It’s no secret that sneaker tastes are shifting all the time. But, while for a long time the sneaker community favored futuristic tech and the latest fabric creations, we’ve seen a concerted move towards everything retro in recent seasons. Few labels, if any, are leading the charge towards a more retro future like New Balance. Silhouettes like the 327 and 990 have been instrumental in the change. One design stands out as a highlight, though: the New Balance 550.
Originally released in 1989, the New Balance 550 made a major resurgence in 2020 under the direction of Aimé Leon Dore’s Teddy Santis who made such a splash with the silhouette that he now holds the title of Creative Director at the brand. It’s the designer’s signature sense of contemporary prep style that guides the vintage-feel design and its top-of-class colorways.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best New Balance 550 colorways which range from limited-edition collaborations through to fire general releases and you can shop them all at Hype Clothinga.
Keep scrolling to shop our 10 favorite New Balance 550 colorways.
Size? 550 College Pack
The 550 has really taken off thanks to collaborations and it speaks volumes about the originality of the silhouette that it's so in-demand for collaboration projects. This version with sneaker boutique Size? features the retailer's bold orange colorway throughout.
550 White Green Black
Part of the "Shirted Sport" pack, this colorway dropped as a trio of homages to the original 1989 colorways worn in the NBA.
Auralee 550 Ecru
Japanese label Auralee stripped the 550 to its basics. The tonal off-white colorway emphasizes the versatility of this silhouette and ranks as one of the most sought-after iterations.
550 White Purple
Purple has had a big year and the New Balance 550 got in on the action in June. Combining vivid purple hits to the logo, outsole, and trims with grey suede overlays is a recipe for success.
550 White Green
Varsity colorways are often the best test of a retro silhouette. It's an authentic representation of the quintessential '80s aesthetic.
Aimé Leon Dore 550 White Grey
Teddy Santis has proven that he understands everything that the New Balance 550 stands for. It makes sense that his own collaboration colorways are some of the best-loved, then.
550 White Multicolor
We're always here for the understated tones of the previous Aimé Leon Dore collaboration, but there's something to be said for going full '80s, too.
550 Sea Salt Varsity Gold
More varsity goodness. This time the colors come in the form of Varsity Gold highlights to the outsole and trim which frame the retro special.
550 Sea Salt Black
The beauty of a silhouette like the New Balance 550 is that it goes with everything in your wardrobe. Especially if you opt for a colorway like this Sea Salt Black edition.
550 White Grey
We'd usually advise against clean white kicks during fall but we simply can't resist this pair which puts a white leather upper atop a grey outsole.
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