You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what asics vs new balance podiatrist means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
ASICS vs New Balance: Podiatrist Comparison
Quick answer: Both brands have strengths. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM compares features that matter for foot health.
Cushioning & Stability
Cushion stack height, midsole density, heel-toe drop, and stability features all matter for foot health.
Best Use Cases
Each brand has shoes optimized for specific foot types and activities. Your foot type, gait, and activity level should drive the choice.
Schedule a Gait Eval
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for plantar fasciitis?
The shoe with more cushioning and a stronger rocker typically wins for plantar fasciitis. See full comparison for our specific verdict.
Which lasts longer?
Both options typically last 300-500 miles for runners or 9-12 months for daily walkers. Material durability varies; check our detailed comparison.
Which is better for flat feet?
Flat feet need stability or motion control. The neutral option is not ideal unless paired with a custom orthotic.
APMA: Running Shoe Brand Comparison
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is the difference between ASICS and New Balance running shoes?
ASICS and New Balance both produce high-quality, well-engineered running shoes with different strengths: ASICS is known for its Gel cushioning technology (silicone gel in heel and forefoot), precise engineering, and consistent fit across their model lines — particularly popular with runners who want reliable performance year after year; New Balance is known for its wide-width availability (4E widths in many models), Fresh Foam cushioning, and a wider last overall that suits wider or higher-volume feet better than most competitors. Both brands are frequently recommended by podiatrists.
Which is better for wide feet — ASICS or New Balance?
New Balance is definitively better for wide feet. NB consistently offers their most popular models (1080, 860, 990) in widths from 2A (narrow) through 4E (extra wide) and 6E in some models — unmatched in the industry. ASICS offers some wide (2E) widths in select models but has a generally narrower last and fewer width options overall. For patients with Morton's neuroma, bunions, hammertoes, or simply wide feet, New Balance is often the only major brand that fits without painful forefoot compression. Having the right width is more important than brand loyalty.
Which is better for overpronation — ASICS or New Balance?
Both brands produce excellent stability shoes for overpronation: ASICS Kayano and GT-2000 series feature their DUOMAX technology (dual-density midsole) with a medial post to control pronation — among the most popular stability shoes in podiatric practice; New Balance 860 and 860v13 also feature a medial post and are slightly wider, making them better for flat-footed patients who also need width. ASICS Kayano has a slight edge in stability engineering and is more frequently prescribed by podiatrists for moderate-to-severe overpronation; New Balance 860 is preferred when width is the primary concern alongside stability.
Are ASICS or New Balance better for standing all day?
For prolonged standing, both brands offer excellent options: ASICS GT-2000 and Kayano provide superior arch support for standing workers with overpronation; New Balance 990 series (made in the USA) is highly recommended for standing workers with wider feet or those needing extra heel cushioning; the New Balance 608 (chunky, extremely cushioned) is a popular choice for comfort-focused standing footwear. For healthcare workers specifically, the ASICS Gel-Quantum (non-slip sole) and New Balance slip-resistant models address both foot health and workplace safety requirements.
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