It seems like every day you hear about a trendy new sneaker brand. But there’s something to be said about the companies that have been a staple in runners’ and walkers’ closets for years, if not decades. And few have stood the test of time as well as New Balance and Brooks.
Both have an over 100-year-long history, with New Balance being founded in 1906 and Brooks in 1914. So they’ve each had plenty of time to get really good at the thing that they’re both known best for: Sneakers. And they’ve definitely done that.
As someone who regularly writes about sneakers, both brands have routinely come up in my conversations with podiatrists and in chats with other runners, and some of Brooks’ and New Balance’s shoes have become staples in my own sneaker rotation.
So how do they compare? I tried two popular shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 and the Brooks Ghost Max 3, to see how they stack up.
How I tested
I have been wearing both the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 and the Brooks Ghost Max 3 for more than a month (the New Balance sneakers have been in my rotation for nearly a year).
I recently ran the Chicago Marathon and during my training, I averaged over 30 miles a week, spread out over multiple runs. I am also an avid walker who spends much of my free time roaming New York City on foot. So in the time that I've had both sneakers, I have worn them for some of these long and short training runs, walks and gym sessions.
Best everyday sneaker:
The New Balance 1080s have been a staple in my closet for over two years now and I've tried multiple iterations. I've recommended the shoes to countless people and even gifted a pair to my sister, who agreed that they were as good as I had made them out to be.
With the 1080s, the brand does a really good job of mixing comfortable cushioning with a lightweight feel. It weighs in at just 8.3 ounces, which is more than an entire ounce lighter than the Brooks and is also less than many of the comparable everyday trainers that I've tried from other top brands. That means steps don't feel clunky — in fact, with their cushioned padding underfoot, they feel perfectly bouncy and plush. Plus, the rocker makes takeoffs and transitions feel smooth and natural.
Because they're lightweight, they work really well for walks, runs and cross-training. I can just as comfortably run seven miles in them as I can walk more than 20,000 steps (and I have done both while wearing them). The upper is soft and breathable, so my feet don't get overheated when I'm going those long distances either.
It's a neutral shoe, meaning that it blends cushioning and stability features and is best for those with neutral arches. It has some structure in the middle, so you don't feel like you're totally sinking into the shoe with each step, but it's enough cushioning to keep my feet feeling comfortable.
As someone with low arches, it doesn't do much to help with my overpronation, but I find that more stability-focused shoes tend to be too rigid and not cushioned enough to prevent flare-ups with some recurring foot pain I have (these ones do), so this is a great in-between option.
The toe box on these isn't the roomiest, though, and it does run slightly small, so sometimes my toes can feel a bit crowded. It's a problem that's easily solved by ordering a half size up.
Best for added stability:
I tend to prefer New Balance’s shoes over Brooks, because the latter brand doesn’t have quite as many shoes with maximum cushioning. These, however, are one of the major exceptions.
The Ghost Max sneakers are one of the most cushioned shoes in the brand’s lineup, making them super comfortable for everyday walks and runs.
The shoes are designed to be neutral sneakers, meaning that they don’t have any additional stabilizing features that will help with things like overpronation or supination. Still, for a neutral shoe, they do feel pretty stable, thanks to the wide base of the shoe
I also appreciate how there’s plenty of room in the shoe. The toe box is wide and the upper is soft and stretchy, so you never feel like your feet are being smushed in. (Some people have even said that the shoe runs slightly large overall, but I found my typical size, a women’s 8, to fit well.)
While there is plenty of cushioning in the Ghost Max 3s, you shouldn’t expect to get that sink-in, soft feel that other max cushioned shoes have. These are said to feature a blend of both soft and dynamic cushioning that helps to absorb shock and keep your feet protected, but still provides some structure under your feet.
I like them best for walks or easy runs, as I tend to prefer something softer and bouncier when I’m on my feet for long periods of time and I find them a little too heavy for running long distances.
Much like the New Balance sneakers, these also have a rocker shape, which helps with natural transitions as you move from your heel to your toe with every step.
Best overall: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Sneaker
If it hasn't been clear up to this point, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 was at a bit of a disadvantage, given my long-standing history with the New Balance 1080 sneakers. But the Brooks' shoes impressed me overall, especially with their stability features (and the previous version, the Ghost Max 3, won out over another one of my favorites, the Hoka Clifton 10s).
However, I've long said that the New Balance 1080s are one of the best all-around shoes out there and I don't think I'll be changing my mind about that anytime soon. They work equally well for walks as they do for runs, and I can log seven-plus miles in them without any pain or flare-ups from my existing injuries.
I always like to note that the best shoe for you will depend on your feet and your individual needs, but either option can be a great choice for walks or runs, as they provide comfortable cushioning and support.
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Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY. She has over a decade of experience in digital media — with nearly half of that time being focused on the health and wellness space. She has interviewed dozens of podiatrists and other experts for her coverage around sneaker trends, foot health and top shoe brands. At Shop TODAY, she covers a range of topics, from wellness products to expert-approved beauty trends.
She is a runner and has previously run the TCS New York City Marathon and multiple half marathons in the city. She is currently training for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.
