Color is as impactful for brand recognition as a logo a lot of the time. Our minds make visual connections all the time without us even noticing, so tying your label to a universal color is like getting thousands of free adverts every day. It takes a long time, but once it’s done there’s no going back. Take Ferrari’s inimitable red, for example, or Tiffany Blue. Oh, and add New Balance Grey to that list, too.
As if New Balance’s 'N' logo wasn’t bold and memorable enough, the footwear giant has staked a claim to the color grey by producing countless iconic grey sneakers. Perhaps most widely recognized in grey is the brand’s 990 series. From the 990 itself to the 991, 993, and more, these normcore greats are made all the more memorable by their understated, grey palette.
It’s in that simplicity that the true power of grey can be found. The neutrality of grey sneakers shifts the focus onto the detailing, materials, and silhouette, each of which New Balance has perfected. Without further ado, here are ten of the best grey New Balance sneakers available right now.
Shop our favorite grey New Balance sneakers below.
990v5
Standing tall as one of the OG grey New Balance sneakers, the New Balance 990v5 is still dominating the sneaker world. Its pared-back silhouette is complemented by the tonal grey uppers and clean white midsole.
993
Following the same style path as the 990, the new Balance 993 offers premium comfort through ACTEVA cushioning and a signature ABZORB midsole, all in a clean, normcore package.
997H
New Balance’s 997 takes a much more streamlined tack to its earlier 990 siblings. An ENCAP midsole uses PU and EVA foams for support while the grey suede upper combines with a gum outsole for vintage perfection.
237
New Balance’s chunky 990 series is only part of the brand’s equation, with the other half taking a much more lightweight form. The New Balance 237 is a lesser-known New Balance silhouette that takes things back to the slim styles of the ‘70s.
574
If in doubt, the New Balance 574 is a failproof solution. Crossing generations and styles with ease, this is one of the most versatile grey New Balance sneakers on the market.
Niobium Concept 1
Arguably the most exciting recent development from the New Balance camp is the Niobium Concept. This rugged boot uses several zip fastenings to transform into three distinct styles: a sock liner, a heavy-duty mule, and a hiking boot.
991
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic New Balance 991, so what better way to celebrate than copping an OG grey pair? Crafted in the UK factory, this silhouette looks to high-quality leather and mesh for an elevated take on performance.
Fresh Foam 880v11
Grey New Balance sneakers aren’t all icons yet, some are still earning their stripes. Using Fresh Foam cushioning to the midsole, this is one of the most comfortable, lightweight runners on the market right now. The one-piece, engineered jacquard mesh upper looks supremely clean, too.
Fresh Foam Roav Tee Shirt
A sneaker inspired by a T-shirt. Taking on the versatility of your favorite tee, the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Tee Shirt features a step-on heel for when you’re in the mood to mule.
574 Core
The 574 is such a staple that we had to include the OG version, too. The 574 Core is one of the all-time great grey sneakers and, in that sense, it merits a spot in every rotation.
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