Sorry, New Balance, I Have a New Favorite Premium Casual Sneaker Brand

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a diehard New Balance fan. My parents indoctrinated me from an early age — my dad always had a pair of gray 574s on hand. I’ve gone through countless pairs in my adult life, and I won’t run in any other sneaker.

That said, the Bostonian shoemaker is approaching a market saturation point, which has led me to seek out an alternative brand that isn’t caught up in hype. It’s a tall ask to match the blend of comfort, quality and chic retro aesthetic that New Balance provides, but I think I’ve found a winner.

Diadora

Diadora could be considered Italy’s equivalent to New Balance, checking almost all the same boxes but with a much lower global profile.

The brand was founded in 1948 and became popular in the 1970s, assisted by a sponsorship deal with tennis superstar Bjorn Borg, who was renowned for his style both on and off the court.

Diadora

Just like New Balance, Diadora takes full advantage of its archival designs from the 1970s and 1980s to carry its modern lineup of casual athletic sneakers.

The Equipe debuted in the 1970s as a training sneaker, utilized for activities like track and indoor “football” with various rubber outsoles. Today, it is the Italian brand’s flagship collection, much like New Balance’s 99x series.

Diadora

There are many variations of the Equipe available, but it’s the new Vela SW that won me over. I’ve worn an older model for the last six months, and I’m hooked.

It offers the same arch and heel support, sturdy build and flexibility that I enjoy from New Balance models like the 574, 1400 and 998, packed into a fun retro trainer.

Patches and panels

Much like New Balance’s Made-in-USA line, the Equipe collection is the brand’s premium line, featuring the highest quality materials and construction.

Diadora

The Equipe Vel SW features a wedge EVA midsole on a rubber outsole with a tire tread. I find, however, that much of the support comes from the layered footbed, which features a semi-stiff composite layer under a removable insole with a leather top layer over a foam bottom layer.

The complex insole has molded to my foot much like the leather insoles found in boots or dress shoes, but with a shorter break-in period. The result is a more customized feel than I’ve ever gotten from New Balance.

Diadora

Where many Equipe models have full leather or suede uppers, the Vela SW cuts weight with a padded nylon base layer that promotes flexibility and breathability. The upper has a leather lining that creates a soft, smooth feel.

Pig suede panels on the heel cup, toe box and sides are treated with a stone wash to create an aged look and finished with a light wax to add water resistance.

Diadora

Diadora’s Y-shaped logo wraps around the heel with three leather panels, featuring an embroidered logo on the collar.

A suede tongue is topped with a large, stitched-on logo patch.

Availability and pricing

Am I going to toss my New Balance collection and only wear Diadora from now on? Absolutely not. But I am pleased to see another brand meeting New Balance’s exacting standard at an equivalent price.

The Diadora Equipe Vela SW is available now from Diadora for $245, which is on par with the New Balance Made-in-USA and Made-in-UK lines.

The shoes come in blue, black and orange with white detailing, green with yellow detailing and white with red detailing.

Diadora

Diadora Equipe Vela SW

• $245 at Didora

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