Saucony vs New Balance Shoes

Are you looking for a new pair of running shoes but can’t decide between Saucony and New Balance? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure out which brand might be the best fit for your feet.

Both Saucony and New Balance are popular choices among runners, but they have some key differences that might make one a better pick for you.

We’ll compare Saucony and New Balance shoes across various important factors like comfort, durability, and style.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which brand could be your perfect running companion.

So, let’s lace up and dive in!

Quick Comparison: Saucony vs New Balance Shoes

The main difference between Saucony and New Balance shoes is their fit and cushioning. Saucony shoes often have a snugger fit and firmer cushioning, making them feel more responsive when you run.

New Balance shoes usually have a wider fit and softer cushioning, which can feel more comfortable for some people. Both brands make good running shoes, but they feel different on your feet.

Now, let’s create a detailed comparison table for Saucony vs New Balance Shoes:

Feature	Saucony	New Balance
Fit	Snugger, especially in the midfoot	Wider options available
Cushioning	Firmer, more responsive	Softer, more plush
Weight	Generally lighter	Varies, some models heavier
Style	Modern, bold designs	Mix of classic and modern looks
Size Range	Good range, some wide options	Extensive range, many width options
Price	Slightly higher on average	Often more budget-friendly options
Durability	Good, typically 300-500 miles	Very good, some models last 500+ miles
Best For	Speed-focused runners, narrower feet	Comfort-focused runners, wider feet

In summary: Saucony and New Balance both make great running shoes, but they’re a bit different. Saucony shoes are often lighter and feel more “zippy” when you run. They’re good if you like to feel the ground and go fast.

New Balance shoes usually feel softer and come in more sizes. They’re great if you want super comfy shoes or have trouble finding shoes that fit. Try both to see which feels best on your feet!

A Quick Look at Saucony and New Balance

Before we get into the details, let’s start with a brief introduction to both brands:

Saucony: The Speedy Challenger

Saucony (pronounced “sock-uh-nee”) has been making shoes since 1898. They’re known for creating lightweight, fast shoes that many runners love. Saucony focuses on making shoes that help you run efficiently and comfortably.

New Balance: The Comfort King

New Balance has been around since 1906. They’re famous for their comfortable shoes that come in a wide range of sizes and widths. New Balance prides itself on making shoes that fit well and feel great, no matter what shape your feet are.

Now that we’ve met our contenders, let’s see how they stack up against each other in different categories.

Comfort: Which Feels Better on Your Feet?

When it comes to running shoes, comfort is king. After all, you want your feet to feel good mile after mile. Both Saucony and New Balance offer comfortable shoes, but they approach comfort in slightly different ways.

Saucony’s Comfort

Saucony shoes often feel snug and responsive. They’re designed to hug your feet and provide a springy feel that can make you feel faster. Many runners say Saucony shoes feel like an extension of their feet.

New Balance’s Comfort

New Balance is all about that plush, cushioned feel. Their shoes often have thick, soft soles that absorb shock well. If you like feeling like you’re running on clouds, New Balance might be your go-to.

The Comfort Verdict

Both brands offer comfortable shoes, but New Balance might have a slight edge for runners who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel. Saucony could be better for those who like a more responsive, close-to-the-ground sensation.

Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?

Nobody wants their running shoes to wear out quickly. Let’s see how Saucony and New Balance compare when it comes to durability.

Saucony’s Durability

Saucony shoes are generally well-made and can handle a lot of miles. They use tough materials in high-wear areas to help the shoes last longer. Many runners report getting 300-500 miles out of their Saucony shoes before needing to replace them.

New Balance’s Durability

New Balance also has a reputation for making durable shoes. They often use high-quality materials that can withstand lots of running. Some New Balance models are known to last even beyond 500 miles for some runners.

The Durability Verdict

Both brands make shoes that can go the distance. New Balance might have a slight advantage in overall durability, but it can vary depending on the specific shoe model and how you run.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Nobody likes sweaty, uncomfortable feet when running. Let’s see how these brands handle breathability.

Saucony’s Breathability

Saucony often uses lightweight, breathable materials in their upper designs. Many of their shoes have mesh or knit uppers that allow air to flow freely, keeping your feet cool and dry.

New Balance’s Breathability

New Balance also prioritizes breathability in their designs. They use similar materials to Saucony, with mesh and knit uppers being common. Some New Balance shoes even have specially designed ventilation zones.

The Breathability Verdict

Both brands do a good job at keeping your feet cool. The difference in breathability often comes down to specific shoe models rather than the brand as a whole.

Cushioning: Softness and Support

Cushioning can make a big difference in how comfortable your run feels. Let’s compare the cushioning approaches of Saucony and New Balance.

Saucony’s Cushioning

Saucony uses various cushioning technologies, including their PWRRUN and PWRRUN+ foams. These tend to provide a balance of softness and responsiveness. Saucony shoes often have a firmer feel compared to some other brands.

New Balance’s Cushioning

New Balance is known for their plush cushioning. They use technologies like Fresh Foam and FuelCell to provide soft, bouncy rides. Many New Balance shoes offer a lot of cushioning, which can be great for longer runs or if you prefer a softer feel.

The Cushioning Verdict

If you like a lot of soft cushioning, New Balance might be your best bet. If you prefer a firmer, more responsive feel, Saucony could be the way to go.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match

Getting the right fit is crucial for comfortable and effective running. Here’s how Saucony and New Balance approach fit:

Saucony’s Fit

Saucony shoes tend to have a snugger fit, especially in the midfoot area. They often work well for runners with narrow to average-width feet. However, Saucony does offer some models in wide sizes for those who need more room.

New Balance’s Fit

New Balance is famous for offering a wide range of sizes and widths. They have shoes for narrow feet, wide feet, and everything in between. This makes New Balance a popular choice for runners who struggle to find shoes that fit well.

The Fit Verdict

If you have average to narrow feet, both brands could work well. But if you have wide feet or need special sizes, New Balance might offer more options.

Stability: Keeping You Steady

Some runners need extra support to help prevent their feet from rolling inward too much (overpronation). Let’s see how these brands handle stability.

Saucony’s Stability

Saucony offers several stability shoe models, like the Guide and Hurricane series. These use technologies like medial posts or guided support to help control overpronation.

New Balance’s Stability

New Balance also has a range of stability shoes, including popular models like the 860 series. They use various technologies to provide support, including their T-Beam support system.

The Stability Verdict

Both brands offer good stability options. The best choice will depend on your specific needs and how the shoes feel on your feet.

Quality: Built to Last

Quality goes hand in hand with durability, but it’s also about how well the shoes are made overall.

Saucony’s Quality

Saucony is known for producing high-quality shoes. They use good materials and pay attention to details in construction. Many runners praise the overall quality of Saucony shoes.

New Balance’s Quality

New Balance also has a strong reputation for quality. They’re particularly known for their commitment to quality control, especially in their shoes made in the USA or UK.

The Quality Verdict

Both brands are known for making quality shoes. You’re unlikely to be disappointed with the quality from either Saucony or New Balance.

Style: Looking Good While You Run

While performance is most important, it’s nice to have shoes that look good too!

Saucony’s Style

Saucony tends to have a sleek, modern look. They often use bold color combinations and have some eye-catching designs. If you like shoes that stand out, Saucony might appeal to you.

New Balance’s Style

New Balance has a mix of classic and modern designs. They’re known for their retro-style sneakers that are popular for casual wear as well as their performance running shoes. New Balance often offers more subdued color options.

The Style Verdict

Style is subjective, but if you prefer bold, modern looks, you might lean towards Saucony. If you like classic styles or more subtle designs, New Balance could be your pick.

Size Range: Finding Your Fit

Having the right size is crucial for comfortable running. Let’s see how these brands handle sizing.

Saucony’s Size Range

Saucony offers a good range of sizes, typically from US men’s 7 to 15 and women’s 5 to 12. They also offer some models in wide widths.

New Balance’s Size Range

New Balance is known for their extensive size range. They offer sizes from US men’s 6 to 20 and women’s 5 to 13. They also provide multiple width options, from narrow to extra-wide.

The Size Range Verdict

While both brands offer a good range of sizes, New Balance has the edge here, especially if you need unusual sizes or widths.

Materials: What Are They Made Of?

The materials used in running shoes can affect comfort, durability, and performance.

Saucony’s Materials

Saucony uses a variety of high-quality materials. Their uppers often feature engineered mesh or knit fabrics for breathability. For cushioning, they use proprietary foams like PWRRUN and PWRRUN+.

New Balance’s Materials

New Balance also uses quality materials. They’re known for their Fresh Foam and FuelCell cushioning technologies. Their uppers often use mesh and knit materials, sometimes with added overlays for support.

The Materials Verdict

Both brands use good quality materials. The best choice may depend on which specific materials feel best to you.

Weight: Light on Your Feet

Lighter shoes can help you feel faster and reduce fatigue during long runs.

Saucony’s Weight

Saucony tends to make lightweight shoes. Many of their popular models weigh less than 10 ounces for a men’s size 9.

New Balance’s Weight

New Balance shoes can vary more in weight. They have some very lightweight options, but also some heavier, more cushioned models.

The Weight Verdict

If you prioritize lightweight shoes, Saucony might have a slight advantage overall. However, both brands offer light options.

Flexibility: Bending with Your Foot

Flexible shoes can help your foot move more naturally as you run.

Saucony’s Flexibility

Saucony shoes often offer a good balance of flexibility and support. Many of their shoes flex easily in the forefoot while providing stability in the midfoot.

New Balance’s Flexibility

New Balance shoes can vary in flexibility. Some models are quite flexible, while others prioritize stability and may be a bit stiffer.

The Flexibility Verdict

Both brands offer flexible options, but Saucony might have a slight edge in this category overall.

Water Resistance: Staying Dry

While not all running shoes are waterproof, some level of water resistance can be helpful.

Saucony’s Water Resistance

Saucony offers some waterproof models in their trail running line, using technologies like GORE-TEX. Their road running shoes generally aren’t waterproof but may offer some water resistance.

New Balance’s Water Resistance

New Balance also offers waterproof options, particularly in their trail running shoes. Like Saucony, their road shoes aren’t typically waterproof but may resist light moisture.

The Water Resistance Verdict

Both brands are fairly similar in this category, offering waterproof options for trail running but not typically for road running.

Sole: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The sole of a running shoe is crucial for traction, cushioning, and durability.

Saucony’s Sole

Saucony often uses high-quality rubber compounds in their outsoles for good traction and durability. Their midsoles feature their proprietary cushioning foams.

New Balance’s Sole

New Balance also uses durable rubber in their outsoles. They’re known for their thick, cushioned midsoles, especially in models featuring their Fresh Foam technology.

The Sole Verdict

Both brands offer quality soles. Saucony might have an edge in responsiveness, while New Balance could win for cushioning.

User Reviews: What Do Runners Say?

Let’s take a look at what other runners think about these brands:

Brand	Average Rating	Number of Reviews
Saucony	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars	10,000+
New Balance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 stars	15,000+

Both brands are highly rated by runners, with Saucony having a slightly higher average rating but New Balance having more total reviews.

Price: What’s Your Budget?

Running shoes are an investment in your health and comfort. Here’s how these brands compare in price:

Brand	Entry-Level Price	Mid-Range Price	Premium Price
Saucony	$80-$100	$120-$140	$150-$180
New Balance	$70-$90	$110-$130	$140-$170

New Balance tends to offer slightly lower prices overall, but both brands have options at various price points.

Pros and Cons

Brand	Pros ✅	Cons ⚠️
Saucony	Great for running	Less variety for casual wear
	Lightweight and responsive	Fewer width options
	High-performance cushioning	Can be pricey for some models
	Good for narrow to average feet	May not suit wide feet well
New Balance	Wide range of sizes and widths	Some models can be heavy
	Good for various activities	Running shoes may be less specialized
	Classic, stylish designs	Cushioning may feel too soft for some
	Often more affordable options	So many choices can be overwhelming

Conclusion

After comparing Saucony and New Balance across all these categories, it’s clear that both are excellent brands with a lot to offer. Your best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose Saucony if:

• You prefer a more responsive, close-to-the-ground feel
• You like lightweight shoes
• You want a sleek, modern style

Choose New Balance if:

• You prefer soft, plush cushioning
• You need wide sizes or have trouble finding shoes that fit
• You like classic styles and more subdued colors

Remember, the most important thing is how the shoes feel on your feet. If possible, try on shoes from both brands to see which feels best for you. Happy running!

Frequently Asked Questions