Skechers vs New Balance: Worth the Premium in India? (2026)
If you're shopping for a premium sneaker in India, you'll likely come across two very different options: Skechers and New Balance. Skechers is everywhere, aggressively discounted, and marketed for comfort. New Balance sits quietly at the top, rarely goes on sale, but has a cult following among sneakerheads.
So is New Balance actually worth paying double or even triple the price of a Skechers? We track prices daily across major platforms. Here's the real answer based on price, durability, and what you actually get for your money.
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The Quick Verdict
Skechers wins on value. New Balance wins on quality.
If you want comfortable shoes for walking and casual wear, Skechers gives you 80% of the premium experience at 30% of the price. If you want a sneaker that lasts 3+ years, holds its shape, and looks classic, New Balance justifies the premium.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Skechers | New Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Best For | Walking, casual comfort | Running, styling, durability |
| Materials | Mesh, synthetic | Leather, suede, premium mesh |
| Durability | 12–18 months | 2–4 years |
| Discount Frequency | Very high (up to 75%) | Low (rarely below 15%) |
| Style | Functional, sporty | Timeless, retro |
| Resale Value | Low | High (for limited drops) |
Round 1: Price — Skechers Wins by a Mile
There's no contest here. Skechers discounts aggressively. You can find the Skechers Equalizer 5.0 for ₹1,609 (from ₹6,499), and the Modern Cool for ₹1,679. It's common to find Skechers at 50–75% off across Amazon and Flipkart.
New Balance almost never discounts that much. The New Balance 410 usually sells for around ₹3,675, and the premium BB550 sits at ₹7,983. Even the cheaper 373 is ₹4,525.
Winner: Skechers. It's not even close on price.
Round 2: Durability — New Balance Wins
This is where New Balance earns its price. A New Balance 550 or 574 made with leather and suede will hold up for 3–4 years of regular wear. The shape stays intact, the sole doesn't flatten, and the materials age gracefully.
Skechers sneakers are built for comfort but not longevity. The memory foam flattens after about a year, and the mesh upper tends to wear through if you're hard on your shoes.
Winner: New Balance. Better long-term investment.
Round 3: Comfort — Tie
This one is genuinely close, but it depends on what you want.
Skechers is unbeatable for instant comfort. Their memory foam insoles feel like walking on clouds from day one. If you have a job where you stand all day, Skechers is a lifesaver.
New Balance is better for athletic comfort. Their firmer soles provide better support for running, and they're designed for people who are actually moving, not just standing.
Winner: Tie. Skechers for standing, New Balance for moving.
Round 4: Style — New Balance Wins
New Balance is having a cultural moment. The 550, 574, and 9060 have become fashion staples, worn by celebrities, featured in streetwear lookbooks, and paired with everything from suits to sweatpants. It's a status sneaker without being flashy.
Skechers, despite big improvements in recent years, still struggles with a slightly "uncool" reputation. Their designs are functional but not fashionable.
Winner: New Balance. It's the more stylish choice right now.
Our Top Picks
Top Skechers Picks
- Skechers Equalizer 5.0 — ₹1,609 · Best value overall
- Skechers Modern Cool — ₹1,679 · Best for all-day comfort
- Skechers Summits Brisbane — ₹2,060 · Best for running
Top New Balance Picks
- New Balance 410 — ₹3,675 · Best entry-level NB
- New Balance 373 — ₹4,525 · Best everyday retro sneaker
- New Balance BB550 — ₹7,983 · Best premium investment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Balance better than Skechers?
For durability and style, yes. New Balance uses better materials and lasts longer. For pure comfort and value, Skechers is better, especially if you catch a sale.
Why is New Balance so expensive in India?
New Balance positions itself as a premium, performance-focused brand. Their materials (leather, suede, premium foams) cost more, and they deliberately limit discounts to maintain brand value.
Is Skechers good for running?
Skechers makes decent running shoes, but they're not as performance-focused as New Balance. For casual jogging or walking, Skechers is fine. For serious running, New Balance is better.
Which is more comfortable, Skechers or New Balance?
Skechers is generally more comfortable for standing all day due to its memory foam insoles. New Balance is better for athletic comfort and running due to its firmer, more supportive soles.
Bottom Line
There's no universal winner. Buy Skechers if you want maximum comfort for minimum money, especially for standing jobs or casual walking. Buy New Balance if you want a sneaker that lasts years, looks timeless, and performs well for actual running.
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