From classic 574s to contemporary takes like the 327s, here’s why New Balance is experiencing a surge in relevance
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The Caixin purchasing managers survey showed new manufacturing orders fell at the fastest pace in two years in September.
Take a walk around the mall or park and you’ll spot a variety of New Balance sneakers on passersby’s feet—styled with everything from athleisure to office wear.
The brand stands out for its undeniable comfort, with supportive soles and a cushiony, wide body that fits all foot widths. Its wide range of sneaker styles can also cater to various personalities and occasions.
The brand was founded in Boston back in 1906 when it was originally called the New Balance Arch Support Company. Its name is true to its meaning, with flexible orthopedic support that gives a true sense of balance on the feet. Moving into the 1930s, basketball and running athletes slowly started to wear the shoe. In the 1960s, they introduced the Trackster, their first running shoe with a distinctive ripple sole. Come the 1980s and the 1990s, the brand’s iconic 574 and 990 series came into fashion.
New Balances weren’t always the cool kid on the block either, though. Remember that iconic scene in “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” when Ryan Gosling’s character chucks Steve Carell’s pair in a brutal lesson on footwear? Well, the shoe has made a comeback.
In the later part of the 2010s, New Balance began to flourish with retro revivals and celebrity wearers, from Steve Jobs to Rihanna, with sales skyrocketing even more after the rise of comfort as a priority in the post-pandemic world. Today, New Balance seems to have established itself as fashion’s everyday staple.
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A look into the New Balance models 574 The 574 keeps it classic and functional in the vein of the brand
Introduced in 1988, the New Balance 574 is representative of the brand’s functional essence. The hybrid design originally transitioned from running to casual wear with a silhouette made of a suede mesh upper and a sophisticated cushioning system. In a nutshell? The stylish 574 sneaks show that a good shoe is found in simplicity.
550 The 550 nods to New Balance’s retro era
If there were an ultra-retro New Balance sneaker, the 550s would be it. These sneakers pay homage to the golden age of basketball, as it was originally released in 1989 as a performance basketball shoe. The model found new life after its 2020 revival through Aimé Leon Dore.
The silhouette is clearly ’80s basketball-themed with proportions that feature a perforated leather upper, low-cut construction, and a simple capsule. The heritage “N” logo and chunky midsole play in well with today’s preoccupation with vintage looks while staying true to the New Balance brand.
990 New Balance’s 990 is one of the more sought-after, higher-level of luxury modelshoes
In 1982, the 990s set the standard for higher-level luxury New Balance shoes, and are often the most sought-after model by sneakerheads today. Also made with midsole tech and pigskin suede, the chunky yet somehow sleek shoe makes a difference in its manner that is effortlessly cool.
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327 One of the brand’s newest models, the 327 is nostalgic yet contemporary
If the New Balance 327 could be described in a nutshell, it would be “fun.” Launched in 2020, one of the brand’s newest models, flirts with nostalgia but still keeps that contemporary edge.
The shoe is orthopedic with an exaggerated heel wrap and oversized waffle sole that feels both familiar and unique. For those who like trendy looks or dare to be different, the 327 is one for you.
Fresh Foam and FuelCell Series
On the sportier side, New Balance’s Fresh Foam and FuelCell models are two styles that practice exceptional running tech.
Fresh Foam features New Balance’s plushest cushioning system with precision-engineered foam that feels like you’re running on clouds. Meanwhile, the FuelCell offers a bouncy feel that is bound to propel the wearer forward.
The two are slightly different in that they support different modes of running: Fresh Foam caters to everyday and long-distance comfort, while FuelCell targets competitive performance runs.
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How to choose the right pair
Whether you’re drawn to the heritage of the 574s, the retro feel of the 550s, or the performance-driven Fresh Foams, New Balance has styles for a range of personalities and lifestyles.
When choosing how to style your shoes, consider pairing the 574s and 550s with athleisure clothing or more casual streetwear like jeans, joggers, or oversized shirts. Meanwhile, coordinate the 990s and 327s with more retro-inspired looks, like vintage tees and tapered pants.
The monochromatic 990s definitely look good with whatever you wear, even in smart casual or minimalist office outfits. For the Fresh Foam and FuelCell models, it’s hard to go wrong with activewear that matches its purpose.
Ask yourself, will your shoes be for training, minimal walking, or for lifestyle? While most of New Balance’s sizes run wide, it’s best to try them on and consider the socks you’ll wear, too. Regarding design, mull over vibrant colors to make a statement or if you’ll opt for neutral options, pick up versatile hues that can be used for everyday wear.
Either way, the shoes and ‘fits are highly interchangeable with the adaptable designs of New Balance, which is slowly becoming ubiquitous in fashion today.
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As you pick your perfect pair/s of New Balance sneakers, be sure to care for them well to last a long time, as they are made to be. While cleaning, avoid submerging the pair in water and use a damp, soft cloth instead. Store it in a dry place as well.
Apart from the classics, New Balance keeps it exciting with many collaborations. Aimé Leon Dore recreated the shoe into pretty, vibrant 997s. Joe Freshgoods created vibrant, camouflaged 610 sneakers that are closer to climbing shoes.
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europe bet slotIt’s also kind of an if-you-know-you-know thing, that certain New Balance shoes are either “Made in the UK” or “Made in the USA,” which are more expensive but also more sought-after than most. For example, the Stone Island collaboration for “Made in the UK” 991v2 Ghost transforms the 911 into a strong yet sleek industrial-esque aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Teddy Santis x New Balance released late last year features the founder of Aimé Leon Dore’s super sleek and futuristic takes on the 990v1, v2, and v3, as the creative lead for the “Made in USA” series.
As the brand continues to innovatespinph, New Balance proves it’s always in step with the times—balancing versatility, comfort, and styles that are consistently “new” yet never straying too far from the brand’s century-old orthopedic roots.