How Do New Balance Shoes Stack Up Against Other Brands In Durability?

[ShotgunSteven]

Most of the sports shoes I buy tend to wear out in what seems to be a very short time. I don't even bother with Nike, Adidas, and Reebok anymore. The last couple of pairs of Skechers I had held up pretty well, though I have worn portions of the soles flat on my current pair.

I found some New Balance shoes that I like last night, and they fit better than the pair of Skechers I was looking at. I am just wondering what kind of experiences people have had with the brand in general.

 

[Leros]

I tend to wear my shoes a bit loose so the part by the heel gets ripped up pretty bad. Other than that, my new balance shoes from 1.5 years ago are fine. I just bought new ones because I wore the heel down to the plastic.

 

[Slew Foot]

Pretty good, I tend to wear mine for a little more than a year before replacing them.

 

[Chiropteran]

They are the only brand of shoes I buy, other than dress shoes or boots. Average pair lasts me 2-3 years, which is a lot more durable than most other brands I used to buy. I pretty much just buy a pair of shoes and wear them for everything except on occasions where I need to dress up and running shoes isn't appropriate.

 

[schizoid77]

Yo, I have been converted to Mizunos. Awesome running shoes.

 

[Captante]

I find New Balance holds up a bit better then most of the mainstream brands however they don't seem to fit my feet as well as Adidas or Saucony.

They also have the added benefit of being the only major brand of sneaker still made in the USA, for what its worth.

 

[tfinch2]

If you buy 500-600 series of NB they are shitty. 700+ are decent.

 

[Kirby64]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
If you buy 500-600 series of NB they are shitty. 700+ are decent.

QFT, the higher the number (7XX, 8XX, or 9XX) the higher the quality. You might end up paying $80 for the pair of shoes, but it'll last

 

[Chiropteran]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
If you buy 500-600 series of NB they are shitty. 700+ are decent.

I didn't really care enough about the shoes I bought, I just bought a pair that looked good and was comfortable. After seeing your post I looked to see if I bought the right kind. 858. Thats 700+, so I picked good right?

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
If you buy 500-600 series of NB they are shitty. 700+ are decent.

I agree ... I have a pair of 848's that are very comfortable, but all the lower models I've tried on have been really uncomfortable.

 

[bobsmith1492]

I ran about 400 miles in my 825s culminating in the Chicago Marathon. Then my brother claimed them and has had them for about a year. Guess they've done pretty well.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Originally posted by: Captante

Originally posted by: tfinch2
If you buy 500-600 series of NB they are shitty. 700+ are decent.

I agree ... I have a pair of 848's that are very comfortable, but all the lower models I've tried on have been really uncomfortable.

I think the ones I tried on were in the 500 range, but they fit like a glove. Would they fall apart more readily than a higher number range?

 

[BoomerD]

The 500's just aren't as heavily built or as well made. Still better shoes than most in their respective price range IMO.
New Balance is the only "sports shoe" I'll buy. I definitely recommend the ones with tht higher numbers though. MUCH better grade of shoes.

 

[compman25]

Originally posted by: Captante
I find New Balance holds up a bit better then most of the mainstream brands however they don't seem to fit my feet as well as Adidas or Saucony.

They also have the added benefit of being the only major brand of sneaker still made in the USA, for what its worth.

Only some of them are still made in the USA, even some 800 series are made in China now.

 

[BigJ]

Like others have said, the 700+ series are built like tanks. I still wear a pair that have held up well after 2 years and countless abuse.

 

[Slew Foot]

I got a couple of pairs of 500 series for $50 total on a clearance sale two years ago. I havent even started wearing one of the pairs yet.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Just looked it up, they are 645's.

 

[I Saw OJ]

I picked up a pair of 846's about 6 months ago at a sale. Super comfy, super light, seems like they are gonna last me a long time.

 

[AndrewR]

NB is considered one of the better brands of running shoes. I either buy them or Brooks. I tend to go through shoes fairly quickly because I need them in tip-top shape because of my messed up feet. I have better luck with Brooks, but they also cost more on average.

 

[paulxcook]

I like mine. I've bought several pairs and all have held up well. Even the NBs I wear as grass cutting shoes are still pretty solid (though quite dirty, they're white), and I've had those for at least 7 years.

 

[Baked]

719 in the house. I wear them as everyday shoes though.

 

[1prophet]

The following New Balance models are Made in the USA.

 

[Iron Woode]

New Balance is my favourite shoe manufacturer.

I like my all leather walking shoes. I have flat feet and need a shoe with no arch. I removed the insoles and replaced them Dr Scholls gel inserts. Yes, I am so gelling.

 

[BUTCH1]

I have yet to have a pair that totally fail, usually they get so dirty after a few years
I'll replace them. never had any that separated or fell apart.

 

[Oil]

Got a pair of 992's a few months ago. While they are pricey (usually $115), they are absolutely worth it IMO. They are the most comfortable running shoes I've ever had and I expect that they will last for a long time