For this episode of which running shoe is right for you we are pitting two of the biggest names in the shoe world against each other: Adidas vs New Balance Running Shoes. Looking at their top models in different categories to help you pick the right shoe.

new balance vs adidas

New Balance is well known for having a large variety in widths and a long history of user wear testing and shoes people have genuinely loved running in for decades. Meanwhile, Adidas you might first think of for soccer. But they are coming on strong in the market now (you may have just seen that Boston marathon winner in Adidas!)

Luckily in my 27,000+ miles of running I’ve slipped on a lot of pairs from both brands. So hopefully I can give you a good breakdown of the fit, feel and function.

When it comes to these two brands, I think it’s key to know that both have continued to change an adapt. So if you’ve tried one previously without luck, you might need to be willing to test a new model.

Main Differences New Balance vs Adidas

Adidas and New Balance have a similar range of shoes, but a very different fit and feel.  Both brands have been making massive strides recently in the carbon fiber shoe area, which is trickling down in the cushion and great feel of all their running shoes.

I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:

Adidas Running Shoes

  • Shoes tend to run true to size, not wide
  • Huge line up of shoes can be confusing
  • Frequently able to find good sales (hey that matters!)
  • Shoes for a wide variety of sports
  • Very well known for casual shoes and athletic wear

New Balance Running Shoes

  • Offers wider shoes than most brands
  • Offers more in terms of traditional stability shoes
  • Thicker midsole provides more stability
  • Makes more shoes in the US than any other brand
  • Also big in the athleisure market

I’ve worn both brands and will add some personal thoughts, along with links to detailed reviews.

If you’re looking for other comparisons, checkout ASICS Vs Mizuno or Hoka vs On Cloud or Nike Vs Adidas.

 

New Balance Vs Adidas Running Shoe Models

Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.

Did you notice I even said the brands in reverse order this time…seriously no favorites, I have run in both brands many different times over the years.

Stability Running Shoe

Oddly from both brands this is one of the most affordable running shoes at under $100. As a reminder these shoes tend to be a little stiffer, so if you like the price know they may not feel as amazing on long runs.

👉Fresh Foam 860 V 14

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860  has a dual-density medial post in the midsole that helps with overpronation, which will stabilize your foot strike and help to keep you in better alignment.

A combination of hard and soft rubbers on the outsole of the Fresh Foam 860 imparts grip, while the firm midsole is useful at runs of a higher pace.

The updated Fresh Foam X midsole provides more cushioning than before. With 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot (up from 35mm and 25mm in the v13), it feels softer underfoot while still maintaining the firmness needed for stability.

NB 860v14 Wedge Arch Support

It’s a stability running shoe that’s surprisingly light. It has a stretchy, spacious forefoot and toe box which feels comfortable and not too loose or sloppy.

There are A LOT Of fresh foam numbered shoes, so note that the 880 is neutral cushion. The 860 is the stability option.

👉Adidas Duramo SL 2

Utilizing their stable frame, you’ll find your foot less likely to fall inward. While you will still enjoy the benefit of the full length LIGHTMOTION foam midsole to provide both responsiveness and cushion.

This is not a plush cushion due to the nature of a stability shoe, but it’s comfortable.

It has a lightweight upper mesh that has just enough padding to provide a comfortable ride without your feet overheating.

adidas duramo sl
image from @erenchmlbl

It’s durable outsole made from Adiwear materials will grip whatever terrain you’re running on, especially pavement and track.

Neutral Running Shoe

👉Fresh Foam 880 v 15

While some runners are flocking to carbon plated shoes, we simply don’t want those as our every day trainers. We want something that is solid and dependable like this neutral shoe that also has a great wide toebox, allowing you to get full power out of those feet.

The New Balance 880 is a popular running shoe that strikes a balance between cushioning and stability. Designed as a neutral running shoe, it offers a supportive and comfortable ride for runners who desire a touch of stability without compromising on cushioning.

New Balance 880 v15 Review

It’s going to have enough cushion for long runs without being overly plush and still providing just a hint of stability with the bigger platform. I can concur from my running in fresh foam that you absolutely notice the cushion, but it’s still a solid shoe.

The upper part of the shoe is made of engineered mesh that ensures proper breathability and comfort, though some would say it’s warmer than the knit of the 1080. This shoe is suitable for runners who require a combo of little support and cushioning for their runs.

👉Adidas Supernova Rise

If you already know that Adidas is a great fit for you then, you’re going to find the Supernova Rise is an everyday trainer that will get you through a lot of miles. While this is absolutely a great cushioned shoe, it’s not what I would consider a max cushion when comparing to other shoes on the market.

This is not a stability shoe, but can certainly help some with pronation.

they’ve included a new super foam called the Dreamstrike+ and second they’ve also added a Support Rod System. Technically the Supernova Solution (Coming 2024) will be the stability version of the Rise, but anytime we’re adding rods there’s some stability being implemented.

Adidas Supernova Rise Review

An option that would be good for those who want one shoe for daily training through speed sessions.

Cushioned Running Shoe

👉Fresh Foam 1080 v14

Listen, I like a good cushioned shoe and this one fits the bill. It’s become one of my go to long run shoes.

I’ve actually gone through 5 pairs of this shoe in the last few years in various models. The rave reviews make complete sense to me as someone who likes a good max cushioned shoe on long run days. The 14 definitely feels a little softer than some previous models, so you aren’t getting that energy return, but lots of cushion.

NB 1080 V13 stack height

The Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making it perfect for runners who enjoy long-distance running. Remember this isn’t a plush shoe, but cushion that still responds. The upper part of the shoe is made of Hypoknit, which is a soft and breathable material that provides a comfortable fit.

  • Weight: 10.5oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
  • Heel Drop: 6mm
  • Available in 11 colors
  • Available in in Narrow, Standard, Wide, and X-Wide depending on the colorway
  • Available on NewBalance.com for $165

👉Adidas Evo SL

This is going to be the perfect shoe to carry you through long runs, while still allowing you to pick up the pace for half and even full marathon miles.

You’re not going to find all the fancy bells and whistles packed into the midsole, just some nice foam underfoot.

Lighstrike Pro is their top of the line foam. It’s the lightest with the best energy return and we’re finding it here in a $150 daily trainer, that’s fairly unusual.

The Adidas EVO SL is not as bouncy as a carbon plated shoe and not as soft as a daily trainer. It’s a blend right in the middle that allows for that energy return, but if you’re used to something like the Nimbus or NB 1080 that are super soft it could feel firm.

Adidas Evo SL Review

While we’re not reaching for this shoe on the days we want to do 7:00min repeats, we did enjoy it on longer miles where we wanted to put in some pick ups.

And in general, a lightweight shoe, with energy return on a long run is a really fabulous thing for the legs no matter the pace.

Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes

Are they cool new technology, yes. Do they last as long as your other shoes nope.

So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day! I don’t usually do a full write up on these shoes, but with Adidas and Nike running shoes they’ve become a HUGE part of the brand.

👉Adidias Adizero Pro

This shoe is great for serious, efficient runners chasing PRs and racing fast marathons. It’s a serious price tag for a serious shoe that will absolutely benefit the front of the pack.

We thought that the ride feels comfortable underfoot with great forefoot pop, added bounce from the updated stack, and standout traction, making it the kind of shoe you save for race day when every second matters.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro EVO 2 Review

Overall, it’s a shoe that comes alive when you’re pushing the pace and rewards efficient, fast runners. You likely won’t feel the true benefits of this shoe at paces slower than 7 min/pace.

👉New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4

The SuperComp Elite is New Balance’s high-performance carbon-plated racing shoe, designed for long-distance runners seeking a combination of speed, responsiveness, and cushioning.

The shoe boasts an eye-catching color scheme and distinctive geometric design, as well as easy rocker shape. And the midsole is THICK, made of peba foam (more on that in a bit), layered around a thin carbon fiber plate.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Two Shoes

Checkout all of my top carbon plate running shoe recommendations >>

Adidas vs New Balance Running Shoe Feature Comparison

Both brands have been around for a very long time and are leaders in running shoe design. They both offer various technologies to aid with comfort, support, stability, and cushion.

They differ in both fit and technology.

Here is a breakdown of each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.

It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.

Durability 

The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable. Though I kind of dislike that they give a 200 mile range, that’s massive. Assume that for heavier runners shoes breakdown faster and those running on the treadmill may get more life.

  • Adidas shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 500 miles, or three to six months, depending on your monthly mileage.
  • New Balance shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 500 miles, or three to six months, depending on your monthly mileage.

Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.

Shoe Fit

New Balance is one of the few running shoes that offer wide widths and go up to a lot more sizes. This is one reason they are so popular among workers.

Note, they also offer 2A which is extra narrow. And like most brands, they have a shoe finder to help you decide what might be the best fit.

Additionally, their shoe numbering system actually means something!! The last 2 digits tell you about the type of shoe.

40 (Optimal Control):

Shoes in this category provide superior control, stability, cushioning and support for biomechanical needs, such as pronation or low arches (e.g., 940, 1540).

50 (Fitness Running):

For training on roads or for indoor workouts, the 50 series offers the combination of visual attitude and innovation with the responsiveness and power athletes need.

60 (Stability):

Designs that offer industry-leading stability to reduce pronation while also providing unparalleled cushioning and comfort (e.g., 860).

70 (Light Stability):

The perfect combination of stability and speed, all in a lighter, sleek profile designed for runners who train at a faster pace (e.g., 770).

80 (Neutral):

For high-mileage runners who require light shoes and the protection of superior cushioning (e.g., 1080).

90 (Speed):

For faster runners who want every advantage, including a superior ride and fit. The choice styles for professional and nonprofessional speed and distance runners (e.g., 890).

Adidas shoes are generally reported to run true to size. I would say they often run a bit more narrow.  And they rarely offer wide widths.

Cushioning

Adidas is now well known for their Boost cushioning, which is in the name of so many shoes. Their goal was to improve upon traditional EVA foam, by creating something that provided both cushion and responsiveness.

Meaning that you don’t sink in to the shoe losing the forward momentum. Since 2013 Boost foam has been their primary cushion.

adidas running shoe cushion

New Balance utilizes Fresh Foam and FuelCell foam depending upon the shoe. Both are designed to provide a lot of cushion without the weight. FuelCell is a nitrogen infused foam which provides additional softness and responsiveness.

It’s been a big win for a number of their shoes in creating raving fans.

Stability Shoe Features

Adidas utilizes a denser midsole and more heel lock to help keep your foot from overpronating.

New Balance utilizes a couple of tools to provide stability. The first is that similar to HOKA all of their shoes have a bigger platform, which naturally means more stability.

Then they have an S Curve to help with that side to side stability and a Ultra Heel that flares away from the ankle for comfort, while keeping your heel firmly in the shoe.

As you may know, I’m not a huge fan of stability shoes for most runners. I am not finding a big difference in brands, they are all focused on preventing that foot roll and often feel more rigid, even with a decent cushion.

Affordability

The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable.

  • New Balance prices range between $80 to $130 (note the $80 often better for walking and not high mileage)
  • Adidas prices range from $120 to $160

The most popular models for both brands are priced toward the higher range. Carbon fiber shoes and often trail shoes will go beyond those rates, like the Adidas Adizero Pro which is over $300.

You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.

How to Choose New Balance or Adidas?

New Balance and Adidas are two extremely well known running shoe brands, but more important than brand is the fit of the shoe.

Your gait and feet will change over time and you may need to change shoes.

This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.

And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither New Balance nor Nike has the right shoe for you.

Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

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