As someone who works directly with OEM footwear factories and product-testing teams, I’ve noticed a clear trend:
many athletes quietly choose New Balance over louder, trendier brands.
This article explains—in a simple, beginner-friendly way—why New Balance has become a performance favorite, what makes their shoes feel different, and how they compare with brands like Nike and Asics.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- 1. What Athletes Like Most About New Balance
- 2. New Balance vs Nike vs Asics (Performance Comparison)
- 3. Which New Balance Models Athletes Prefer
- 4. Who Should Choose New Balance?
- FAQs
- Related Links
Quick Answer
Athletes prefer New Balance because the brand offers:
- exceptionally stable platforms
- consistent sizing
- advanced foams like Fresh Foam & FuelCell
- better width options for real athletic feet
- durable shoes that hold shape longer

External references:
- Official NB Running: https://www.newbalance.com/running
- Fresh Foam Technology: https://www.newbalance.com/innovation
1. What Athletes Like Most About New Balance
From factory sampling, outsole testing, and fit trials, here’s what consistently stands out:
✔ Superior Stability
NB uses wider bases and firmer heel counters—ideal for runners, gym users, and court athletes.
✔ Realistic Anatomy-Based Fit
Unlike fashion-forward brands, NB builds lasts shaped like actual athletic feet.
✔ Foam Tech That Works in Real Training
- Fresh Foam = softer, cushioned daily comfort
- FuelCell = springy, fast, responsive
✔ Width Options (D, 2E, 4E)
Perfect for athletes with wide or flat feet—something Nike rarely offers.
✔ Longer-Lasting Support
Many NB models keep their structure after months of hard training.
OEM Insight:
New Balance’s midsole consistency is one of the most reliable in the performance footwear category.
2. New Balance vs Nike vs Asics (Performance Comparison)
| Brand | Fit & Comfort | Stability | Speed & Energy Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best all-round training comfort |
| Nike | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great for racing; narrow fit |
| Asics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Top choice for distance stability |
Takeaway:
New Balance = the most balanced choice for daily athletes.
Nike = best for speed.
Asics = best for long, controlled miles.
3. Which New Balance Models Athletes Prefer
| Model | Best Use | Why Athletes Like It |
|---|---|---|
| 990 / 993 / 2002R | Training + lifestyle | Stable, supportive, reliable |
| Fresh Foam 1080 | Daily running | Plush cushioning, smooth ride |
| FuelCell Rebel / Propel | Speed workouts | Light + energetic |
| Minimus TR | Gym training | Ground feel + stability |

OEM Note: FuelCell models are consistently the fastest-feeling NB shoes.
Who Should Choose New Balance?
Choose New Balance if you:
- want stability for running or gym training
- have wide feet or struggle with Nike’s narrow fit
- need consistent cushioning for daily workouts
- value comfort over hype
Choose another brand if you:
- want elite racing shoes with carbon plates (Nike, Asics)
- prefer extremely soft “cloud-like” cushioning (Hoka)
Internal Link
Building your own professional activewear or footwear line?
👉 https://fukigymwear.com
FAQs
Q1: Are New Balance shoes good for athletes with flat feet?
Yes—NB’s width and stability options make them a top choice.
Q2: Do New Balance shoes last long under heavy training?
Typically yes; the midsoles keep shape better than many fashion-driven brands.
Q3: Are New Balance running shoes good for speed?
FuelCell models are great for speed, though Nike still dominates elite racing.
Related Links
- New Balance Running: https://www.newbalance.com/running
- FuelCell Technology: https://www.newbalance.com/innovation
- Performance OEM Support: https://fukigymwear.com
