Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 Neutral Running Shoe - vs New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running

Price Comparison

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 Neutral Running Shoe is priced at $84.93, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is more budget-friendly at $59.99. This makes the New Balance model about 29% cheaper than the Brooks shoe. If you're looking for a more economical choice without compromising on quality, the New Balance could be the way to go. However, the Brooks shoe offers premium features that may justify its higher price for serious runners seeking performance.

Design and Aesthetics

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 features a stylish combination of white, black, and tan, designed to appeal to those who value both functionality and aesthetics in their running gear. In contrast, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 comes in a sleek black, castlerock, and metallic rose color scheme, offering a modern and attractive look. While both shoes provide visual appeal, the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding color and design elements.

Comfort and Cushioning

When it comes to comfort, the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 excels with its lightweight DNA midsole cushioning, aimed at reducing underfoot pressure for a more enjoyable running experience. Its updated engineered air mesh upper enhances breathability and comfort, making it ideal for longer runs. On the other hand, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 features fresh foam cushioning that provides responsive comfort over extended distances. Both shoes focus on comfort but deliver it through different technologies, catering to a variety of runners' needs.

Fit and Feel

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 is designed with a comfort heel fit that aims for optimal plushness, making it suitable for extended wear. The shoe's segmented crash pad adapts to your foot's landing, promoting smooth transitions during runs. Meanwhile, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 boasts a lightweight design weighing just over 200 grams, ensuring you won't feel weighed down during your runs. Both shoes aim for a snug fit, but the Brooks may cater better to those looking for more heel comfort.

Breathability and Temperature Control

Breathability is a strong point for both models. The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 features an engineered air mesh upper that provides excellent airflow and comfort. New Balance's model also emphasizes breathability, with its mesh construction designed to keep your feet cool and dry during workouts. While both shoes prioritize ventilation, the Brooks may have a slight edge due to its specific focus on comfort and breathability combined with cushioning.

Traction and Durability

In terms of traction, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 is equipped with a durable rubber outsole that offers reliable grip across various running surfaces. The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 also features a rubber outsole, but specific traction details are not mentioned. Both shoes aim to provide durability, but the explicit mention of the New Balance's reliable traction makes it a potentially better option for runners who frequently encounter varying terrain.

Performance and Running Experience

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 is marketed as a great introduction to performance running, combining cushioning and breathability for an efficient experience. Its segmented crash pad is specifically designed for smooth transitions, which is crucial for performance runners. Conversely, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 is designed for comfort and casual running, making it suitable for both training and everyday wear. If you're aiming for serious running performance, the Brooks may be the better choice, while the New Balance serves well for versatile use.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 and the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Brooks shoe, priced at $84.93, is ideal for runners seeking performance features and comfort, with a bestseller rank of 3377. However, if you're looking for a more economical option without sacrificing quality, the New Balance model at $59.99 offers great value and versatility, ranking even slightly higher at 3173. Consider what aspects are most important to you: performance versus price, or comfort versus versatility, to make the best choice for your running journey.