Quick answer: New Balance and Brooks both make excellent supportive shoes but differ: Brooks emphasizes smooth, guided cushioning (Ghost, Adrenaline) for plantar fasciitis and overpronation, while New Balance offers wider widths and plush models (1080, 880) for roomy comfort. Choose Brooks for guided stability, New Balance for fit and cushioning.
New Balance vs Brooks — both are top podiatrist-recommended brands, but they fit different feet. New Balance is wider through the midfoot; Brooks runs slightly narrower with more aggressive arch support.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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You’ve come to the right podiatry team. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what New Balance vs Brooks means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Flat feet · Overpronation
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New Balance vs Brooks: Podiatrist Shoe Brand Comparison
Quick Answer
Both brands offer excellent options for foot health, but with different strengths. Brooks dominates for running and walking support — their GuideRails stability system is unmatched. New Balance wins for width variety and industrial/work footwear — their EEEE width options and work boot line are exceptional for wide feet and those who need OSHA-compliant footwear. For pure biomechanical support in athletic shoes, Brooks edges ahead.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The pick from each brand, head-to-head — New Balance 880v14 (plush neutral) vs Brooks Ghost 16 (smooth neutral). Both verified in stock:
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.
- Neutral cushioning – for runners who do not require additional stability
- Breathable synthetic and mesh upper
- Structured and supportive upper design
- 8 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 16 offers a refined 3D Fit Print to create a more seamless, secure fit. This Brooks Ghost 16 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 16 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 15.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: The Ghost 16 offers neutral support while providing soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight comfort. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad promotes an easy flow from landing to toe-off to provide distraction- free cushioning under your feet with every stride.
- BREATHABLE UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper blends stretch and structure with just-right breathability to keep you comfortable.
- ROADTACK RUBBER OUTSOLE: New, do-it-all rubber compound includes recycled silica and is designed to be durable, lightweight, and rebound.
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Feature | New Balance | Brooks
Best For | Wide feet / work shoes / variety | Running & walking support
Width Options | AAAA to EEEE | B to 2E (W to XW)
Work Shoes | Excellent industrial line | Limited work options
Stability Tech | ABZORB, Fresh Foam | GuideRails, DNA Midsole
Price Range | $-$$$ | $$-$$$
New Balance — Full Review
New Balance has manufactured shoes in the United States for over a century, and their commitment to width sizing makes them uniquely valuable for patients with wider feet, bunions, hammertoes, or swollen extremities. Unlike most brands that offer only standard and wide, New Balance carries widths from AAAA (extra narrow) to EEEE (extra extra wide).
Their Fresh Foam and ABZORB cushioning technologies provide excellent comfort for everyday wear. The 990 series, made in the USA, is a podiatrist favorite for its durable support and classic fit. For diabetic patients who need extra depth shoes, New Balance offers Medicare-eligible options through their Therapeutics line.
Pros: Unmatched width variety, excellent work/industrial options, Made in USA available, good value.
Cons: Stability technology not as advanced as Brooks, inconsistent sizing across models, fewer podiatrist-specific stability options.
[AFFILIATE LINK — New Balance shoes]
Brooks — Full Review
Brooks Running focuses exclusively on running and walking footwear, and that specialization shows in their biomechanical engineering. Their GuideRails technology and DNA midsole systems are specifically designed to manage gait mechanics and reduce injury risk — a priority for patients with plantar fasciitis, IT band issues, or knee pain caused by overpronation.
Pair Brooks with podiatrist-recommended orthotics for optimal results. Their neutral shoes (Ghost, Glycerin) have removable insoles that accommodate custom devices perfectly. See our shoe fit guide for specific model recommendations by condition.
Pros: Superior stability technology, purpose-built for running and walking, consistent sizing, excellent podiatrist partnerships.
Cons: Limited width options, no work/industrial line, higher price point.
[AFFILIATE LINK — Brooks shoes]
Our Podiatrists’ Recommendation
Choose New Balance if you need wide widths, work shoes, or are shopping on a budget. Choose Brooks if biomechanical support and gait correction are your primary needs. Many of our patients own both — New Balance for work and Brooks for exercise.
Quick Comparison Questions
Q: Which is better for wide feet?
New Balance — they offer the widest range of width options of any major brand.
Q: Which is better for plantar fasciitis?
Brooks, specifically the GTS or Adrenaline with GuideRails support, combined with a good orthotic.
Q: Are New Balance shoes good for diabetics?
Yes — their Therapeutics line offers extra depth and Medicare-eligible options specifically for diabetic patients.
Schedule Your Podiatrist Appointment
Not sure which option is right for your feet? Our board-certified podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the best products for your needs.
Call us: (810) 206-1402 | Schedule Online
Browse all our podiatrist-recommended products or visit our product shop.
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Shop These Shoes on Amazon
Both shoes are available on Amazon with free Prime shipping. Our podiatrists recommend either option depending on your foot type and gait:
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
New Balance 990v5
Brooks Ghost 16
Not sure which is right for your foot type? See our Podiatrist-Recommended Products Guide or get custom orthotics fitted at our office.
Dr. Tom’s Clinic-Recommended Products
The OTC orthotic I recommend most in our clinic. Medical-grade arch support at a fraction of custom orthotic cost. Holds shape 12+ months.
Natural topical pain relief — arnica + menthol + magnesium. What I use in our clinic. No greasy residue. FSA-eligible. Plant-based.
As an Amazon Associate and Foundation Wellness affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Get a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Our podiatrists can analyze your gait and foot type to recommend the perfect shoe. Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,200+ Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions: New Balance vs Brooks Running Shoes
More podiatrist shoe comparisons
Want a third option in the mix? Read the Hoka vs Brooks vs New Balance three-way comparison. Brooks runners may also like Saucony Triumph vs Brooks Glycerin, and cushion shoppers our Nike vs HOKA verdict.
Brand is the least important variable
New Balance and Brooks both build excellent shoes; the fit and the category matter far more than the logo. If you keep changing brands and the pain follows you, the foot itself is what needs looking at. Balance Foot & Ankle sees patients at Howell in Livingston County and Bloomfield Township in Oakland County. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
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
Is New Balance or Brooks better for running?
Both New Balance and Brooks make excellent running shoes, but they suit different needs. Brooks specializes exclusively in running shoes with a strong lineup for overpronation (Adrenaline GTS) and neutral running (Ghost, Glycerin). New Balance offers a broader range including lifestyle, stability, and motion control models. For plantar fasciitis, both are podiatrist-recommended — shoe type matters more than brand.
Which is better for plantar fasciitis — New Balance or Brooks?
Brooks Adrenaline GTS and New Balance 860 are equally top-rated for plantar fasciitis with overpronation. For neutral plantar fasciitis, Brooks Glycerin and New Balance 1080 are both podiatrist favorites. The best choice depends on your foot shape — New Balance excels for wide feet (available in 2E/4E), while Brooks offers a more consistent fit for standard widths.
Do New Balance or Brooks shoes last longer?
Both New Balance and Brooks shoes typically last 300–500 miles of running, or 6–12 months of daily walking use. Durability is similar between brands at comparable price points. Brooks Adrenaline models use durable BioMoGo DNA foam; New Balance Fresh Foam models also hold up well. Replace either brand when the midsole shows visible compression or foot pain returns.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.