Few sneakers can claim that they have their very own emoji. In fact, only one can: the New Balance 574 (👟). That’s quite a flex, but one that has been earned. The fact it was chosen as the emblem speaks to its iconic versatility. Sure, it might have helped that Steve Jobs was a New Balance disciple, but there’s no debate over the fact that the 574 is an out-and-out staple that pays no attention to passing trends.
Initially released in 1988, the New Balance 574 was designed as a technical running shoe but soon became a go-to for those on the hunt for a does-everything lifestyle option. To this day, the 574 remains New Balance’s foundational silhouette — as much an entry point for rookies as a lauded icon by experts.
But since 1988, the 574 has seen a lot of evolution. It’s still possible to keep it retro with signature New Balance colorways and the OG 574 shape, but a number of variations on the style have been added to the roster, too. Take the 574 Rugged, for example, which takes a more utilitarian angle on the design, or the All Coasts 574 which has been optimized for skating.
Below, we’ve rounded up 9 pairs of New Balance 574s that exemplify the range of one of the hardest-working silhouettes around.
Shop the Best New Balance 574 versions below.
574v2 Summer Fog
There are very few differences between the 574 and 574v2 but in short, the v2 is slightly more lightweight. The padded tongue is substituted with a mesh version that complements this clean Summer Fog colorway.
All Coasts 574 Black/Navy
Swapping out the ENCAP sole unit for a flat skating sole, the 574 All Coasts offers a contemporary take on the classic.
574 Mountain Teal
New Balance is known for its colorways being some of the best in the game and this Mountain Teal version of the more technical 574 is evidence.
574v2 Off-White
A neutral outfit for a stone-cold classic. It's difficult to find a shoe that offers as much versatility as this off-white 574.
574v2 Dusk Blue
Combining Dusk Blue overlays with a Natural Indigo base and trims in off-white leather puts this iteration of the 574v2 very close to the top of our favorite colorways so far.
574v2 NB Navy
For those looking to retain everything that made the 574 a classic n the first place, this NB Navy version is the prime candidate. The signature blue colorway has earned its stripes as one of the brand's OG hues.
574 Rugged Infinity Blue
Keen eyes will notice a number of subtle differences in the 574 Rugged. 574 detailing to the heel of the ENCAP sole and New Balance embroidery to the toe box are two of our favorites, but worth noting is the 'N' logo to the tongue, too.
574v2 Cream
A base color of cream anchors this multicolor pair, ensuring that they aren't over-the-top. Suede hits of pink and yellow work in tandem with the green lining to give a punch of life to the understated frame.
574 Marblehead
Marblehead grey suede makes up the quiet upper of this 574, but the bold sole unit is a different story altogether.
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