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 Aimé Leon Dore and limited drops like the sought-after Protection Pack 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
MS327RF1
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.
New Balance X-Racer
X-Racer
New Balance
It's highly likely that you've never seen the New Balance X-Racer before, but for those looking for a rare gem, it's a certified winner. Complete with a supple leather upper and velcro pocket to the laces, this chunky sneaker is a surefire showstopper.
New Balance 550
BB550WT1
New Balance
If you missed out on or refuse to pay resale for the Aimé Leon Dore 550s (which you can do below, if you so wish), 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
M992EB
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 black colorway of the 992 is a sleeper.
New Balance x Bodega 990v3 "Here to Stay"
990v3 "Here To Stay"
Bodega x New Balance
Bodega and New Balance are back at it again, with the Boston sneaker boutique putting a twist on the 990v3 for its 15th anniversary. The shoe is understated, rugged, and quietly luxe, thanks to a select blend of earthy, olive, and khaki tones. This helps to give the shoe a more timeless look — something that falls right in line with Bodega's "Here To Stay" motif. It is easily one of the better designs from the Boston natives' collaborative relationship. Don't sleep on it.
New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 550
Aimé Leon Dore 550
New Balance
New York label Aimé Leon Dore can do no wrong this year and one of the more recent bits of evidence is the New Balance 550 collaboration which is taking us all the way back to '89 in big style.
New Balance x Patta 920
920
New Balance x Patta
Amsterdam boutique Patta opts to stamp its mark on the New Balance 920 which is an underrecognized silhouette. While other brands look to the popularity of the 990, Patta's earth-tone collab watches from a distance quietly but confidently.
New Balance x Stray Rats 574
574
New Balance x Stray Rats
Following a successful 2019 release, Stray Rats teams up once more with New Balance and this time the 574 is the canvas. Murky green suede dominates the upper while careful hits of turquoise and purple complement the hue.
New Balance x Bembury 2002R "Water Be The Guide"
2002R 'Water Be The Guide'
Salehe Bembury x New Balance
For his latest rendition, Salehe Bembury has transplanted the blue and earthy tones from the famous Havasu Falls onto the New Balance 2002R. The hairy cyan suede and hints of brownish-orange across the upper all directly draw from the famous natural landmark. It's a wavy alternative to Bembury's fiery burnt orange 2002R colorway.
New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio MS1300
MS1300WG
New Balance Tokyo Design Studio
Ronnie Fieg collaborated on a set of Tokyo Design Studio 1300s but if you’re unwilling to shell out the cash for his pairs, we’ve got a slick mostly-white pair that will serve you well.
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