Both classics: 574 offers sturdier support; 515 brings lighter, softer casual comfort.
You want a shoe that looks good and feels good all day. I’ve worn both the New Balance 574 and New Balance 515 for work, errands, and weekend walks. In this new balance 574 vs 515 comparison, both are excellent, but one favors support while the other favors softness. I tested each for fit, comfort, and value. Here is what I found so you can choose with confidence.
Is New Balance 574 Good?
Yes—especially if you want support and a classic look. The 574 feels stable underfoot and holds its shape well. It handles long days on hard floors better than many lifestyle sneakers. If you like a firmer ride with balanced cushioning and a timeless shape, the 574 is a smart pick.
I wore the 574 during a conference week with lots of standing and fast hallway walks. My feet felt supported and fresh by late afternoon. On a weekend city loop, the grippy outsole and padded collar kept things steady. It is a dependable daily shoe that also dresses up casual outfits.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- ENCAP-style midsole feel: firm rim with cushioned core for support
- Suede/mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Classic 574 silhouette that pairs with most outfits
- Rubber outsole with dependable traction
- Padded collar and tongue for ankle comfort
What I Like
- Stable ride that keeps feet fresh on long days
- Looks great with jeans, chinos, and casual workwear
- Durable build that holds up over time
- Good arch and heel support for daily wear
- Secure fit without hot spots after break-in
What Could Be Better
- A bit heavier than the 515 for all-day walking
- Firmer feel may seem stiff if you want plush softness
- Some colorways can run warmer in hot weather
My Recommendation
Pick the 574 if you want steady support, classic style, and long-term durability. It is widely available and often worth the slightly higher price.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| All-day support | Stable midsole and reliable heel hold |
| Smart-casual outfits | Iconic look that dresses up easy |
| Longevity | Upper and outsole wear well over time |
Is New Balance 515 Good?
It depends on what you want. The 515 is great if you value a lighter, softer, easygoing feel. It is a casual sneaker first. It cushions landings well and feels very relaxed. If you want a plush step-in and a lighter shoe for errands and short walks, the 515 shines.
I used the 515 for weekend grocery runs and a park stroll with my dog. The softer EVA felt gentle on my knees. It is the pair I grab for quick trips and summer days. It breathes well and breaks in fast. If you prefer a laid-back ride over firm support, the 515 delivers.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Lightweight EVA midsole for a softer step
- NB Comfort Insert for instant underfoot plushness
- Breathable mesh panels for warm-weather wear
- Low-profile, easygoing lifestyle look
- Often at a more budget-friendly price point
What I Like
- Very comfortable right out of the box
- Lighter feel that reduces foot fatigue on short trips
- Good airflow for summer and indoors
- Casual styling that fits everyday outfits
- Great value if you want comfort on a budget
What Could Be Better
- Less structure and stability than the 574
- Cushion may compress faster with heavy use
- Not ideal for long standing days or fast-paced walks
My Recommendation
Choose the 515 if you want a light, soft, easy daily sneaker at a good price.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Casual comfort | Soft EVA and plush insert |
| Warm days | Breathable mesh panels |
| Budget buyers | Often costs less than the 574 |
new balance 574 vs 515: Side-by-Side Test
I wore both pairs back-to-back for a week to test comfort, support, and value. Below is how the new balance 574 vs 515 compares where it matters most. These are my real-world results.
Cushioning and Support: Which Feels Better All Day?
Both cushion well. The 574 adds structure. The 515 leans soft and relaxed.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole feel | Balanced, supportive | Softer, more relaxed |
| Arch/heel hold | Secure and stable | Moderate, flexible |
| All-day standing | Very good | Decent for short days |
| Shock absorption | Consistent and firm | Plush on first step |
Ratings: 574 – 9/10 | 515 – 8/10
“Edge: 574, thanks to its stable, supportive platform that lasts all day.”
Fit and Sizing: Which Fits More Feet?
Expect a classic fit on the 574 and a slightly easier break-in on the 515.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit profile | Standard, secure | Standard with soft wrap |
| Break-in time | Short | Very short |
| Toe room | Good for most | Good, but softer upper |
| True to size | Yes for most | Yes; some may size up if wide |
Ratings: 574 – 8.5/10 | 515 – 8.5/10
“Tie: both fit well; 515 breaks in faster, 574 feels more secure.”
Upper Materials and Build Quality
Both use suede/mesh blends on many colorways, with different structure.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper structure | More supportive panels | Softer and more flexible |
| Padding | Plush collar and tongue | Light to moderate padding |
| Durability | High for daily use | Good for casual wear |
| Breathability | Moderate | Good airflow |
Ratings: 574 – 9/10 | 515 – 8/10
“Edge: 574, for sturdier build and longer-lasting shape.”
Weight and All-Day Comfort
The 515 feels lighter; the 574 feels more planted and supportive.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived weight | Moderate | Lighter |
| Fatigue over time | Low due to support | Low at first, rises on long days |
| Walking comfort | Steady and stable | Soft and breezy |
| Break-in comfort | Quick | Immediate |
Ratings: 574 – 8.5/10 | 515 – 8/10
“Edge: 574 for long days; 515 for short, light wear.”
Traction and Stability
Outsoles are grippy; the 574 adds more stability for uneven sidewalks.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole grip | Reliable on pavement | Reliable on pavement |
| Lateral stability | Higher | Moderate |
| Heel security | Locked-in feel | Comfortable, less structured |
| Confidence on slopes | Very good | Good |
Ratings: 574 – 9/10 | 515 – 8/10
“Edge: 574, with a steadier platform and heel hold.”
Style Versatility
Both look great. The 574 reads “heritage classic.” The 515 reads “sport-casual.”
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| With jeans/chinos | Excellent | Excellent |
| Work-casual settings | Very good | Good |
| Streetwear looks | Strong | Strong |
| Colorway range | Wide | Wide |
Ratings: 574 – 9/10 | 515 – 8.5/10
“Edge: 574, slightly more versatile for smart-casual outfits.”
Price and Value
The 515 often costs less; the 574 offers higher long-term value.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Moderate | Lower |
| Cost-per-wear | Excellent | Good |
| Durability return | High | Moderate |
| Sale frequency | Regular | Regular |
Ratings: 574 – 8.5/10 | 515 – 9/10
“Edge: 515 on upfront price; 574 on long-term value.”
Breathability and Warm-Weather Use
Both breathe, with the 515 feeling airier in hot months.
| Aspect | New Balance 574 | New Balance 515 |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | Moderate | Good |
| Summer comfort | Good | Very good |
| Sockless feel | Fair | Good |
| Moisture control | Solid | Solid |
Ratings: 574 – 8/10 | 515 – 8.5/10
“Edge: 515, slightly cooler for warm days and quick trips.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The new balance 574 vs 515 comes down to support versus softness. Choose the 574 if you want a classic look with better stability, stronger structure, and great cost-per-wear for busy, long days.
Pick the 515 if you want a lighter, softer, easygoing sneaker at a lower price. It is perfect for casual outings, warm weather, and quick errands.
FAQs Of new balance 574 vs 515
What is the main difference in the new balance 574 vs 515?
The 574 is more supportive and structured. The 515 is softer and lighter. The 574 suits long days. The 515 suits casual, short wear.
Which is better for walking all day: new balance 574 vs 515?
The 574. It has a steadier platform and better heel hold. It stays comfortable longer.
Which runs more comfortable out of the box in the new balance 574 vs 515?
The 515. It feels plush right away. The 574 breaks in quickly but feels firmer.
Is the 515 cheaper than the 574 in the new balance 574 vs 515?
Often, yes. The 515 usually starts at a lower price. The 574 returns more value over time.
For style versatility, who wins in the new balance 574 vs 515?
The 574 by a small margin. It fits smart-casual looks well while staying classic.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
