Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 Neutral Running Shoe - vs New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe

Design and Aesthetics

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 has a striking design with a combination of white, black, and tan hues, while the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 offers a sleek and modern aesthetic. The Brooks shoe features a synthetic mesh upper that balances stretch and structure, enhancing breathability and comfort. In contrast, the New Balance shoe boasts a breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, promoting ventilation during runs. Both designs cater to style and functionality, but the Brooks has a more vibrant color scheme, making it a standout option for those who appreciate a bold look while running.

Comfort and Fit

When comparing comfort, the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 excels with its lightweight DNA midsole cushioning, designed to reduce underfoot pressure for an effortless run. The shoe also features a comfort heel fit for prolonged wear. Conversely, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 emphasizes an ultra-cushioned ride with its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which is engineered for a lightweight feel. While both shoes prioritize comfort, the Brooks offers a more tailored fit, specifically designed for smooth transitions and effective cushioning during runs.

Performance Features

Performance is a significant consideration for runners, and the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 includes advanced features like a Segmented Crash Pad that adapts to foot landings, enhancing efficiency. This shoe is marketed as an excellent introduction to performance running, making it suitable for both novice and experienced runners. The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9, while also focused on performance, centers around its precision-engineered cushioning and integrated rubber outsole, providing underfoot comfort. The Brooks shoe's dedicated performance features make it more appealing for those looking to maximize their running experience.

Breathability

Breathability is crucial for maintaining comfort during runs, and both shoes deliver on this front. The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 utilizes an updated engineered air mesh upper that enhances airflow and comfort, making it a great choice for warmer weather. On the other hand, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 features a breathable premium upper as well, designed to keep feet cool and dry. While both models excel in breathability, the Brooks offers a slightly more advanced mesh technology, which may result in better ventilation during intense runs.

Weight and Agility

Weight can significantly affect a runner's agility and performance, and here, the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 shines with its lightweight design aimed at minimizing fatigue. This shoe is engineered for a streamlined running experience, making it ideal for those seeking speed and agility. The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 also prioritizes a lightweight feel, but its cushioning may add a bit of extra weight compared to the Brooks. Therefore, if agility is your primary concern, the Brooks may be the better option for a faster, more responsive run.

Pricing

In terms of pricing, the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 is currently listed at $84.93, while the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 is available for $72.24. This makes the Brooks about 17% more expensive than the New Balance option. If budget is a key consideration, the New Balance offers a more economical choice without sacrificing essential features. However, the price difference may reflect the advanced performance features and materials of the Brooks shoe, appealing to serious runners willing to invest more for enhanced quality.

Popularity and Sales Rank

Sales rank can provide insights into the popularity of each shoe. The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 currently holds a sales rank of 3,377, indicating a healthy level of demand in the marketplace. In comparison, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 has a higher sales rank of 13,435, suggesting it is less popular among consumers. This difference in sales rank may reflect the Brooks shoe's reputation for performance running, attracting more serious athletes.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your choice between the Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 will depend on your specific running needs and budget. If you prioritize performance features, advanced cushioning, and a more stylish design, the Brooks may be the better investment, despite its higher price. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable, breathable shoe at a lower price point, the New Balance offers solid value and adequate performance for everyday running. Assess your priorities, and choose the shoe that best fits your running lifestyle.