The New Balance 550 and 574 are two of the brand’s most-worn models, and they are often cross-shopped — but they are quite different shoes aimed at different looks. Here is how to choose.
New Balance 550: retro basketball
The 550 is a revived 1989 basketball shoe with a clean, court-style leather upper, perforated toe, and vintage color-blocking. It leans preppy-streetwear (think the Aimé Leon Dore world that revived it), sits slightly chunky, and reads more “fashion” than “running.” Its white color-block versions are the signatures.
New Balance 574: everyday running heritage
The 574 is a late-1980s off-road running silhouette with a suede-and-mesh upper, the big “N,” and ENCAP cushioning. It is more understated and utilitarian — the classic go-with-anything New Balance — and grey is its archetypal colorway. It reads more casual and low-key than the 550.
Fit
Both are generally regarded as fitting close to true to size, and both offer New Balance’s width options — a real advantage. The 550 has a court-shoe feel; the 574 a slightly softer everyday one. Try on if you can.
Which to buy
Choose the 550 if you want the retro-basketball, slightly-dressier look that pairs well with clean, preppy-leaning streetwear. Choose the 574 if you want a lower-key, everyday workhorse that disappears into any casual fit. Neither is “better” — they serve different wardrobes. Both feature in our everyday sneaker guide.