New Balance vs. Loro Piana: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

New Balance focuses on performance, comfort, and accessible style, making high-quality athletic and casual sneakers for everyday wear, while Loro Piana operates in the highest tier of the luxury market, specializing in ultra-rare textiles and timeless Italian craftsmanship. The contrast is stark: New Balance offers durable, well-made footwear in the $80-$200 range, whereas Loro Piana offers investment pieces made from materials like vicuña and cashmere that often cost several thousand dollars.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your lifestyle and budget.

New Balance: The Leader in Comfort & Performance

New Balance is an American athletic brand that has built a loyal following by prioritizing comfort, fit, and build quality. Known for classic sneaker silhouettes like the iconic 990 series, the brand appeals to a wide audience - from dedicated athletes to fashion-forward consumers who value both performance technology and timeless design. They are the clear choice for anyone seeking a reliable, everyday shoe that delivers consistent support without a luxury price tag.

• Product mix: Primarily high-performance running shoes, versatile lifestyle sneakers, and athletic apparel. Signature models include the 574, 990, and Fresh Foam series.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. Most popular sneakers fall between $80 and $200, representing a strong balance of quality and value.
• Quality: Known for durable construction using high-quality suede, mesh, and leather. Signature cushioning technologies like ENCAP and Fresh Foam provide excellent support and shock absorption for all-day comfort.
• Fit & Sizing: A key strength. New Balance offers a broad range of sizes and is one of the few brands that consistently offers wide (2E) and narrow (B) fit options, making them a go-to for those with specific fit needs. It generally runs true to size.
• Sustainability: The brand is implementing sustainability initiatives by incorporating recycled materials into their products and working towards increased supply chain transparency.

New Balance provides exceptional value for anyone looking for durable, comfortable, and versatile footwear designed for motion and everyday life.

Shop New Balance: newbalance.com

Loro Piana: The Pinnacle of Italian Luxury Textiles

Loro Piana is an Italian luxury house synonymous with understated elegance and the world's absolute finest natural materials. Since 1924, the brand has specialized in sourcing and crafting products from rare fibers like vicuña, baby cashmere, and merino wool. Loro Piana appeals to a discerning customer who values quiet luxury, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless design over overt branding or fleeting trends.

• Product mix: Luxurious clothing and accessories, including cashmere sweaters, finely tailored coats, scarves, and understated leather goods. Their sneakers, like the famous "Open Walk," use the same premium materials found in their ready-to-wear lines.
• Price point: Ultra-luxury. Expect prices to be in the thousands, not hundreds. A cashmere sweater typically starts around $2,000, while coats can easily exceed $10,000.
• Quality & Materials: Unmatched in the industry. Loro Piana's commitment to sourcing the planet's rarest and softest fibers is its primary differentiator. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with immaculate hand-finishing and attention to detail.
• Fit & Sizing: Follows standard European sizing. Garments are tailored for a refined and sophisticated silhouette that is elegant without being restrictive.
• Sustainability: Rooted in the ethical and responsible sourcing of their noble fibers. The brand heavily invests in traceability and works directly with suppliers to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care.

Loro Piana is an investment in unparalleled quality and refined style for those who demand the absolute best in materials and subtle sophistication.

Shop Loro Piana: loropiana.com

New Balance vs. Loro Piana Comparison

Price Comparison

There is no contest here, the brands operate in entirely different financial worlds. A pair of premium New Balance sneakers might cost $200, which positions them at the high end of the athletic market but firmly within an accessible range for most shoppers.

In contrast, Loro Piana's products start where New Balance's end and escalate quickly. Their iconic loafers and sneakers often retail for over $1,000, while their cashmere outerwear can cost as much as a new car. Sales events at New Balance are common, especially during seasonal changes, while Loro Piana rarely, if ever, offers discounts to maintain its exclusive positioning.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality goods, but their definitions of quality are fundamentally different. New Balance's quality is defined by performance and longevity. Their shoes use robust leather, breathable mesh, and high-impact foam designed to withstand daily wear and athletic use while providing maximum comfort and support day-in and day-out.

Loro Piana's quality is defined by the absolute pinnacle of luxury materials. The difference is tactile, the softness of their baby cashmere or the featherlight warmth of vicuña is something that cannot be replicated with standard materials. Their quality is about the sensory experience, the drape of the fabric, and the expert craftsmanship that makes a garment last for decades.

Style & Aesthetic

New Balance embodies a sporty, versatile, and casual aesthetic. Their sneakers have become a staple in athleisure and streetwear scenes, easily paired with jeans, joggers, or even casual trousers. While their designs are classic, many models feature bold colorways and collaborations that tap into current trends.

Loro Piana is the epitome of "quiet luxury." Their aesthetic is minimalist, timeless, and completely unbranded. With a color palette focused on neutral, sophisticated tones like beige, grey, and navy, their pieces are designed to be elegant wardrobe foundations that are never out of style. It suggests wealth without needing a logo to prove it.

Fit & Sizing

Reflecting its athletic roots, New Balance offers a highly practical and inclusive approach to sizing. They are renowned for providing multiple width options, from narrow to extra-wide, ensuring a precise fit for different foot shapes. This focus on anatomical correctness is a key part of their comfort promise.

Loro Piana provides standard European sizing tailored for a refined look. The clean fit is neither overly tight nor billowy. Precision is essential in their tailored garments, and fit is part of the overall luxury equation, ensuring garments hang perfectly.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with New Balance is straightforward and convenient. Their website is easy to navigate with detailed sizing information, and their products are widely available online and in retail stores worldwide. The experience is designed for ease and accessibility.

The Loro Piana shopping experience is rooted in luxury service. Boutiques are elegantly appointed, with attentive staff offering a personalized consultation. The online experience is equally refined, matching the brand's sophisticated identity. The process is exclusive, high-touch, and tailored for a luxury clientele.

Which One Should You Choose?

These two brands serve completely different purposes and customers. Choosing between them comes down to your personal priorities: everyday function or ultimate luxury investment.

Choose New Balance if:

• You need reliable and exceptionally comfortable shoes for daily wear, walking, or running.
• You want a durable, long-lasting product without a luxury price tag.
• You have specific fit needs, such as wider or narrower feet.
• Your style is casual, sporty, and leans towards athleisure or streetwear.

Choose Loro Piana if:

• You are investing in heirloom-quality pieces crafted from the world's most luxurious materials.
• Your style is understated, minimalist, and you prioritize "quiet luxury" over branding.
• You value impeccable Italian craftsmanship and classic, timeless designs.
• Budget is not a primary factor in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Balance or Loro Piana cheaper?

New Balance is exponentially cheaper. You could purchase dozens of pairs of New Balance sneakers for the price of a single Loro Piana sweater. They are not in the same price category in any way.

Which brand has better quality?

It depends on your definition. For performance durability, cushioning technology, and holding up to active use, New Balance has excellent quality. For raw materials, textile rarity, softness, and fine craftsmanship, Loro Piana has arguably the best quality in the world. Both make high-quality products for their distinct purposes.

What is New Balance famous for?

New Balance is famous for its classic running sneakers, particularly models like the 990 that are made in the USA or UK. The brand is also known for superior comfort, support, and offering multiple width options for a customized fit.

What is Loro Piana famous for?

Loro Piana is famous for its mastery of ultra-rare, noble fibers. They are the world's leading processor of cashmere and the primary buyer of vicuña, a fiber so fine and rare it was once reserved for Incan royalty. Their name is synonymous with the highest-end textiles.

Does Loro Piana ever go on sale?

Sales at Loro Piana are virtually nonexistent. The brand maintains its luxury positioning by avoiding discounts, ensuring their products retain their value and exclusivity.

How do New Balance shoes fit?

Most New Balance models fit true to size. Their most significant advantage is the availability of different width options (like Standard, Wide, and Narrow), which allows wearers to find a near-perfect fit.

Is Loro Piana considered "quiet luxury"?

Yes, Loro Piana is one of the definitive quiet luxury brands. Their focus is entirely on material and craftsmanship, with almost no visible logos or overt branding. It is appreciated by those who recognize quality at an arm's length, without a label.

Can Loro Piana be worn for athletic activities?

No. While they offer luxurious sneakers and leisurewear, Loro Piana's products are delicate fashion items made from precious materials. They are absolutely not designed for running, hiking, or any fitness activities, which is the specific purpose of a brand like New Balance.