New Balance's current range offers distinct value across three categories: dedicated running shoes, authentic football merchandise, and Made in USA heritage trainers. The 1906 Running Shoes (£99.99) deliver performance credentials, the Lille Losc Home Elite Jersey (£149.99) is for dedicated fans, the Women's Wsptrb1 Fitness Running Shoe (£92.96) suits budget-conscious runners, and the Made in USA 992 (£140.00) represents New Balance's premium domestic manufacturing. Each serves a clear purpose—none are overlapping dupes.
Why New Balance?
New Balance was founded in 1906 as a Boston-based orthotic arch support manufacturer, then evolved into footwear. The brand specialises in running shoes and athletic wear with a focus on fit breadth (B, D, 2E, 4E widths standard) rather than one-size-fits-all design. They famously manufacture shoes in the USA, China, and Vietnam—the Made in USA models (like the 992) command premium prices because of higher domestic labour costs, typically 15–20% more than equivalent Asian-made pairs. New Balance doesn't chase hype; they retain classic silhouettes for decades, making them reliably iterative rather than trendy.
Top Picks
1906 Running Shoes — £99.99
Best for everyday run training and weekend 5K attempts. These are New Balance's contemporary running platform, engineered with REVlite cushioning (responsive foam) and a 10mm drop (heel-to-toe height difference), suitable for neutral runners up to moderate distances. The price point undercuts most Nike Pegasus equivalents by £15–20.
New Balance Made in USA 992 Sweetcaramel — £140.00
Best for collectors and heritage sneaker enthusiasts. Made in Boston with full suede/mesh construction, the 992 was New Balance's racing shoe in the 1990s. At £140, it's premium for a lifestyle trainer, but domestic manufacturing and decades-long design stability justify it. The Sweetcaramel colourway is subtle beige-tan, harder to find than standard grey.
(Wmns) New Balance Fitness Running 'Grey Black' Wsptrb1 — £92.96
Best for budget-conscious women runners or gym cross-trainers. At £92.96, this is £7 cheaper than the 1906 and targets lower-impact fitness activities (gym cardio, casual jogging). The Wsptrb1 line prioritises comfort cushioning over racing responsiveness—trade-off: heavier than the 1906, better for volume over speed.
Lille Losc Home Elite Jersey — £149.99
Best for Lille fans and football collectors only. This is licensed official kit, not a casual athleisure piece. At £149.99, it's standard pricing for elite club merchandise. Only buy if you support Lille or collect Ligue 1 replica shirts.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | 1906 Running Shoes | £99.99 | Everyday run training | REVlite responsive foam, proven platform | | Made in USA 992 | £140.00 | Heritage collectors | Domestic Boston manufacturing, 30+ year legacy design | | Wsptrb1 Fitness Running | £92.96 | Budget gym cardio | Lowest price, comfort-first cushioning | | Lille Losc Jersey | £149.99 | Lille supporters | Official licensed merchandise only |
What to Look For
- Shoe drop and cushioning type: New Balance uses 10mm drop for most trainers and REVlite or FuelCell foam depending on model. REVlite suits daily running; FuelCell suits racing. The 1906 is REVlite (daily), Wsptrb1 is general comfort foam (gym).
- Width availability: Check if your shoe size comes in D (medium) or 2E (wide) widths. New Balance standard is typically B or D; premium models add 2E and 4E. The 1906 and 992 both offer multiple widths; verify at checkout.
- Made in USA vs. imported: USA models (like 992) cost £20–40 more than equivalent Asian-made pairs but retain resale value and quality consistency. International pairs are fine quality—this is a values choice, not a performance one.
- Colourway durability: Suede (992) stains easier than mesh (1906, Wsptrb1). If you run in wet UK weather regularly, mesh-dominant shoes age better visually.
The Bottom Line
Buy the 1906 Running Shoes at £99.99 if you want reliable, proven daily running performance—they're the strongest all-rounder here. If you prioritise heritage and domestic craftsmanship, the Made in USA 992 at £140 justifies the premium. For budget-conscious gym users, the Wsptrb1 at £92.96 is respectable value. Skip the Lille jersey unless you're a dedicated supporter—it's authentic but niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Balance good value for money compared to Nike or Adidas?
Yes, if fit breadth matters to you. New Balance's width range (B to 4E standard) undercuts competitors on customisation; same-price Nike often comes in one width. For neutral runners in standard widths, Nike Pegasus or Adidas Ultraboost offer similar performance at similar prices. New Balance wins on accessibility, not always on hype.
What's the difference between the 1906 and Wsptrb1 running shoes?
The 1906 is lighter, more responsive, and suited to structured running (training, 5Ks). The Wsptrb1 is heavier, cushion-focused, and better for gym cardio or walking. The 1906 costs £7 more (£99.99 vs £92.96) but performs better for distance running. Choose 1906 if you run outdoors regularly; Wsptrb1 if you're gym-primary.
Why is the Made in USA 992 so much more expensive than the other shoes?
Domestic US manufacturing costs 15–20% more in labour than Asian factories. The 992 is hand-assembled in Boston using premium suede/mesh, whereas the 1906 is made in Vietnam. You're paying for geography and heritage, not purely performance. If price is the priority, the 1906 or Wsptrb1 perform equally well.
Do New Balance shoes fit true to size?
Generally yes, but check width carefully. New Balance runs true to UK size in length but offers multiple widths—many people need to size down in width (e.g., UK 8D instead of 8B). Always try or use their width guide before buying online.
