Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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ASICS and New Balance are among the best tennis shoe brands for nurses and other professionals. Their advanced features make it difficult to set them apart.
However, the two brands have clear differences. This is why you need to understand the debate around New Balance vs ASICS for nurses and their critical differences.
Shoes play an important role in determining your health and comfort.
With the many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out which pair will benefit your on-the-job performance.
Nurses need shoes that can support them while they attend to their duties, especially when they are on their feet all day.
New Balance and ASICS shoes are an ideal choice for nurses.
They are on top of style trends and offer comfortable footwear that can stand up to long shifts on your feet.
In addition to that, they are useful when you are commuting. This article highlights more about these two brands and the differences between them.
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New Balance vs ASICS for Nurses: Main Differences
There may be many similarities between these two shoe brands, but they also have several glaring differences. These differences range from design to materials and many other factors.
ASICS shoes
ASICS are high-performance shoes, most commonly worn by athletes and other professionals who do mind comfort, safety, and other factors.
What makes these shoes special is that they are designed to provide optimal support and comfort even in the toughest of conditions.
The reason they’re leading in the market is that they have a wide range of products and models, so anyone can find something suitable according to their preference and needs.
They have specialized ranges like women’s sports footwear which makes them very popular among female nurses. These shoes are also made using advanced technologies.
Some of these technologies include:
- GEL Cushioning System
- TRUSSTIC System Technology (TST)
- Guidance Line (GL)
- FluidRide (FR)
- SpEVA Midsole Material
These advanced technologies help to improve performance and reduce stress on muscles and joints during work.
Furthermore, ASICS shoes will still feel comfortable, even after long hours of intense activity.
The rubber soles with deep grooves ensure that you have maximum traction even when running or walking on slippery surfaces.
The high-quality material used by ASICS makes their shoes highly flexible so that you can move easily without being hindered by your shoe. ASICS is also known for its durability.
New Balance shoes
New Balance has built a reputation for making high-quality shoes for a variety of needs and with a wide range of styles.
Also, they have been voted one of America’s best shoe brands six years in a row, so it’s no surprise their shoes are constantly in demand by everyone from athletes to civilians.
The majority of New Balance shoes are made using mesh or leather, which makes them lightweight and breathable while still maintaining durability.
Their commitment to comfort extends into their design.
New Balance puts a lot of emphasis on foot health when designing new models, ensuring there’s plenty of room for your toes and arches while also keeping you stable as you walk or run.
In addition to being comfortable, New Balance shoes are fashionable. That is why hundreds of options are available in dozens of colors and patterns.
They range from casual wear like sneakers and boots to dressier options including oxfords and heels.
ASICS vs New Balance for Nurses: Features

Both the makers of ASICS and New Balance shoes focus on specific features, which set them apart. Here are some of the most notable variations in these features.
Durability
Both shoes excel in durability, but here’s how they differ: The rubber sole on ASICS shoes is nearly indestructible; however, it is stiffer than a comparable sole on New Balance shoes.
The upper fabric on ASICS shoes is durable as well. It can become easily damaged over time due to stiff seams.
According to ASICS, you should replace your shoes after 300-400 miles.
New Balance shoes have more flexibility with their soles and uppers, making them more comfortable overall.
However, these materials aren’t as durable as those found on ASICS products.
These shoes are to be replaced after 300-500 miles.
Breathability
The main difference between ASICS and New Balance’s breathability is that one shoe has mesh material throughout while another has mesh material only in key areas.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus, for example, uses a mesh upper with vents along with its side panels for maximum airflow.
Another important aspect of breathability is how much moisture gets trapped inside your shoes.
Sweat buildup can cause blisters and other foot issues, so keeping your feet dry during a run is crucial.
See also: Best Shoes for Nurses With Bunions
This is where both brands excel.
Their top models include breathable uppers made from high-quality materials that let air flow through them easily without letting sweat seep through.
Fit
ASICS shoes are known for their snug fit, and it all starts with an upper that hugs your foot.
The shoe uppers have a layer of memory foam that feels like you’re wearing a sock.
This soft material conforms to your foot shape and reduces foot pain from heel slippage.
See also: Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
Most high-end ASICS shoes also come with top-notch cushioning to reduce the impact on feet and joints during walking or running activities.
However, keep in mind that they do run small sometimes.
If you’re not sure what size to get, go one size up. You can always return them if they don’t fit correctly.
Unlike most footwear, many pairs come with anatomical arch support, designed to wrap around your arch like a supportive brace.
It provides extra comfort and helps avoid ankle injuries because it minimizes pronation (the inward rolling motion of your ankles).
Another key feature is heel grip. It consists of textured rubber in strategic places on each shoe designed to keep heels stable throughout movements.
On the other hand, a New Balance shoe is designed to maximize fit and support for a specific type of foot.
Based on various consumer details, you can choose from a range of shoes, including for women, men, or children, which will fit right off the shelf.
Cushioning
Another major difference between ASICS and New Balance shoes is in their cushioning.
New Balance shoes provide excellent cushioning thanks to their proprietary technology, REVlite. ASICS, on the other hand, uses Gel-Pulse technology in some shoes.
While both types are quite effective at providing shock absorption and comfort to runners, New Balance shoes are firmer than ASICS.
This can make a big difference when you’re on your feet all day.
Since New Balance shoes are firmer, they offer more support, particularly for people with flat feet or who pronate excessively.
See also: Best Shoes for Nurses With Flat Feet
They can also reduce pain and fatigue caused by long hours spent standing or walking.
On the other hand, since ASICS use GEL instead of foam or air pockets for padding, they may not feel as soft or comfortable as some might like.
New Balance also provides shoes with extra features such as anti-microbial linings, heat-resistant soles, and padded collars designed to protect against friction while making it easier to slip into your shoe.
Stability
Stabilicore is a midsole technology used in New Balance shoes to provide high levels of support.
The foundation of Stabilicore is derived from its patent-pending design that builds stability into multiple planes.
This foundation improves overall torsional stability as well as side-to-side stability by adding additional layers underfoot.
The result is a more stable shoe that better supports foot function and reduces pronation.
ASICS uses two different types of foam: EVA foam and GEL cushioning. Both are designed to improve stability, but for different reasons.
The GEL cushioning provides shock absorption, while the EVA foam helps control motion during running.
When you combine these two materials with a TPU layer, you get a shoe that is more stable than one without it.
Every component on New Balance shoes is re-designed to save weight while keeping strength. Thus, the shoe feels less weighty regardless of how long you wear it.
That is how you maintain stability even when walking or running on uneven surfaces.
For nurses, this is good news because they often find themselves working in situations that require maximum stability on their feet.
See also: Best Shoes for Nursing Students
Pricing
One thing that will make you happy when talking about New Balance vs ASICS for nurses is that there is no big difference in their prices.
However, New Balance shoes are slightly cheaper than ASICS.
The most popular brands are priced higher.
See also: On Cloud vs Brooks for Nurses
Conclusion: New Balance vs ASICS for Walking
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing new shoes, especially when your day-to-day work as a nurse requires comfort, durability, and support.
The debate about New Balance vs ASICS for nurses will certainly continue.
Ultimately, it’s up to you as an individual with unique preferences to decide which shoe brand provides you with more value for your dollar.
You may also want to buy both types to wear on different occasions.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Related articles of ours:
- Best New Balance Shoes for Nurses
- Best ASICS for Nurses
- HOKA vs Brooks for Nurses
- On Cloud vs Allbirds for Nurses
- Brooks vs ASICS for Nurses
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