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New Balance has solidified its place in the sneaker world with a blend of functional design and fashionable aesthetics. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the brand originally focused on arch supports and other accessories to improve shoe fit. It wasn't until the 1960s that New Balance shifted towards athletic footwear, creating their iconic trackster running shoe. Steadily, New Balance has expanded its reach, now offering a wide range of athletic and lifestyle shoes, along with athletic apparel.
Today, newbalance.com stands as the digital storefront for the brand, showcasing its commitment to comfort, innovative technology, and a unique blend of performance and style. The website also reflects the company's heritage, with an emphasis on quality manufacturing, often highlighting their range of products made in the USA or UK.
While New Balance enjoys a devoted following, the brand operates in a competitive landscape, jostling for market share with numerous other athletic companies. Let's explore how New Balance stacks up against its top 20 competitors.
3.8 / 5
3.8 / 5
As a behemoth in the athletic wear industry, Nike is perhaps New Balance's most significant competitor. Nike's focus on innovation, marketing prowess, and a global roster of high-profile athletes has made it a household name. Nike.com offers a similar range of products, from performance footwear to lifestyle sneakers and athletic apparel, attracting a broad consumer base that overlaps with New Balance's target market.
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
Adidas, with its roots in Germany, rivals New Balance in terms of heritage and sports legacy. Adidas.com features a diverse product lineup, including collaborations with celebrities and designers, which compete directly with New Balance's lifestyle offerings. Both companies emphasize their commitment to sustainability and technology in their products.
Puma combines sport with fashion, much like New Balance. Puma.com boasts a mix of performance gear and fashion-forward collaborations, making it a strong competitor, especially in European and emerging markets where both brands are keen to expand their presence.
4.0 / 5
Under Armour's rise in the performance apparel sector positions it as a formidable competitor to New Balance. Although initially focused on apparel, underarmour.com now offers a growing range of shoes that compete with New Balance's performance footwear.
4.0 / 5
4.0 / 5
Asics has carved out a niche in the running community, directly competing with New Balance's core market. Asics.com showcases a commitment to technical performance and comfort in running shoes, aligning closely with New Balance's values.
3.8 / 5
3.8 / 5
Skechers has found success with a focus on casual and comfortable shoes at a competitive price point, which challenges New Balance's lifestyle segment. Skechers.com also appeals to a demographic looking for value and comfort, overlapping with New Balance's audience.
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
Reebok, like New Balance, has a rich history in athletic footwear and has recently rebranded to focus more on fitness and lifestyle. Reebok.com offers products that directly compete with New Balance's athletic and casual footwear lines.
5.0 / 5
5.0 / 5
Brooks Running specializes in running shoes and gear, making it a key competitor in one of New Balance's primary markets. Brooksrunning.com appeals to dedicated runners, a target audience that New Balance also serves with its performance running shoes.
3.5 / 5
3.5 / 5
Saucony's focus on running shoes puts it head-to-head with New Balance in the race for the dedicated runner's choice. Saucony.com offers a range of running shoes that emphasize performance and innovation, similar to New Balance's approach.
Hoka One One has gained popularity with its maximalist cushioning approach to running shoes, attracting a segment of runners looking for extreme comfort and support, which competes with New Balance's own cushioned models. Hokaoneone.com's niche appeal presents a unique challenge to New Balance in the running community.
4.0 / 5
Dick's Sporting Goods is a retailer that carries a wide range of athletic brands, including New Balance. Dickssportinggoods.com competes as a one-stop-shop for customers who might otherwise shop directly from newbalance.com.
5.0 / 5
5.0 / 5
Nordstrom offers a variety of brands and styles, including New Balance. Nordstrom.com competes on the basis of its fashion-forward selections and broad appeal to consumers who might be drawn to New Balance's lifestyle offerings.
4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
Kohl's is a department store with a wide range of products, including athletic footwear and apparel. Kohls.com competes by offering affordable options and a different shopping experience compared to specialty brands like New Balance.
3.8 / 5
3.8 / 5
Macy's carries a diverse array of brands and has a significant online presence with macys.com. This department store competes with New Balance by offering a variety of choices to consumers who are looking for both athletic and casual footwear.
5.0 / 5
5.0 / 5
Zappos is known for its exceptional customer service and a wide selection of shoes, including New Balance. Zappos.com competes by providing an easy and customer-friendly online shopping experience.
3.0 / 5
3.0 / 5
Poshmark is a social commerce marketplace for buying and selling used fashion, which includes New Balance products. Poshmark.com competes as an alternative for budget-conscious consumers looking for second-hand New Balance items.
2.9 / 5
2.9 / 5
Designer Shoe Warehouse, or DSW, is a shoe retailer with a vast assortment of brands, including New Balance. Dsw.com competes by offering discounts and a wide selection of footwear to bargain-seeking customers.
4.0 / 5
4.0 / 5
Foot Locker is a major athletic footwear retailer that carries many brands, including New Balance. Footlocker.com competes with direct brand sites like newbalance.com by offering exclusive releases and a wide variety of athletic shoes.
4.0 / 5
4.0 / 5
REI is an outdoor retail co-op that offers gear for adventure sports, which includes New Balance's trail running and outdoor footwear. Rei.com competes by catering to a niche market of outdoor enthusiasts.
4.0 / 5
Famous Footwear is a chain that offers discounted brand-name shoes, including New Balance. Famousfootwear.com competes by serving customers who prioritize cost savings and a wide selection of brands.
