I recently put my hands on over 30 different types of New Balance shoes, including both the New Balance 847v4 and the New Balance 928v3. When I compared the New Balance 847 vs 928, I found significant differences. This is where you can read a quick summary about the most important differences between these two shoes.
New Balance 847 vs 928 Explained
The New Balance 847 and the New Balance 928 are both casual walking shoes built to provide support and stability under the foot. They both have New Balance’s ROLLBAR technology that helps prevent improper rearfoot movement.
Another shoe that is similar to the 847 and the 928 is the New Balance 1540, so you probably want to compare it also.
But there are also significant design differences between these two shoes. The New Balance 928 is built using a durable leather upper and the New Balance 847 is built using a mesh upper. Because of this, the 847 is more breathable than the 928. But I actually found the 847 to weigh a bit more than the 928 even though the 847 uses a lightweight material because the 847 is taller than the 928 (see the height of these shoes).
The comfort under the foot is very similar, but I am giving the slight edge to the 928. I think it provides just a little bit more compression under the toe pad and the heel. This is where you can see how both of these shoes respond on my foot.
One thing I really like about both of these shoes us they use a thicker, dual-layer insole that has a top layer of foam, and a bottom layer of gel-like material. When I recently tried over 30 different types of New Balance shoes, I found most New Balance shoes to have an insole that measured less than a quarter-inch thick. Both the 847 and the 928 have insoles that measure over a quarter inch thick (see photos of these insoles).
Both of these shoes are built using the SL-2 last, which creates a wider forefoot and deeper toe box. Although I think both of these shoes fall within the realm of “true-to-size”, there was a small difference in the overall length. This is where you can see a side-by-side sizing comparison photo for more information.
Comfort
Both of these shoes provide nice comfort under the foot, but because they are built for support and stability, don’t expect them to be as “squishy” under the foot as certain types of New Balance running shoes (880, 1080).
I’m giving the tiny edge to the 928 because I think it offers slightly more compression under my foot as a I step. In the videos below, I tried to capture how much compression these shoes have under my feet.
Flexibility
The flexibility of these shoes did surprise me a little bit because the 928, even though it is made with a leather upper, felt just as flexible as the 847. Here I am testing the flexibility of these shoes:
Insoles
One thing I really like about both of these shoes us they use a thicker, dual-layer insole that has a top layer of foam, and a bottom layer of gel-like material. The insoles are removable for both shoes.
When I recently tried over 30 different types of New Balance shoes, I found most New Balance shoes to have an insole that measured less than a quarter inch thick. Both the 847 and the 928 have insoles that measure over a quarter inch thick.
Here is the insole of my 847:
And here is the insole of my New Balance 928:
Breathability
The New Balance 847 are made using a breathable mesh material that provides more air-movement than the all-leather New Balance 928. But the New Balance 928 leather upper will provide more long term durability.
New Balance 847 vs 928 Details
Weight
My size 12 men’s 847 weighs 1.09 pounds per shoe and my size 12 928 weighs 1.08 pounds per shoe. Here is a look at mine:
Height
The reason the New Balance 847 weighs just a little bit more than the 928 despite being made with lightweight upper material is the New Balance 847 is taller than the New Balance 928. Here is a look at the height of my shoes (847 first):
New Balance 847 vs 928 Sizing
Width
Both of these shoes are built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area. So expect the width of these shoes to be similar. Here is a look at both shoes on my feet:
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Length
The sizing length of the New Balance 847 vs 928 is pretty similar. I would describe both as fitting true to size, however, if you look closely, you can see that the 928 fits just a tiny bit looser than the 847.
Here are mine compared side-by-side:
To read more about sizing, visit my sizing guides linked below where I compare the sizing of these shoes to the sizing of other popular brands:
The main takeaway is the New Balance 847 will be the better option if you are looking for a breathable walking shoe, but the 928 has a bit more comfort under the foot. Both shoes are built to provide support and stability under the foot.