Reebok and New Balance are two heritage athletic brands that have followed very different paths. One is experiencing a streetwear renaissance after ownership changes; the other has become the most fashionable “dad shoe” brand in the world. Here’s how they compare.
The Short Answer
New Balance is the superior brand in 2025 — better running shoes, stronger fashion relevance, USA-made options, and consistently climbing cultural cachet. Reebok is the value play — classic silhouettes (Club C, Classic Leather) at lower prices, but the brand is rebuilding after being sold by Adidas. New Balance for quality and fashion; Reebok for affordable classics.
Full Comparison
| Feature | Reebok | New Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 (Bolton, England) | 1906 (Boston, USA) |
| Owner | Authentic Brands Group (since 2022) | Independent (family-influenced) |
| Price Range | $50–$150 | $60–$275 |
| Iconic Models | Club C 85, Classic Leather, Question | 990, 550, 2002R, 574 |
| Fashion Status (2025) | Moderate (Club C is timeless) | Very high (990 is fashion icon) |
| Running Tech | Floatride (good but limited lineup) | Fresh Foam, FuelCell (extensive) |
| USA/UK Made | No longer | Yes (990 series USA, selected UK) |
| Width Options | Standard, some Wide | Narrow to XX Wide |
| CrossFit/Training | Nano (former CrossFit default) | Minimus (good but less known) |
Quality
New Balance offers genuinely superior quality, especially in their Made in USA (990 series) and Made in UK lines. Premium suede, pigskin, and ENCAP/Fresh Foam technology justify higher prices. Even their standard Asian-made lines (574, 327) use quality materials with good construction.
Reebok delivers solid quality for the price — the Club C 85 and Classic Leather are well-made, comfortable shoes. However, since Authentic Brands Group acquired Reebok, the focus has shifted to licensing and volume rather than innovation. Quality hasn’t declined dramatically, but investment in new technology has slowed.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose Reebok if: You want clean, affordable classics (Club C, Classic Leather under $80). You need CrossFit/training shoes (Nano series). You want simple, minimalist sneakers without hype pricing. Budget is your priority.
Choose New Balance if: You want premium quality and fashion relevance. You need extensive width options for non-standard feet. You want USA/UK-made options. You value running technology and performance engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Reebok now?
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired Reebok from Adidas in 2022 for $2.5 billion. ABG is a brand management company that licenses brands rather than operating them directly. This means Reebok products are now made by various licensees, which has changed the brand’s direction from performance innovation to heritage licensing.
Are Reebok Club C good shoes?
The Reebok Club C 85 is one of the best minimalist white sneakers under $80. Clean leather upper, comfortable cushioning, and a timeless tennis shoe silhouette. It’s been a wardrobe staple for decades and competes well with shoes costing 2–3x more.
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