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New Balance 574 Core Sneakers vs Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers

The New Balance 574 Core is the sturdier, more supportive shoe: suede and mesh upper, ENCAP cushioning and a rubber outsole, and owners of the 574 line consistently praise its durability. The Skechers Bobs Squad 4 is the easier shoe to live in: slip-on with stretch laces, a Heel Pillow and Memory Foam insole, so it wins on convenience and step-in softness. Buy the New Balance for a kid who needs a real walking and school shoe that holds up. Buy the Skechers for an adult who wants a soft, hands-free everyday slip-on.

  • Choose the New Balance 574 Core if you need a durable, supportive everyday sneaker for a child and want a rubber outsole and structured cushioning that survive daily wear.
  • Choose the Skechers Bobs Squad 4 if you want a soft, hands-free slip-on for yourself and value easy on-and-off over long-term structure.

Prices

  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: $50.02 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers: $49.98 at Zappos.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers is $0.04 cheaper than the New Balance 574 Core Sneakers at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
New Balance
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

4.4(243 ratings)
$50.02at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • ENCAP cushioning gives support without feeling mushy
  • Rubber outsole resists wear on pavement and playgrounds
  • Suede and mesh upper looks good and breathes
  • 574 is a long-running line with a proven shape
Cons
  • Laces take longer to put on than a slip-on
  • Needs some break-in before it feels soft
  • Kid sizing only, so adults can't wear this version
Skechers
Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Women's Slip-On Sneakers

Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers

Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Women's Slip-On Sneakers

5(2 ratings)
$49.98at Zappos.comChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Zappos.com
Pros
  • Hands-free slip-on with stretch laces
  • Memory Foam insole is soft right out of the box
  • Heel Pillow reduces rubbing at the back
  • Light EVA build suits all-day casual walking
Cons
  • EVA outsole wears down faster than rubber
  • Soft foam packs down with heavy daily use
  • Less structure for long walks or standing shifts

What separates them

New Balance 574 Core SneakersSkechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers
FasteningLacedSlip-on with stretch laces
Intended wearerBig kids (kid sizing)Adult women
UpperSuede, mesh, leather and polyesterMesh and synthetic PVC
CushioningENCAP: EVA core with firm polyurethane rimEVA midsole with Memory Foam insole
OutsoleRubberEVA
Weight7.2 ozLightweight EVA build
Step-in comfortPadded collar and tongue, needs breaking inHeel Pillow and foam insole, soft from day one
DurabilityRubber outsole and firm rim hold shape longerSofter foam and EVA outsole wear faster

Price history

$79.98$20.00
Nov 3Nov 10
  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: lowest $20.00 on Nov 10 at Finish Line.
  • Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers: lowest $34.99 on Nov 10 at ShopWSS.

Prices at every store

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • Level ShoesNew

    In stock

    $60.00+ $26.00 shippingChecked 6 min ago
    Visit Level Shoes
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by denim_n_jeans (99.9% positive, 33,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $50.02Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • Stock shoesNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $59.99Checked 5 min ago
    Visit Stock shoes
  • DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew

    Availability unknown

    $60.97Checked Nov 8
    Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 53 stores and price history →

Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers

  • Zappos.comNew

    In stock

    $49.98Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Zappos.com
  • ShopWSSNew

    Availability unknown

    $34.99+ $9.99 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit ShopWSS
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $49.98Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • DSWNew

    Availability unknown

    $49.98+ $7.95 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit DSW
All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 574 Core SneakersSkechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers
colorGrayBlack
Size (US)13.5, 11, 12, 13, 5, 6, 3, 4, 3.5, 4.5, 1, 2, 1…5.5
FasteningLacedSlip-On
OutsoleRubberEVA
Age GroupKidAdult
GenderMaleFemale
Upper MaterialMesh, Polyester, Suede, LeatherPVC, Mesh
MidsoleFoam, EVAEVA
shoe_size5—
Size5—
Weight (oz)7.2—
Manufacturer ColorGrey with White—
Show all 14 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 574 Core SneakersSkechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers
Sizes5 — 12—
Insole—Foam

What reviewers say

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • 4.4 / 5243 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 243 ratings, the 574 Core is well liked as a sturdy, good-looking kids' sneaker. Buyers tend to praise the build and cushioning; the main complaints are about sizing and the suede getting dirty.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the shoe as solid and durable for everyday kid wear.
  • ComfortPraisedThe ENCAP cushioning and padded collar get credit for all-day comfort.
  • SizingMixedSome buyers say the fit runs small or needs extra room for growth.
  • Suede careCriticisedThe suede upper shows dirt and scuffs and needs cleaning.

Skechers Bobs Squad 4 Slip-On Sneakers

Owners of the Bobs Squad line generally describe it as a comfortable, easy-to-wear casual sneaker. Common complaints center on the slip-on fit and on durability of the outsole with heavy daily use.

What people mention
  • FitMixedSome owners find the slip-on fit comfortable, while others say it runs loose and slips at the heel.
  • ComfortPraisedThe foam insole and light build are called comfortable for long days on your feet.
  • DurabilityCriticisedOwners report the EVA outsole and mesh upper wear out faster than expected with daily wear.
  • SupportCriticisedReviewers say arch support is minimal, which matters for long walks.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a child's everyday school shoe?
The New Balance 574 Core. It has a rubber outsole, a firmer ENCAP rim and a laced fit that stays put during play. The Skechers is adult sizing and built for light casual wear.
Which lasts longer?
The New Balance 574 Core. Rubber outsoles and a polyurethane-rimmed midsole hold up better than the Skechers' EVA outsole and soft foam insole, which compress with heavy use.
Is the Skechers easier to put on?
Yes. It is a true slip-on with stretch laces and a Heel Pillow, so you step in without tying anything. The 574 is laced and takes a moment longer.
Which is more comfortable right away?
The Skechers, thanks to the Memory Foam insole and padded heel. The 574 is supportive but needs a short break-in before the suede and midsole soften.
Is the New Balance worth stepping up to over the Skechers?
If the shoe is for a kid or gets daily outdoor wear, yes. The 574's build is more durable. If you want a soft slip-on for errands and casual days, the Skechers is the simpler choice.
Can an adult wear the New Balance 574 Core?
Not this listing. It is sized for big kids. Adults should look at the adult 574, which uses the same ENCAP setup in grown-up sizing.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best New Balance 574 sneakers for women
  • Best women's everyday casual sneakers for walking