You'll no doubt have seen New Balance's "Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio" ad campaign for its insanely popular 990v5 sneaker. A sneaker that could lay claim to the world's most recognizable dad shoe. But New Balance is so much more than the 990v5 and, akin to the popular silhouette, the American sportswear brand has dropped a huge range of footwear options that are at home on both the runway and the running track since its founding in 1906.
There are plenty of underrated New Balance sneakers around, you just have to loo a bit harder. From overlooked silhouettes like the XC72 to collaborations with Junya Watanabe and more, we've put together a list of such kicks that you can still get your hands on. Why? Because not every foot wants to call the 990v5 home.
Shop the underrated New Balance sneakers you may have missed below.
Casablanca XC72
New Balance's partnership with Casablanca dominated the world of sneakers for its first two rounds but has since calmed down. It's meant that amazing silhouettes like the XC72 have gone unnoticed.
Shando
New Balance steers mostly clear of the 'winterizing' trend, except for the Shando. This all-terrain trail sneaker is a little spoken about silhouette with seriously rugged acumen and style credentials to match.
XC72 Ascend
We just can't get past how much we love this pastel colorway. The lightweight sneaker features a standout outsole that climbs up the toe box for added protection against the elements, meaning that this perfect colorway doesn't risk any nasty muddy splashes.
991
Okay, there's nothing underrated about the 991 silhouette, but there's something to be said for a silver colorway. While everyone else opts for fall-ready neutrals, step out in something a little bolder.
Junya Watanabe 574
In collaboration with Junya Watanabe, the iconic 574 gets an unusual update. Off-white suede makes up the upper which is built to a higher, boot-like structure perfect for fall/winter.
X-Racer
We love a gum outsole and it's especially attractive in this unusual New Balance edition. The X-Racer features utilitarian detailing like a small pouch to the sidewall and a geometric, layered upper. These futuristic details stand in stark contrast to the retro, gum-soled colorway.
Junya Watanabe BB480
The New Balance BB480 is an old-time basketball silhouette that slots perfectly into lifestyle rotations. Junya Watanabe gives it a monochrome makeover to add versatility. This is a nice alternative to the wildly popular New Balance 550.
Casablanca 237
While the Casablanca 327 stole most of the limelight, the 237 remains a highly underrated New Balance selection. Complete with the label's monogram detailing, this retro runner is a great finishing touch to understated fits.
57/40
Building on the legendary 574, the 57/40 brings a new, modern edge to the retro silhouette. A chunkier midsole is the main new attraction but we're also loving the speckled leather logo here.
992
Again, the 992 certainly isn't a niche selection, but opting for a bold colorway like this multi-color ensemble will set your pair apart.
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