New Balance 373 vs 515 vs 520 vs 530 vs 411: Which One Should You Buy?
New Balance does not name its trainers, it numbers them, and that makes shopping a bit like reading a phone book. Which is better, a 373 or a 515? What actually separates a 520 from a 530? Here is a plain-English guide to the five models we list the most, so you can pick the one that suits how you want to look and feel, and not overpay for it.
A very short history
New Balance was founded in Boston, USA, in 1906, and spent most of its life making serious running and sports footwear. Its numbered models became a language of their own: a model number tells you roughly when and why a shoe was designed. The 530, for example, launched in 1992 as a performance running trainer, with a mesh upper, synthetic overlays, “N” branding on the sides and ABZORB cushioning. It was brought back from the archive in 2024 and has become a popular “dad shoe” style trainer.
The five models, side by side
New Balance 373 — the everyday retro
The 373 is a low-profile, retro-style trainer that works with almost anything. It comes in lots of colours, including greys, beiges, blues and greens, and sits in the middle of the price range. If you want one pair of New Balance to wear with jeans, chinos and shorts, this is the safe bet.
New Balance 515 — clean and simple
The 515 is a straightforward, understated trainer, often in grey, black, white and navy. It tends to look a little slimmer than the 530 and a little more grown-up than a typical runner. Expect it to sit at the higher end of what we list for New Balance, often with no discount, because plain colours sell steadily.
New Balance 520 — runner styling
The 520 is classed by retailers as a running-style trainer, and it looks the part with a lightweight, sporty upper. It is a good fit if you want something sportier than the 373 or 515 without moving into chunky territory. It often appears in black, blue and white, frequently on offer.
New Balance 530 — the 90s runner everyone wants
This is the one that gets the compliments. Mesh and overlay panels, the big “N” on the side and a cushioned sole give it a proper 90s running look, and silver and white colourways are the classics. It often costs a little more than the others, so if you find a discount in your size, it is worth acting on.
New Balance 411 — the budget runner
The 411 is a budget-friendly running-style shoe, and it is usually the cheapest model we list, typically from the low-to-mid £40s. It is lightweight and simple, a good choice for the gym, walking or just a pair for the weekend.
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Look | Typical UK price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 373 | Everyday wear | Retro, low-profile | About £45–£66 |
| 515 | Smart-casual outfits | Clean, understated | About £56–£62 |
| 520 | Sporty, light use | Runner-style | About £56–£66 |
| 530 | Making a statement | 90s running | Often a little higher |
| 411 | Budget, gym, walking | Simple runner | From the low £40s |
*Typical prices at the time of writing; check the live listing for the current price.
Sizing and fit
New Balance is known for offering different width fittings on some models, but lifestyle versions are often sold in one standard width, so check the retailer’s page. If you have wide feet, read reviews for the exact model, and look at the “sizes in stock” list on our product pages before you get attached to a particular pair.
How to wear them
- Greys and neutrals go with almost everything and hide dirt well.
- White and silver pair well with straight jeans, cropped trousers and shorts.
- Colour pops (green, blue) work best when the rest of your outfit is plain.
Do New Balance numbers mean anything?
Sort of. The numbers started life as internal model names, and they do not follow a neat “higher means better” ladder. The 530 launched in 1992, while other well-known models such as the 574 came in 1988 and the 990 in 1982, so the best way to think about the digits is simply as names. What matters is the look, the weight and the price, and the sections above cover those.
Which New Balance for which job?
- Everyday and office-casual: 373 or 515 in grey, black or navy.
- The gym or a light jog: 411 or 520, which have the runner-style construction.
- Walking and travel: any of the lightweight runners, 411 or 520, are the easiest to pack and wear all day.
- Standing out: the 530 in silver and white.
If you plan to run seriously, a dedicated running shoe from a specialist range will serve you better than a lifestyle model. The ones we list are best thought of as everyday trainers with a sporty look.
Which colour should you choose?
Grey is the signature New Balance colour for a reason: it goes with almost everything, and it hides scuffs and dirt better than white. Navy (“marine” on many listings) and black are equally easy to wear. White and silver look sharp but need more cleaning. Greens, browns and blues are good second pairs: they add colour without clashing, particularly with jeans and neutral clothes.
How to tell a good New Balance deal
Official prices for the models above mostly sit between about £47 and £66. Discounts in the 10–30% range are common, and the best prices usually turn up on less popular colours. A few practical tips:
- Compare the same model and colour: the 373 comes in many shades and prices vary between them.
- Be wary of paying full price for a plain colour that is discounted in another shade.
- Check the sizes in stock on each product page before you fall for a pair.
Looking after them
The mesh and suede-style panels on many New Balance trainers collect dirt, so brush them with a soft brush regularly and wipe marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not put them in a washing machine, which can damage the glue and the cushioning. Let them dry naturally and rotate between two pairs if you wear them daily, which helps the cushioning recover and makes the shoes last.
Frequently asked questions
Are New Balance trainers comfortable all day?
Many people find them so, as the brand focuses on cushioning, but comfort depends on the specific model and your foot, so check reviews.
Which New Balance is best for walking?
The 411 and 520 are lightweight and runner-style, which suits walking. The 373 and 515 are fine for casual walking too.
Why are some New Balance listings the same price?
When the shoes are the same model sold by the same retailer, prices tend to match. The big differences usually come from colour: less popular shades are often marked down first.
Browse all New Balance trainers →
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