Fashion brand directory szu
Page language: English

WTAPS vs New Balance: similarities and differences

Compare brand traits, similarities and differences.

Reference brand: WTAPS Swap brands

WTAPS

Japan Founded 1996

Streetwear · Outdoor & functional

New Balance

United States Founded 1906

Sporty & sportswear · Trends & youth culture · Streetwear

Similarities and differences

Shared traits

  • Both brands show traits of Streetwear.

Different traits

  • Sporty & sportswear

    New Balance shows a stronger emphasis

  • Outdoor & functional

    WTAPS shows a stronger emphasis

This pair is not included in the similar brands recommendations.

Trait comparison

  • WTAPS (solid line, circles)
  • New Balance (dashed line, squares)
Traits of WTAPS and New Balance, shown relative to each brand.
How to read the chart

Traits farther from the centre are more prominent within each brand. The chart uses the same relative display as the brand profile. Area does not indicate brand quality or absolute differences between brands.

Traits by category

Bar lengths show how prominent each trait is within each brand.

  • WTAPS
  • New Balance
Minimal & basics
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Polished & dressy
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Luxury & heritage
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Avant-garde & designer
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Decoration & playfulness
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Streetwear
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Trends & youth culture
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Sporty & sportswear
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand
Outdoor & functional
WTAPS：Relative prominence within the brand
New Balance：Relative prominence within the brand

Basic information

Field
WTAPS
New Balance
Country Japan United States
Founded 1996 1906
Category Clothing Footwear
Other categories Accessories Clothing Bags Accessories

— indicates information that is not available.

Brand profiles

Brand lines

WTAPS

No information is available.

New Balance

Collaborations

WTAPS

  • 2026-02-20

    New Balance

    WTAPS × New Balance “U1300WT / Made in USA 1300.” It is safest to treat the 2/20 date notation and the 3/6 announcement in Japan as region-specific information.

  • 2026

    Alpha Industries

    A collaboration featured for SS26, combining Alpha’s classic MA-1 with WTAPS’ characteristic interpretation of military and workwear, a color palette centered on olive and black, and brand patches.

  • 2025-11-21

    VANS

    A collaboration between OTW by Vans, OAMC, and WTAPS. The Sk8-Hi GL Lug and Seylynn Lug were released in three colorways, balancing functionality and craftsmanship.

  • 2025-08-02

    UNDERCOVER

    In August 2025, a collaboration inspired by the film Seven Samurai was presented as part of a new chapter of “ONE ON ONE”.

  • 2025-04-25

    GRILLZ JEWELZ

    A collaboration with GRILLZ JEWELZ for WTAPS25SS. The release includes VINNY necklaces and bracelets, and PROVE college rings. 10K and motif designs are among its features.

  • 2025-02-07

    sacai

    The second collaboration with WTAPS took place in February 2025. In addition to five styles each for men and women, the lineup also included unisex items.

WTAPS collaborations

New Balance

  • 2026-02-20

    WTAPS

    WTAPS × New Balance “U1300WT / Made in USA 1300.” It is safest to treat the 2/20 date notation and the 3/6 announcement in Japan as region-specific information.

  • 2026-01-09

    BEAMS

    Their first apparel collaboration in the “Made in U.S.A.” series. Four styles, including crewneck sweatshirts, all made in the United States.

  • 2025-10-17

    JUNYA WATANABE MAN

    Across multiple seasons, they continued to announce JUNYA-exclusive sneakers, including 650 for 2023FW and 471 for 2025FW.

  • 2024-09-05

    Loro Piana

    A limited collaboration with New Balance. A special-edition sneaker based on the 990v6 and combining Loro Piana materials. Released on September 5, 2024, in select regions including North America and Europe.

  • 2024-05-15

    ISSEY MIYAKE

    ISSEY MIYAKE and New Balance announced their first collaborative sneaker project. It launched first in Japan on May 15, 2024, followed by a global release on June 14, 2024.

  • 2023-04-17

    COMME des GARÇONS

    Collaborations through HOMME and eYe JUNYA WATANABE MAN have covered both tech and retro styles, including Rainier, 1906R, and 990v6. The materials contrast leather and mesh.

New Balance collaborations

Brands similar to WTAPS

View all

Brands similar to New Balance

View all