Nike Air Max SC vs New Balance 574
Get the New Balance 574. Roomier, more stable, wears better, and comes in wide fittings. The Nike Air Max SC is lighter and cheaper, but it runs small and the sole wears fast.
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Which one is for you?
Air Max SC
Get the Air Max SC if this sounds like you: the cheapest comfy sneaker, something light, the Air Max look.
Is the Nike Air Max SC worth it?NB 574
Wide feet, a pair that lasts, a stable everyday shoe? Then it's the 574.
Is the New Balance 574 worth it?Key differences
Weight
Room at the toes
Break-in
Durability
Stability
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
Air Max SC
Most verified owners find it comfortable and good-looking for the price; the main complaint is that it runs small and narrow.
- Comfortable
- Looks great
- Well made
- Runs small or narrow
- Wore or came apart early
NB 574
Most verified owners like the look and comfort; the main complaint is that it runs small, so many go half a size up.
- Looks great
- Comfortable
- Well made
- Runs small
- Unfinished tongue with foam showing
Related pages
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, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, RunRepeat: New Balance 574, RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Air Max SC: 1,399 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), read November 2026.
Owner reports for the NB 574: 421 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), read November 2026.