New Balance vs Asics
New Balance
American athletic footwear brand emphasizing comfort, stability, and domestic manufacturing.
Daily runners, speed trainers, racers, versatile athletes
Asics
Japanese multinational athletic footwear company specializing in gel-cushioned shoes for multiple sports.
Marathon trainers, long-distance runners, comfort-prioritizers, injury prevention
Short Answer
New Balance excels in lightweight cushioning and speed training with shoes like the 1080v15, while Asics focuses on maximum plush comfort and shock absorption with GEL technology. Choose New Balance for daily versatility and racing, Asics for maximum cushioning and long-distance comfort.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedNew Balance dominates for runners seeking lightweight, responsive daily trainers and speed work with the proven 1080v15 platform. Asics prevails for ultramarathoners and comfort-first runners who prioritize maximum shock absorption through GEL technology. Both are excellent 2026 choices depending on your running goals and preferences.
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Choose New Balance if
Daily runners, speed trainers, racers, versatile athletes
Choose Asics if
Marathon trainers, long-distance runners, comfort-prioritizers, injury prevention
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | New Balance | Asics | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (Men's Size 10)(oz) | 1080v15: 9.8 | Nimbus 280: 11.2 | -12% |
| Stack Height(mm) | 1080v15: 29mm | Nimbus 280: 33mm | -12% |
| Energy Return(percentage) | Fresh Foam X: 88% | GEL: 75% | +17% |
| Durability Rating(miles) | 300-400 miles | 400-500 miles | -22% |
| 2025 Annual Sales Growth Rate(%) | +19% | — | — |
| Flagship Shoe Retail Price(USD) | $145 (NB 1080v15) | — | — |
| Men's Flagship Shoe Weight(oz) | 9.6 oz (NB 1080v15) | — | — |
| Maximum Midsole Stack Height (Heel)(mm) | 38-40mm (standard range) | — | — |
| Average Shoe Price(USD) | $120 | — | — |
| US Manufacturing Percentage(%) | 25% | — | — |
| Number of Shoe Models (Annual)(models) | 240 | — | — |
| Average Shoe Weight(grams) | 9.2 | — | — |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 12 | — | — |
| Number of Shoe Models (2026)(models) | 200+ | 200+ | — |
| Market Share (Global Running)(%) | 8.2% | 8.2% | — |
| Average Shoe Weight (Men's Running)(oz) | 9.8 | 9.8 | — |
| Midsole Stack Height (Road Racing)(mm) | 12.5 | 12.5 | — |
| Width Options Available(widths) | 3-4 | 3-4 | — |
| Sustainability Recycled Content Target(%) | 35% | 35% | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Jun 2026.
Key Differences
New Balance
Fresh Foam X - balanced, responsive cushioning
Asics
GEL Technology - maximum shock absorption🏆
New Balance
Lightweight (1080v15 under 10oz)🏆
Asics
Medium-Heavy (Nimbus 280 optimized for comfort)
New Balance
Daily runs, speed work, racing
Asics
Marathon training, long-distance comfort
New Balance
Plush sock-like, minimal🏆
Asics
Structured, protective
New Balance
Made in USA premium collections, 1300+ models
Asics
Japanese engineering, GEL innovation since 1990s
New Balance
Premium ($130-160)
Asics
Premium ($140-170)
New Balance
High bounce-back, energetic🏆
Asics
Moderate, absorption-focused
New Balance
Moderate stack, nimble feel
Asics
Higher stack, maximum cushioning🏆
Full Comparison
| Attribute |  New Balance |  Asics |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Men's Size 10)(oz) | 1080v15: 9.8 | Nimbus 280: 11.2 |
| Energy Return(percentage) | Fresh Foam X: 88% | GEL: 75% |
| Average Shoe Weight(grams) | 9.2 | — |
| Average Shoe Weight (Men's Running)(oz) | 9.8 | — |
| Midsole Stack Height (Road Racing)(mm) | 12.5 | — |
| Cushioning Level | Balanced/Responsive | Maximum Plush |
| Stack Height(mm) | 1080v15: 29mm | Nimbus 280: 33mm |
| Best Distance | 5K-Half Marathon | Marathon+ |
| Durability Rating(miles) | 300-400 miles | 400-500 miles |
| Price Range (2026)($) | $130-160 | $140-170 |
| Ground Feel | Responsive, Connected | Isolated, Cushioned |
| 2025 Annual Sales Growth Rate(%) | +19% | — |
| Flagship Shoe Retail Price(USD) | $145 (NB 1080v15) | — |
| Average Shoe Price(USD) | $120 | — |
| Average Price Point(relative) | $125 | — |
| Men's Flagship Shoe Weight(oz) | 9.6 oz (NB 1080v15) | — |
| Maximum Midsole Stack Height (Heel)(mm) | 38-40mm (standard range) | — |
| Global Market Share(%) | 4.8 | — |
| Annual Revenue(billions USD) | $5.9B | — |
| US Manufacturing Percentage(%) | 25% | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking) | 4.3 | — |
| Number of Shoe Models (Annual)(models) | 240 | — |
| Number of Shoe Models (2026)(models) | 200+ | — |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 12 | — |
| Market Share (Global Running)(%) | 8.2% | — |
| Cushioning Technology Generation | Gel Quantum (4th gen) | — |
| Width Options Available(widths) | 3-4 | — |
| Sustainability Recycled Content Target(%) | 35% | — |
New BalanceAsicsVisual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
New Balance
Pros
- Lightweight construction ideal for speed training
- Versatile for daily runs and racing
- Responsive Fresh Foam X cushioning
- Made in USA premium collections available
- Excellent bounce-back characteristics
- Wide range of specialty models (trail, racing, training)
Cons
- Less maximum cushioning than Asics
- Premium pricing
- Narrower toe box on some models
Asics
Pros
- Maximum shock absorption with GEL technology
- Excellent for marathon and long-distance training
- Proven Japanese engineering heritage
- Comfortable for high-mileage weeks
- Higher stack height provides protection
- Reliable durability and injury prevention
Cons
- Heavier than New Balance equivalents
- Less responsive feel for speed work
- Premium pricing tier
- May feel over-cushioned for tempo runs
Frequently Asked Questions
Asics Nimbus 280 is superior for marathons due to maximum GEL cushioning and higher stack height, protecting joints during 20+ mile runs. New Balance 1080v15 works for half-marathons but may lack the comfort cushioning needed for full marathons.
Resources & Learn More
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