From chunky dad shoes to streamlined runners, Adidas has plenty of sneakers that look like New Balance. Here are some of the best options for both men and women.
Adidas Retropy E5 (New Balance 327)
The New Balance 327 has been dominating the lifestyle sneaker scene since 2020, so it’s only right for Adidas to come up with a similar version dubbed the Retropy E5.
I love the Adidas Retropy E5 because it combines vintage and modern. It adopts the retro-inspired look from the 70s but is fitted with the Boost cushioning that Adidas is known for.
Like the New Balance 327, the Adidas Retropy E5 features a nylon base while buttery smooth suede panels grace the heel, lacing system, and toe box.
Replacing the “N” logo is the thick serrated “Three Stripes” that glide across the lateral and medial side panels, which reminds me a lot of sneakers such as the Samba and the Superstar.
Compared to the New Balance 327, I think this particular shoe is much more comfortable because of the substantial amount of cushioning courtesy of Boost technology.
That said, the Adidas Retropy is slightly more expensive than the NB 327. The former costs $130 while the latter retails for $100. Your best bet is to find the best deal on Amazon.
Adidas Treziod 2 (New Balance 574)
When you think of New Balance, you’re probably imagining the 574.
The humble, widely-available 574 is still the sneaker most people associate with the New Balance brand, mainly because of its timeless design and affordable price (less than $100).
A similar shoe from Adidas that resembles the New Balance 574 is the Treziod 2. You may not have heard of it, but it’s actually a reliable and versatile runner for daily activities.
Taking inspiration from running sneaker silhouettes of the 1980s Adidas’ archive, the shoe is fitted with mixed materials on the upper and rich design details, resulting in a classic look.
For less of a dad shoe and more of a middle-ground sneaker, the Adidas Treziod 2 is great. It’s low-key, easy to wear, and comes in muted colors that are perfect for casual wear.
Adidas Originals ZX 700 (New Balance 574)
Another Adidas shoe that looks like the New Balance 574 is the Adidas Originals ZX 700. This particular shoe is incredibly comfortable, and there was zero “breaking in” period.
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it to be comfortable, but compared to the New Balance 574 that needs some time to get used to, this Adidas shoe feels amazing right out of the box.
However, I do think the insoles were made by a different company that Adidas contracts since they had a different manufacturer’s tag but had the Adidas logo stamped on them.
It’s not really a big deal, just an observation.
In terms of design, it’s got that retro-classic trainer look that doesn’t go out of style and people associate it with the New Balance 574 shoe, yet it looks slightly more modern.
The only difference I noticed is the heel loops located at the back of the shoe. New Balance 574 doesn’t have a heel loop but this Adidas shoe has a heel loop to help you slip into the sneaker.
Adidas Originals Dragon (New Balance 620)
The New Balance 620 wouldn’t be the first sneaker you’d think about when you hear the word “New Balance” but it’s actually a decent-looking trainer to wear as daily beaters.
Yes, I actually own a pair. It was given to me by my older cousin when he graduated from college. Although it wasn’t my favorite shoe, it’s still good enough for dirty work.
So when I was doing research for this article, I immediately remembered the Adidas Originals Dragon because it reminds me a lot of the slim profile of the New Balance 620.
Although I love the retro sporty look, there are a couple of areas that could be improved.
The thin tongue allows the shoe to keep that sleek profile but doesn’t provide much cushion. After a few hours of wear, if the laces are on the tighter side, the front of my ankles starts to hurt.
The second downer drove me nuts all day today. The ripsaw-style soles while looking great are obnoxiously loud when wet on tiles. I do still love these sneakers though.
It’s a great alternative to the New Balance 620.
Adidas Forum Low (New Balance 550)
The 550 has been one of the most hyped New Balances in recent years, and it definitely reminds me a lot of the Adidas Forum Low. Both sneakers look similar to one another.
The difference between the two, however, is that the Adidas Forum Low has a velcro strap. The strap keeps the foot comfortably tucked in, which is a trademark of the Adidas Forum kicks.
Both sneakers from Adidas and New Balance adopt a retro basketball style.
The padded ankles lean into the silhouettes of 1980s sneakers without compromising on the cushioned feel that made the sneakers of the past such a success.
Read also: New Balance 550 alternatives
Adidas Iniki (New Balance 327)
The Adidas Iniki is another sneaker that looks a lot like the New Balance 327. It’s a versatile “Saturday shoe” or something you can wear as your go-to for weekend activities.
I think the Iniki is a great compliment to the more classic New Balance 327, as it offers a similar, albeit skinnier, silhouette with a more subtle outer sole.
In place of the dramatic tread and oversized N is the iconic Adidas Three Stripes.
You can wear it to work, wear it on the weekends, or wear it on vacation. It works every time. The 1970s wedge shape is made all the more retro with three stripes on the sides.
Adidas Response CL (New Balance 990)
The Response CL shoe is Adidas’ version of the chunky dad sneaker known as the New Balance 990, featuring a rugged look with a soft, lightweight midsole.
According to Adidas, this particular model has a “built-up structure” that was inspired by trail runners. It has a textile upper with suede overlays and lace closure.
I actually like the classic look, which is a nod to the Y2K aesthetic fashion that is popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This shoe goes really well with a pair of baggy jeans.
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