But while the company hit the market with its first athletic shoe, a seven-spike track shoe, in 1938 and remains popular in a variety of sports, its core popularity remains with its running-style silhouettes.
A long time running
One of New Balance’s favorites, the 574, hit the road in 1982. It’s a greatest-hits record of sorts, as designers mashed up “best of” elements from the 575 and 576. And its suede overlays on engineered mesh, with ENCAP midsole cushioning.
That layout gives designers a lot of colorblocking options. But it wasn’t loud colors that put the shoe on sneakerheads’ maps. Just the opposite, New Balance’s subtle hues of greys and blues were a rock of consistency in the sea of sneakers. That left the shoe virtually unchanged for more than a dozen years.
Until the 1990s. That’s when prominent hip-hop artists, including Raekwon and Mos Def, began making public declarations of their appreciation for New Balance. Street cred: established.
The ’90s also brought us the 997, a worthy successor in the 900 series, which New Balance established as the premium level of running-inspired urban footwear. The 997 features suede overlays on an ENCAP dual-density foam midsole.
On court, on point
New Balance made a triumphant return to the basketball courts in 2018 with the OMN1S on the feet of champion and finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. It was the brand’s first new offering since the 2010-11 season, featuring a full-length FuelCell midsole and a 3D Ultra Heel, while an infused FitWeave upper lets your foot breathe and move naturally.
Whether you’re looking for true performance, or just a chill look that stands the test of time, New Balance has a shoe that fits your style.
