New Balance has reemerged in the last year or so. What started out as an ironic adoption of the dad shoe trend has become a global phenomenon, making silhouettes like the 990, 574 and 992 some of the most desirable sneakers on the market. From sneakerheads to athletes, the Boston-based brand has gained widespread popularity with its versatile silhouettes.
New Balance has evolved into a must-have sneaker brand with many sneakerheads adding a pair or two to their rotation. If you are looking to join in and are unsure which model to start with, here’s our guide to the most essential New Balance sneakers, where to cop them, and how to style them.
Model: New Balance 57/40
Buy here: End Clothing | Asos | StockX | Farfetch | Stadium Goods
When it comes to the 57/40, cozy is the way to go. Its wider stance means that it pairs better with loose-fit jeans or sweat pants. Plus with its extensive variety of neutral colorways, you are sure to find one that can complement all your outfits.
Wondering what size to get? We’ve got you covered. Check out our New Balance 57/40 sizing and styling guide.
Model: New Balance Numeric Tiago Lemos 1010
Buy here: StockX | Farfetch | Stadium Goods
The New Balance Numeric Tiago Lemos 1010 is built for the skaters among us. Its low profile, wide stance makes it perfect for finding grip on skate decks. But it also makes it super adaptable to your fashion sense. You can rock them like classic basketball sneakers, which means the 1010 is super adaptable. Pair them with an oversized tee and wide jeans for the full ’90s look or skinny jeans and a band tee for a 00’s vibe.
Model: New Balance 990 series
Buy here: End Clothing | StockX | Farfetch | Stadium Goods
The granddaddy of the lineup, the 990 series is the pinnacle of New Balance’s quality and construction. Besides the fact the sneaker is made by hand, its timeless all-grey colorway makes it’s a grown-up pair of sneakers you can rock with anything. Pair it with a shirt, pants and you’re ready for a day out at the museum. Complete your workwear fit with the 990 and you are ready to go for brunch. This is one sneaker that has no outfit restriction.
Model: New Balance 574
Buy here: End Clothing | Asos | StockX | Farfetch | Stadium Goods
Like the 990, the 574 goes well with any style. However, unlike the 990 series, the 574 fits narrower. Besides being more snug for people with wider feet, it also is not the best sneaker for super baggy outfits as they can get covered by the volume of the pants or denim. Fitted and tailored outfits are the best pairing for the 574. It’s also quite a sleek silhouette, which makes it suited for dresses, skinny jeans and skirts.
Model: New Balance 550
Buy here: StockX | Farfetch | Stadium Goods
Through a collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore, New Balance brought the 550 back from obscurity. The sneaker perfectly encapsulates the chunky silhouettes seen on basketball courts in the ’80s and ’90s. Just like sneakers from the era, it generally comes in white or black-based colorways with small hits of neutral suede and accent colors. We would recommend looser to wider fit apparel to reduce how chunky it looks on feet.