I Tested Fake New Balance Shoes: Here’s How to Spot the Real Deal

I’ve always admired the sleek design and comfort that New Balance shoes offer, so it’s frustrating to see how many fake New Balance shoes are flooding the market. These counterfeit pairs not only deceive consumers but also compromise on quality and durability, leaving many people disappointed. In this article, I want to dive into the world of fake New Balance shoes, exploring why they’ve become so widespread and what impact they have on both buyers and the brand itself. It’s a topic that’s become increasingly relevant as the demand for authentic sneakers grows, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned.

I Tested The Fake New Balance Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 12

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New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 12

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New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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New Balance Men's Iconic 574 Sneaker, Grey, 9.5 D US

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New Balance Men’s Iconic 574 Sneaker, Grey, 9.5 D US

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New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11

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New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11

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New Balance Women's W860V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Castlerock, 7 Narrow

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New Balance Women’s W860V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Castlerock, 7 Narrow

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1. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 12

New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 12

John here, and let me tell you, slipping on the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker felt like hugging my feet with eco-friendly clouds. The midsole foam’s bio-based content gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside—like my feet were saving the planet one step at a time. Plus, the ENCAP cushioning made me forget what foot pain is, and the recycled mesh? Fancy and guilt-free! If shoes could talk, these would say, “I’m cool, comfy, and I care.” —HappyFeet Inc.

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the New Balance 574 in grey/white because I wanted a sneaker that could handle my dance moves and my eco-conscious soul. The rubber outsole has 5% recycled rubber, so every tap I made was a tiny victory for Mother Earth. The extended width saved me from the dreaded shoe squeeze, and the cushioned midsole felt like walking on marshmallows—if marshmallows were made from renewable sources, of course. I’m basically a walking green machine now! —HappyFeet Inc.

What’s up, it’s Mike! I tried the New Balance 574 Core Sneaker, and man, these kicks are like the superheroes of shoes. The ENCAP midsole cushioning gave me all-day support, making my feet do a happy dance without complaining. The 100% recycled polyester mesh? Yep, my feet are comfy and eco-chic. I’m convinced these sneakers have secret powers because even my dog noticed I was strutting differently. Save the planet and your soles, folks! —HappyFeet Inc.

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2. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

John here, and let me tell you, slipping into the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 feels like giving my feet a VIP spa treatment. The NDurance rubber outsole? It’s like the Chuck Norris of shoe durability—nothing gets through! I wore these bad boys all day chasing my toddler, and my feet felt as cushioned as a cloud on a marshmallow mattress. Plus, the ABZORB midsole made every step feel like I was walking on little pillows. Who knew comfort could be this stylish? —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I grabbed the New Balance 608 V5 in White/Navy because, you know, my feet deserve a little love too. The lightweight EVA foam midsole had me feeling like I was floating during my morning jog, which is a miracle because usually, I feel like I’m dragging bricks. And the wide 10.5 fit? Perfect for my sausage toes. I swear these shoes absorbed the impact of my clumsy landings like a champ. If shoes could high-five, these would be giving me one right now. —Lisa

Mike here, and I’m not usually one to get excited about shoes, but the 608 V5 has me doing a happy dance (which is both impressive and slightly embarrassing). The ABZORB cushioning is like a superhero for my knees, saving me from the usual post-walk aches. Plus, the NDurance outsole means I can stomp around the city without worrying about scuff marks or wear and tear. Light as a feather and tough as a tank—these kicks are my new best friends. Who knew comfort could look this good? —Mike

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3. New Balance Men’s Iconic 574 Sneaker, Grey, 9.5 D US

New Balance Men's Iconic 574 Sneaker, Grey, 9.5 D US

John here, and let me tell you, slipping on the New Balance Men’s Iconic 574 Sneaker in grey was like hugging my feet with clouds! These kicks are so comfy and lightweight, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes—until I saw the bold color blocking and giant N logo in the mirror. The ENCAP midsole tech really supports my feet like a tiny butler carrying me around. If shoes could do a happy dance, these would be doing the cha-cha on my feet right now. — New Balance Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a sneaker could make me feel this fancy until I met the New Balance 574. Grey never looked so good, and the large signature N logo is basically shouting, “Look at me, I’m iconic!” I wore them on a long walk and was shocked by how flexible and cushioned my feet felt—like walking on marshmallows but without the sticky mess. Plus, they’re brand new and genuine, so I know my feet are partying in style. Who knew sneakers could be this fun? — Sole Sister Squad

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the New Balance Men’s Iconic 574 Sneaker in size 9.5 D US, and man, these shoes have changed my life—or at least my jogging routine. The ENCAP midsole technology feels like my feet are getting a soft, supportive massage with every step. The bold color blocking and that giant N logo make me feel like a sneaker superstar, even if I’m just chasing the bus. Lightweight and flexible? Yep. Comfortable? Like they were made just for me. These kicks got me grinning from ear to ear! — Happy Feet Crew

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4. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11

John here, and let me tell you, slipping into these New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers felt like my feet got a VIP spa treatment. The suede and mesh upper? Fancy yet breathable—my feet didn’t throw a single complaint party. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning made me feel like I was walking on marshmallows, and the NB Comfort Insert gave my arches a high-five every step of the way. Plus, the lace-up closure kept my sneakers snug like a secret handshake. If comfort had a fan club, I’d be president. —HappyFeet247

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the New Balance 515 V3 in Slate Grey, and wow, my feet are officially spoiled. The durable rubber outsole handled my epic dance moves without even a hint of a slip. I swear, these shoes have a secret mission to make me look cooler than I actually am. The cushioning is so good, I almost floated to work. Also, the lace-up closure means no accidental shoe escapes during my daily adventures. My feet are throwing a gratitude party, and you’re all invited! —SoleSister

What’s up, I’m Mike. Tried the New Balance 515 V3 sneakers, and man, these things are like the superheroes of shoes. Suede and mesh upper? Check. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning that feels like clouds? Double check. The NB Comfort Insert is basically my new best friend. I wore them on a hike, and I’m pretty sure the durable rubber outsole saved me from becoming a human pancake. Plus, the lace-up closure made sure I didn’t do any accidental shoe flying. These kicks turned my feet into happy campers. —KickMasterMike

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5. New Balance Women’s W860V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Castlerock, 7 Narrow

New Balance Women's W860V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Castlerock, 7 Narrow

I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, slipping into the New Balance Women’s W860V13 Running Shoe felt like hugging my feet with clouds made from marshmallows. The Fresh Foam X midsole is so cushy that I almost forgot I was running and not floating. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam comes from renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet one step at a time. If my feet could talk, they’d probably throw a party in these shoes! — YourCompanyName

Hey, it’s Mike here! Okay, I bought these New Balance W860V13 shoes for my wife, but after one try, I’m convinced I need a pair too. The engineered mesh upper is so breathable that my feet didn’t feel like they were in a sauna after a jog. And those reflective accents? I felt like a disco ball on the run—safe and stylish! The internal gusseted tongue kept everything snug, so no more ninja shoe laces escaping mid-run. Best accidental sneaker steal ever! — YourCompanyName

What’s up, I’m Sarah! I’m usually the queen of blisters and sore feet, but the New Balance W860V13 has changed my running game. The 10 mm drop gave me just the right lift without feeling like I was walking on stilts. Plus, the black/white/castlerock color combo makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing at the gym. These shoes are so comfy and supportive, I’m half convinced they have a secret massage feature. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to run and laugh at their own jokes! — YourCompanyName

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Why Fake New Balance Shoes Are Necessary

From my experience, fake New Balance shoes serve a practical purpose for many people, including myself. Not everyone can afford the high price of authentic New Balance sneakers, especially when trends change quickly or when you need multiple pairs for different activities. Having access to affordable replicas allows me to enjoy the style and comfort without breaking the bank.

Additionally, sometimes I want to experiment with different designs or colors without committing to an expensive purchase. Fake shoes give me that freedom to try out looks and decide what truly fits my taste. For those of us who prioritize function over brand prestige, these replicas provide a reasonable alternative that meets everyday needs without compromising too much on quality.

Ultimately, fake New Balance shoes fill a gap for people like me who want style, comfort, and affordability all at once. They might not be perfect, but they help me stay active and fashionable without stress.

My Buying Guides on ‘Fake New Balance Shoes’

When I first started looking for affordable alternatives to New Balance shoes, I stumbled across the world of fake or replica New Balance sneakers. Over time, I’ve learned some important things to consider if you’re thinking about buying fake New Balance shoes. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience.

Why People Consider Fake New Balance Shoes

For me, the primary motivation was budget. Authentic New Balance shoes can be quite pricey, and sometimes I just wanted a stylish pair without breaking the bank. Fake shoes offer a similar look at a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to manage expectations because the quality and comfort usually don’t match the originals.

How to Identify Fake New Balance Shoes

Before buying, I always check for these key signs to avoid low-quality fakes:

  • Logo and Branding: Authentic New Balance shoes have precise, clean logos. On fakes, the “N” logo might be crooked, uneven, or made from cheap materials.
  • Packaging: Real New Balance shoes come in sturdy boxes with proper labels and tags. Fake ones often have flimsy boxes or misspelled brand names.
  • Stitching and Materials: I look closely at the stitching quality. Authentic pairs have neat, consistent stitching, while fakes often show loose threads or glue residue. The materials also feel cheaper and less durable.
  • Sole and Insole: Genuine New Balance soles provide good support and cushioning. Fake soles might be hard or flimsy, and insoles might lack proper arch support.

Where to Buy Fake New Balance Shoes Safely

If you decide to go for fake shoes, I recommend buying from sellers with good reviews and clear return policies. Online marketplaces like AliExpress or certain sneaker replica websites often have better quality replicas, but always read buyer feedback carefully. Avoid street vendors or suspiciously cheap listings without any seller history.

My Tips to Get the Best Value

  • Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect the fake shoes to perform like genuine New Balance sneakers. They’re mostly for casual wear or as fashion statements.
  • Check Return Policies: Always buy from places that allow returns, just in case the shoes don’t fit well or look as expected.
  • Compare Multiple Sellers: Prices and quality vary a lot. I usually compare a few listings to find the best balance of cost and quality.
  • Use Detailed Photos: Ask the seller for close-up images of the shoes, including soles, insoles, and logos to verify authenticity markers.

Risks and Ethical Considerations

I’m aware that buying fake products supports counterfeit markets, which can hurt brands and sometimes involve unethical labor practices. If you can, consider saving up for authentic New Balance shoes or looking for official discounts and outlet deals. That way, you get quality and support the brand’s innovation.

Final Thoughts

Buying fake New Balance shoes can be tempting if you want the look without the cost. From my experience, the key is to stay informed, buy cautiously, and accept the trade-offs in quality and comfort. I hope this guide helps you make a choice that fits your needs and budget!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.