550

Arguably the most popular New Balance model in the modern era! Classics usually come and go, but when the New Balance 550 returned in 2020, it became a mainstay. This vintage basketball shoe belongs to the legendary basketball era that is the 80s. The trainer now joins other hoop shoe classics as staple lifestyle kicks.

There’s just something about basketball shoes from the 80s that make them trendy lifestyle shoes. Brands like Nike has the AF1, Dunk, and Jordan 1. The Three Stripes also has the adidas Forum as an 80s throwback entry. We can finally add New Balance to the list thanks to the New Balance 550.

First introduced in 1989, the NB550 was the brand’s low-top offering among their basketball styles. The shoe originated from the New Balance 650, the high-top basketball version.

It’s no surprise that legendary footwear designer Steven Smith added another icon to his already solid list of sneaker designs.

Years later, the 550 returned in the New Balance back catalogue thanks to Teddy Santis’ Aime Leon Dore. This collab surprised the entire sneaker community because of its unexpected hype. Furthermore, everybody wanted a pair!

After the initial ALD collab in late 2020, more general-release colourways came out in the following year. Since then, the shoe always found itself on the sneaker radar and on feet of everybody.

Aime Leon Dore collabs continued to drop, all rocking yellowish soles to add that vintage aesthetic. Most pairs remain highly coveted, hence the insane resell value on the resell market.

Is it worth trying on the New Balance 550? We say yes! The premium leather construction and the classy brand labels stand out in every aspect. Think Nike Dunk but with more details.

Looking for a pair to cop? Shop for the latest New Balance 550 releases below.