Founded in 1906, New Balance continues to deliver the perfect mix of function, performance, and wearability.
Whether you're looking for a rugged, outdoor-ready sneaker that wouldn’t be amiss at a fashion week party, or you're on the hunt for something more sleek and low-key, such as the 990v5, our selection of the best New Balance sneakers has a model for every rotation. For the uninitiated, the general rule when buying New Balance is the higher the number, the more technology it'll be decked out with, with some exceptions. The unwritten rule? You can’t go wrong, regardless of the model’s number.
Most sneakerheads will know all about Highsnobiety’s love for the dad-core grail that is the New Balance 990, but what's your knowledge like about the 550 or the 2002R? With collaboration pieces from Concepts and limited drops like the sought-after 550s featured, there's no better was to educate yourself than below.
Peep the best New Balance sneakers to buy right now below.
New Balance ML2002R
ML2002RR
New Balance
New Balance shoes can err on the chunkier side, so if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, this tonal blue NB 2002R might do it for you. It retains the ’00s layered look on the upper, but its streamlined sole unit counters the busier upper. This results in a well-balanced sneaker that can be dressed up, as well as down.
New Balance 327
MS327LH1
New Balance
What can we say about the New Balance 327 that hasn't already been said? It's one of the biggest resounding successes in the sneaker world in recent years. It plays into the growing desire for retro silhouettes with its lightweight build and gum outsole.
New Balance 991
M991PNK
New Balance
While this pastel pink is technically more of a spring colorway, we can’t take our eyes off of it. If you haven’t added this beauty to your rotation yet, this might be one of your last chances before stores are fully focused on the upcoming winter.
ThisIsNeverThat x New Balance 827
827
New Balance x thisisneverthat
Holy chunk! This ThisIsNeverThat x NB 827 pairs a rugged design with an earthy colorway, making it an extremely versatile sneaker that you can wear in the city, or on the trail (to a certain degree) and you wouldn’t look that out of place.
New Balance 550
BB550LE1
New Balance
If you missed out on or refuse to pay resale for the Aimé Leon Dore 550s, then the only move is to pick up a pair of mainline 550s and spend the saved cash on a cool experience or the people you love. Dark green is the color of the moment and so easily styled, it’d be a travesty to miss out on these.
New Balance 992
M992GR
New Balance
The New Balance 992 was the subject of quite a few incredible collaborations last year. With the brand’s sights set on some of its other silhouettes — such as the 550 and 991 — this classic gray colorway of the 992 is a sleeper.
Kith x New Balance 990v3 "Gensis"
990v3
New Balance x KITH
Kith’s new Balance collaborations always slap, so when the New York imprint puts a classy black colorway on the 990v3, it’s a must-have.
New Balance 550 Triple White
BB550PB1
New Balance
Look, we know we’ve included quite a few 550s in this list, but there are too many good colorways, and we couldn’t decide which to include. So why not include multiple?
New Balance XC-72
UXC72CA1
New Balance
The New Balance XC-72 is the brand’s latest attempt at bridging the gap between the past and the present via footwear design. The sneaker, which debuted as part of a collaboration with Casablanca, is inspired by luxury sports cars, so what’s not to love?
New Balance 408
ML408C
New Balance
Big-hole mesh ’00s runners are slowly but surely making a comeback, but they’re still a slept-on genre of sneakers. The NB408 is a relatively affordable shoe with some nice, clean colorways that can slide into most rotations with ease.
Concepts x New Balance 57/40 “Headin Home”
57/40 "Headin' Home"
Concepts x New Balance
The New Balance 57/40 is a modern, chunky take on the New Balance 574, bringing the classic silhouette into the present with a much more contemporary design. Concept’s colorway is beautiful and one that will serve you well in an incredibly varied set of situations.
New Balance 725
ML725C
New Balance
The New Balance 725 is another ’00s-inspired sneaker that has recently hit Highsnobiety Shop. Its busy upper gives off a rugged vibe, while not being too chunky. The perfect compromise.
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