ASICS Gel-1130 vs New Balance 530
Get the Gel-1130. Unless you walk a lot in warm weather and want to spend a little less — then the 530 is light and breathes well.
ASICS Gel-1130
The most cushioned sneaker here, with room for your toes. Comfy from the first day.
New Balance 530
Light, breathable and well cushioned for all-day wear. The toe area wears out first.
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The Gel-1130 has the most cushioning of our picks and a roomy toe, and needs no breaking in. The 530 is light, breathes well and stays comfy for hours for a little less, but its mesh toe wears through faster.
- —You walk, commute or stand for hours.
- —Most sneakers squash your toes.
- —You want comfort from the first day.
- —You walk a lot in warm weather.
- —You like the retro runner look.
- —You want to spend a little less.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +The most cushioning of our picks
- +Roomy at the toes
- +No breaking in
- −Stiffer than a Samba or Gazelle, so it feels supportive rather than bendy.
- −The leather version runs warm; the mesh pairs we link are a different upper.
- −Most owners say it runs true to size.
- +Comfortable for hours of walking
- +Light and breathable
- +A little toe wiggle room
- −The toe box wears through quickly.
- −Thin insole — swap in your own if you need support.
- −Runs true to size.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Gel-1130 worth it?
- Is the NB 530 worth it?
- Samba OG vs Gazelle
- NB 530 vs NB 9060
- Gel-1130 vs NB 9060
- Samba OG vs Club C 85
- Best sneakers
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, manufacturer specifications.