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Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers vs New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On is the better shoe for anyone who walks or stands for long stretches: its Fresh Foam X midsole is New Balance's softest cushioning, the knit bootie upper hugs the foot, and the laceless design still feels secure. The Athletic Works slip-on is a basic, budget-minded errand shoe with a memory foam insole and an elastic gore; owners rate it well for casual comfort, but it lacks the structured cushioning and support of the New Balance. Buy the New Balance if comfort over distance matters; buy the Athletic Works if you want a simple, easy-on shoe for short trips.

  • Choose the Athletic Works slip-on if you want a simple, no-fuss shoe for short errands and quick walks and don't need premium cushioning.
  • Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On if you walk or stand for long periods and want plush, structured cushioning in an easy-on shoe.

Prices

  • Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers: $11.00 at Poshmark (last seen Nov 10)
  • New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On: $88.09 at Amazon (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers is $77.09 cheaper than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On at the latest prices (Nov 10)
Athletic Works
Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers

Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers

4.5(5,794 ratings)
$11.00at PoshmarkChecked 11 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Poshmark
Pros
  • Easy to slide on and kick off with no laces
  • Memory foam insole adds soft step-in comfort
  • Simple design suits errands and short walks
  • Large base of owner ratings at 4.5 out of 5
Cons
  • Basic cushioning that flattens sooner on long walks
  • Medium width only, no wide options
  • No structured support for long days on feet
  • Not water resistant
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On

$88.09at AmazonChecked 16 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Fresh Foam X is New Balance's most cushioned foam
  • Knit bootie upper hugs the foot and stays secure without laces
  • Lightweight at about 0.26 kg per shoe
  • Wide and extra-wide sizes up to 4E
  • Neutral platform with an 8 mm drop
Cons
  • Knit upper is not water resistant
  • Laceless fit may feel loose for narrow feet
  • Premium cushioning line costs more than basic slip-ons
  • Less structure than a laced trainer for fast walking

What separates them

Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On SneakersNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On
CushioningMemory foam insole over a basic midsoleFresh Foam X midsole, New Balance's softest cushioning, plus EVA insole
Upper constructionBanded jogger style with elastic gore and stretch collarEngineered knit Hypoknit bootie that hugs the foot with stretch and support zones
Fit and widthsMedium width onlyAvailable in wide and extra-wide (up to 4E)
WeightNot specified; casual buildAbout 0.26 kg per shoe, lightweight for a cushioned shoe
OutsoleEveryday rubber outsoleRubber outsole with an 8 mm drop
Water resistanceNot water resistantNot water resistant
On/off easeElastic gore and stretch collar, no lacesLaceless bootie upper, easy on and off
Owner feedback4.5 out of 5 from 5,794 ratings, praised for casual comfortLong-running 1080 line known for plush cushioning; slip version keeps the comfort

Price history

$88.09$11.00
Nov 2Nov 11
  • Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers: lowest $11.00 on Nov 11 at Poshmark.
  • New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On: lowest $37.10 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $88.09 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $18.98Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by windy_city_bay

    $14.00Checked 11 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $11.00+ $6.49 shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Poshmark

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 3 stores and price history →

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by hemeisport

    $107.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $88.09Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • APerfectDealerNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.95Checked Nov 2
    Visit APerfectDealer
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $160.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Poshmark

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 7 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAthletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On SneakersNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On
shoe_size10.5—
colorGray—
actual_colorGrey—
clothing_size10.5—
shoe_widthMedium—
size10.5—
Closure—Slip On
Shoe Shaft Style—Low Top
Sole Material—Rubber
Item Weight—0.26 kg
Cushioning Level—Extra Soft
Insole Cushioning—EVA foam
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAthletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On SneakersNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Slip-On
Outer Material—Synthetic
Pronation Correction—Neutral
Water Resistance Level—Not Water Resistant
Strap Type—Elastic
Toe Style—Closed Toe

What reviewers say

Athletic Works Men's Walking Slip-On Sneakers

  • 4.5 / 55,794 ratings

Buyers rate these highly for convenience and comfort on short outings, and many describe them as easy to slip on and light on the foot. The common complaints are that the cushioning flattens over time and the fit runs narrow or loose for some wearers.

What people mention
  • Slip-on easePraisedOwners like that they slide on and off without laces, which suits quick trips and people with limited mobility.
  • CushioningMixedThe memory foam feels soft at first, but several buyers say it flattens after weeks of regular wear.
  • FitMixedSome wearers find the medium width snug while others say the stretch collar feels loose.
  • Arch supportCriticisedReviewers note the flat footbed offers little support for long walks or standing all day.

Questions and answers

Which is better for long walks?
The New Balance. Its Fresh Foam X midsole is far more cushioned and supportive over distance than the Athletic Works memory foam insole, which is built for short errands.
Which lasts longer?
The New Balance should hold up longer. Its knit upper and Fresh Foam X midsole are more durable than the basic build of the Athletic Works slip-on, though neither is water resistant.
Is the New Balance worth stepping up to?
Yes if you walk or stand for hours. The cushioning, knit fit and wide sizing are real upgrades. If you only need a quick slip-on for errands, the Athletic Works is enough.
Do either come in wide sizes?
The New Balance comes in wide and extra-wide, up to 4E. The Athletic Works variant is Medium width only.
Are they good for people with foot pain?
The New Balance is the safer pick for sensitive feet because of its extra-soft cushioning and neutral support. The Athletic Works offers only a thin memory foam layer.
Can I wear them without socks?
Both are laceless slip-ons that work without socks, but the knit bootie of the New Balance can rub more; the Athletic Works stretch collar is simpler for quick barefoot wear.

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