Skechers Shape-Ups vs New Balance Shoes

When it comes to athletic shoes, both Skechers Shape-Ups and New Balance offer innovative comfort technologies.

But how do they compare in terms of stabilizing support, cushioning, and versatility?

As an avid shoe-wear-tester, I’ll dive deep Skechers Shape-Ups vs New Balance across walking, running, and training shoes to determine which better fits your needs and preferences. Let’s get started!

Skechers Shape-Ups vs New Balance

The main difference between Skechers Shape-Ups and New Balance shoes is that Shape-Ups use a curved rocker sole design to shift weight to tone muscles during walking, while New Balance focuses on stability, cushioning and support with features like ABZORB foam.

Shape-Ups aim to improve posture and tone legs, while New Balance aims to aid biomechanics for injury prevention and comfort whether walking or running.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Skechers Shape-Ups vs New Balance Shoes:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	New Balance
Purpose	Toning/rocker sole fitness shoe	Versatile walking/fitness shoe
Rocker Sole	Curved sole designed to engage muscles	No rocker design
Cushioning	Kinetic Wedge foam midsole	Varies – common are ABZORB/Fresh Foam midsoles
Stability	Less stable with curved sole	Typically more stable base
Weight	Heavier than average	Average/lightweight options
Upper	Leather/mesh fabric blends	Mesh/knit, leather, or suede
Widths	Medium/wide	Narrow to extra wide
Fit	Runs small, especially toe box	Average/roomy toe box
Ideal For	Toning while walking	Walking, cross-training, workouts
Price Point	$$	$$$

In summary, Skechers Shape-Ups have an unstable rocker sole meant to engage more leg muscles, while New Balance focuses more on cushioning and stability for versatile wear. New Balance runs roomier in the toe box and comes in more width sizes.

Overall, New Balance provides better technology and support for serious walking/athletic shoes.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Designed to promote muscle activation and improve posture
• Rocker bottom sole provides a rocking motion to engage more muscles
• Can help tone legs and core

Cons: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Some studies have questioned the effectiveness of the shape-up technology
• May take time to get used to the rocking motion
• Can be more expensive than regular sneakers

Pros: New Balance

• Variety of styles and models for different activities and foot types
• Known for providing good arch support and stability
• Durable construction and materials

Cons: New Balance

• May not provide the same “toning” benefits as Skechers Shape-Ups
• Some models may not be as stylish or fashionable as other brands
• Can be more expensive than some other athletic shoe brands

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

• New Balance shoes are generally better suited for running than Skechers Shape-Ups. New Balance offers a variety of running-specific shoes with features like lightweight materials, cushioning, and stability elements that provide the support and responsiveness needed for running.
• Skechers Shape-Ups are not primarily designed for running. They have a curved “rocker” sole that is meant to promote muscle activation and better posture, but this design is not optimized for the impact and demands of running.

Shoes for Walking

• Both Skechers Shape-Ups and certain New Balance walking shoes can be good options for walking.
• Skechers Shape-Ups are marketed as a shoe that can improve posture and muscle activation during walking, due to their curved sole design.
• New Balance offers walking-specific shoes with features like extra cushioning, stability, and flexibility that can provide comfort for extended walking.

Shoes for Standing All Day

• Skechers Shape-Ups may be a better option than standard New Balance shoes for standing all day. The curved sole and design features of the Shape-Ups are intended to activate leg muscles and improve posture, which can help reduce fatigue from prolonged standing.
• New Balance does make some shoes, like their work/industrial line, that are designed for all-day standing and comfort. These would be a better choice than their regular running/walking models for those who need to be on their feet for long periods.

Now that you have an overview of Skechers Shape-Ups vs New Balance differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.

A Contrast of the Brands and Product Focus

Skechers and New Balance have some different heritage stories and areas of footwear specialization:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	New Balance
Founded	1992 as a utility footwear company	1906 as an arch support company
Core Focus	Toning/walking shoes engineered to improve form and engage muscles	Running/sports performance shoes equipped with stability technologies
Key Technologies	Kinetic Wedge sole, DynaMic sensors, high-density foams	Encap PU ring, RollBar TPU post, Fresh Foam midsole, Vibram outsoles
Category Reach	Walking, training, work, some running	Running, tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, hiking, walking, training

So while Skechers concentrates R&D on comfort walking innovations, New Balance takes a broader approach spanning athletic performance demands. This informs footwear construction.

Shoe Build and Material Comparison

Skechers and New Balance engineer models tailored for stabilization or propulsion:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Uppers	Mesh fabric, leather, synthetic leather, wool knits	Mesh, synthetic, knit
Midsoles	Kinetic Wedge EVA foam, DynaMic sensors	C-Cap EVA, CUSH+, FuelCell, Fresh Foam
Outsoles	High abrasion rubber	Blown rubber, Vibram, Ndurance
Insoles	Contoured arch support insole (non-removable)	Contour footbeds or orthotic insoles on some models
Stability Approach	Structured rocker sole guides motion path	Dual/multi-density foams, TPU stabilizer plates
Weight	11-13 oz average	8-13 oz average

The distinguishing characteristics:

• Skechers maximizes stability through rigid curved soles vs New Balance’s targeted foam guidance
• New Balance utilizes more outsole rubber compounds and removable insoles
• Skechers solely zones in on walking comfort while New Balance adapts across athletic activities

Now how do these elements translate on foot for wearability?

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Fit, Sizing, and Width Comparison

Finding the right size is key for friction-free miles. Let’s overview how Skechers and New Balance shoes should fit:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Ideal Fit	Snug through the heel/midfoot; roomy toe box	Ranges – precision performance to relaxed recreational
Size	Runs true to size	Runs true to size
Width	Wide and extra wide widths available	Multiple widths like narrow, wide, and extra wide offered
Length	Order standard size	Consider adjusting +/- .5 for desired toe room

The key insight is both brands fit “true” with options for wider feet. However, New Balance grants more flexibility fine tuning precision through the heel/forefoot, and dialing in the ideal toe box room.

Skechers Shape Ups zone in on a secure walking fit to stabilize each stride.

Cushioning Comparison

When it comes to what’s underfoot, Skechers and New Balance take different approaches:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Cushioning	Maximum – highly padded	Ranges from firm stability to ultra-plush
Responsiveness	Low – flat stabilized sole	Ranges from highly responsive to soft cushion
Usage	Moderate pace walking	Full spectrum athletic activities
Heel Drop	Curved 1.25” rocker heel	Options ranging from low (4mm) to high (12mm)

Skechers Shape Ups concentrate cushioning for shock absorption walking and working out while New Balance adapts across athletic activities from racing to recovery.

So New Balance offers greater heel drop variety and targeted cushioning zones suiting biomechanics for motion type.

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Weight Comparison

Depending on the materiality and technologies used, these shoes can differ in carrying and wearing:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Average Weight	11-13 oz	8-13 oz
Heel Height	1.25” curved	Varies by model
Use Intensity	Moderate pace walking	Full spectrum from training to lifestyle wear

Testimonials show the average New Balance shoe weighs slightly less than Skechers Shape Ups, however maximal support or stability models may add ounces.

The key takeaway is Skechers zones in on a very specific comfort walking utility that adds structure while New Balance spans categories from racing flats to medical uniforms.

Style Comparison

While fit and cushioning tech power performance, aesthetics plays a role in choice too. Let’s compare styling between Skechers and New Balance:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Style Profiles	Low-top walking, training sneakers	The range across athletic categories from casual to competitive styles
Typical Color Approaches	Bright accents, player colors, tonal neutrals	Heritage greyscale palettes partnered with modern bright pops
Visual Differences	A chunky curved sole is a defining look	Fresh Foam and TPU stability elements create distinct aesthetic cues
Use Occasions	Activewear, gym sessions, casual wear	Versatile across the gym, trails, and recreational sports up to the podium

Skechers utilizes bolder colors and chunky tech elements styled for lifestyle appeal beyond just the gym. New Balance features sportier profiles leaning into distinct trait cues like the Fresh Foam heel or TPU dedicated stability guides.

So Skechers has more fashion-athleisure crossover, and New Balance trains harder across running and competitive sports.

Price Comparison

Given material and technology differences, typical pricing also comes into play:

Feature	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
MSRP Range	$80 – $120	$65 – $225+
Average Discount Price	$60 – $100	$50 – $150
Frequency of Tech Updates	Gradual evolution	Frequent model launches with innovations based on biomechanics research

Skechers Shape Ups retail around $60-120 full price while New Balance spans from affordable basics around $65 up to $225 for premium performance running equipped with tech like Fuel Cell or HypoSkin.

However, during sales, you can grab either brand for 50%+ off making accessible budget buys!

User Reviews and Ratings

Still, deciding between brands? Here’s verified user feedback on Skechers vs. New Balance real-world performance:

Review Highlights	Skechers Shape Ups	New Balance
Ideal Use Case	Walking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Running ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Training ⭐️⭐️⭐️	Running ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sports ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Walking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Underfoot Feel	“Ultra-cushioned and supportive. Felt rigid at first but broke them in nicely.” – Kim L. “No more heel or arch pain after long shifts on my feet.” – Amanda T.	“Plush Fresh Foam cushioning provides soft landings without losing responsiveness.” – Anne C. “Supportive yet flexible for lateral court movements playing tennis.” – Jordan T.
Durability	“The curved rocker sole tread wore down quickly with daily walking commutes sadly.” – Sara K. “The upper materials show almost no signs of wear.” – Andrea P.	“The Vibram rubber lugs grip well on trails but smooth off over time.” – Patrice D. “The structured heel counter hasn’t lost form even after 300+ miles.” – Julia B.

The core takeaway is Skechers concentrates on reinforced comfort walking while New Balance adapts cushioning and support across athletic activities.

Feedback skews towards durability tradeoffs for NB response as the cost of propulsion technologies balancing soft landings.

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Choosing the Right Brand for You

Hopefully reviewing key performance metrics makes it clearer which footwear brand best matches your priorities:

Choose Skechers Shape Ups for:

👟 Curved rocker walking technology to guide stride

👟 Superior arch and joint support

👟 Maximum shock absorption cushioning

Go With New Balance for:

👟 Athletic versatility from trial to court

👟 Precision tailored fit, width, and sizing

👟 Advanced performance innovations balancing soft landings and propulsion

Now that you know distinguishing factors, let your requirements drive you towards engineered comfort walking from Skechers or athletic excellence across sports with New Balance!

Conclusion

Both Skechers Shape-ups and New Balance offer quality athletic shoe options, but they excel in different areas. Skechers Shape-ups are geared more towards casual wearers looking for help toning muscles and improving posture with their unique unstable sole design.

They provide a decent workout for walking and light activity. Meanwhile, New Balance focuses more on performance technologies for serious athletes who need stability, responsiveness, and durability for sports training and fitness routines.

When choosing between the two brands, it depends most on your priorities and intended uses for the shoes. Skechers Shape-ups serve more recreational walkers and people wanting help with tone and balance.

But committed runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts may gravitate more towards New Balance for advanced comfort, support, and versatility across training. It’s hard to declare one brand the winner – they both have proven strengths for the right customer.

Considering your individual needs and weighing the pros vs cons of instability/stability, style/function, and price is key to determining if Skechers Shape-ups or which type of New Balance shoe is the best choice for you.

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