother’s laundry room and was joined by his elder brother Rudolf in 1924. Rodulf introduced the spiked running shoes for all multiple sports events.
Their shoe business was quite successful until they had a fallout in 1947. This made Adolf register the company’s name as Adidas and continued his business while Rudolf went ahead to form his own footwear company which is known as PUMA today.
New Balance was first established by an Irish immigrant – William Riley in Boston in 1906. It was first known as the New Balance Arch Support company. Using chicken feet as a yardstick, he was able to create arch support – three support points and accessories to enhance shoe fit.
A few years later, he employed Authur Hall as his salesman who later became his business partner. And together they built a brand that baseball and other sports athletes wanted. In 1956, the company was sold to Hall’s daughter and husband – Eleanor and Paul Kidd.
In 1960, they produced their first running shoe known as Trackster. Sales were declining until Jim Davis purchased the company in 1972 and ever since then, the company has expanded and become one of the topmost footwear suppliers in the world.
Product Categories
Adidas focuses on the manufacturing of toiletries, apparel ( hoodies, leggings, pants, t-shirts, and jackets), sportswear, footwear, and sports equipment. While New Balance manufactures sports footwear and apparel.
Adidas Footwear Features
| Unique Adidas Features | Materials Used |
| Upper part | Boast/Bounce foam, Lightstroke pro, EPU |
| Insole part | Irremovable boost insole |
| Outsole part | TPU, continental rubber, and more |
| Midsole part | Boast/Bounce foam, Lightstroke Pro, EPU |
| Arch support | Torsion System |
New Balance Footwear Features
| Unique New Balance | Materials Used |
| Upper part | Leather, mesh, suede, hypoknit, and others |
| Insole part | Orthotic insole made of semi-rigid arch support |
| Outsole part | EVA, Polyurethane, and ENCAP |
| Midsole part | Rollbar, softfoam, and others |
| Arch support | Overpronators with rollbar |
Which Is Best for Running: Adidas vs New Balance?
Both Adidas and New Balance are the perfect footwear for running. Each of these brands has varying models. However, in terms of running, Adidas is better, and here is why:
For example, the Adidas Boost and Bounce Foam Shoes were particularly created for athletes to enhance their performances. It is made of air-filled expanded plastic bubbles that absorb shock and regulate temperature when you run or walk in it. While New Balance is made up of ENCAP, EVA, Polyurethane, and an attached rubber outsole.
Adidas shoes are created with a toe spring in front of the foot and roll forward to raise the user’s toe whenever he walks or runs. When your toes are not touching the ground/ in sync with your flat soles, your feet would not balanced on the ground.
While New Balance has no toe spring in most of their footwear, they are made with materials that are comfortable for your feet. So, for running and landing, we recommend Adidas.
Related: Adidas vs Nike – Who Has Better Running Shoes?
Which Is More Comfortable: Adidas vs New Balance?
Both are comfortable footwear brands. The comfortability of the footwear is dependent on what the specific model is built for.
While most people prefer Adidas, New Balance has softer flats than Adidas. So, New Balance is great if you have plantar fasciitis.
Final Thoughts
New Balance and Adidas are great brands for athletes and fashion; they both make comfortable and durable shoes. But Adidas has better running shoes, while New Balance is more suitable for people with delicate heels.
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