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New Balance 550
Versatile, stylish, and from an exceedingly good brand, the New Balance 550 is definitely worth a deeper look at. Shall we?
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Our Conclusion
New Balance is a brand that delivers quality products time after time, they know what they are making and how to make it stand out from the crowd.
With a basketball retro style to them, the New Balance 550 is a shoe that stands up and stands out. The leather, textile, and mesh uppers are ideal for a stylish look and breathable shoe construction. There is a nice durable outsole and a full-length cushioned midsole to add that bit more comfort.
These shoes do suffer from fitting slightly on the narrow side, so this is something to consider - should you have a wider foot.
With a basketball retro style to them, the New Balance 550 is a shoe that stands up and stands out. The leather, textile, and mesh uppers are ideal for a stylish look and breathable shoe construction. There is a nice durable outsole and a full-length cushioned midsole to add that bit more comfort.
These shoes do suffer from fitting slightly on the narrow side, so this is something to consider - should you have a wider foot.
Where to Buy
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Suede mudguard
Tonal TPU heel clip
Ortholite insole
Reasonable price
Durable
Reputable brand
Versatile and stylish
Cons
Slightly narrow fitting
Insufficient lockdown
Basic comfort
Key Features
Key Features
Design
If you're into your 90's vibes, then the New Balance 550 is a shoe that will be right up your street. This pro-ball look alike is great to pair with virtually any outfit and will add pure style to the look.
The leather uppers offer a smooth design and are a durable option, meaning these shoes are built to last. This is also a material that is great for comfort and for allowing feet to move once they have been broken in. The toe box is overlaid with a suede mudguard for added durability.
The New Balance logo sits along with the side panel of the sneaker and the model slightly further forward. They make a point of being seen and for good reason.
The 550 model also sits just below the front eyelets, so they are shouting out that they are a style worthy of knowing.
This timeless classic 90's tribute shoe boasts a dual-layer Ortholite insole for comfort and support and a well-cushioned collar for an extra cozy feel. These kicks may not be designed with comfort at the forefront but they do have those little features that help make them a shoe that you can wear all day.
They sport a nice padded collar to give you comfort around the ankle and a bit more support, they have a retro basketball look but unlike your usual basketball shoes, they sit low.
Additional details include the basketball-inspired logo on the pull tab which is also great for easy on and off, and the New Balance logo on the heel counter.
Performance
These shoes are casual, they are not designed for running/hiking so don't be under the allusion that you will get the desired comfort or support you need if you decide to head off on a run in the 550s and end up with sore feet.
No, the New Balance 550 is the perfect casual, day-out shoe. It is nice and versatile and would perfectly pair with jeans or a sporty outfit.
Comfort
I briefly touched on this in my intro, the 550 is not designed for comfort, it gives you basic comfort and the Ortholite midsole will help with this, along with the padded collar and durable outsole.
But these shoes aren't flexible, they are durable and sturdy and offer stability for your feet. They are not a shoe that will do you justice if you choose to wear them for heavy activity.
Price
New Balance is a brand that deserves recognition for the quality of footwear it produces. They are a higher-end brand that craft beautiful shoes and use great material to ensure that their products last.
The 550 is a shoe that is fairly priced. Retro-style shoes can sit on the bigger end of the scale when it comes to price, more for the detail in design that they have.
If you're into your 90's vibes, then the New Balance 550 is a shoe that will be right up your street. This pro-ball look alike is great to pair with virtually any outfit and will add pure style to the look.
The leather uppers offer a smooth design and are a durable option, meaning these shoes are built to last. This is also a material that is great for comfort and for allowing feet to move once they have been broken in. The toe box is overlaid with a suede mudguard for added durability.
The New Balance logo sits along with the side panel of the sneaker and the model slightly further forward. They make a point of being seen and for good reason.
The 550 model also sits just below the front eyelets, so they are shouting out that they are a style worthy of knowing.
This timeless classic 90's tribute shoe boasts a dual-layer Ortholite insole for comfort and support and a well-cushioned collar for an extra cozy feel. These kicks may not be designed with comfort at the forefront but they do have those little features that help make them a shoe that you can wear all day.
They sport a nice padded collar to give you comfort around the ankle and a bit more support, they have a retro basketball look but unlike your usual basketball shoes, they sit low.
Additional details include the basketball-inspired logo on the pull tab which is also great for easy on and off, and the New Balance logo on the heel counter.
Performance
These shoes are casual, they are not designed for running/hiking so don't be under the allusion that you will get the desired comfort or support you need if you decide to head off on a run in the 550s and end up with sore feet.
No, the New Balance 550 is the perfect casual, day-out shoe. It is nice and versatile and would perfectly pair with jeans or a sporty outfit.
Comfort
I briefly touched on this in my intro, the 550 is not designed for comfort, it gives you basic comfort and the Ortholite midsole will help with this, along with the padded collar and durable outsole.
But these shoes aren't flexible, they are durable and sturdy and offer stability for your feet. They are not a shoe that will do you justice if you choose to wear them for heavy activity.
Price
New Balance is a brand that deserves recognition for the quality of footwear it produces. They are a higher-end brand that craft beautiful shoes and use great material to ensure that their products last.
The 550 is a shoe that is fairly priced. Retro-style shoes can sit on the bigger end of the scale when it comes to price, more for the detail in design that they have.
Comparison to Similar Sneakers
BOSS Hugo Boss Swinton Tennis Sneaker - The moment Hugo Boss is mentioned you immediately take notice, these guys make footwear and apparel that is simply beautiful and the Swinton Tennis Sneaker falls in that category. The Hugo logo rests on the side and heel counter. The uppers are made from a textile and synthetic material and are breathable and nicely flexible for your feet to move in.
Another great product we reviewed is the New Balance 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe, so make sure to check it out as well.
Adidas Originals Swift Run X - Another great option but slightly different from the first two we have looked at. The Swift Run has less of a sneaker look about it and more of a relaxed trainer look. Sporting an EVA midsole for comfort, textile mesh uppers for breathability, and a rounded toe silhouette, the Swift Run is a gentle trainer with a sportier look that would look great as a casual option.
Another great product we reviewed is the New Balance 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe, so make sure to check it out as well.
Adidas Originals Swift Run X - Another great option but slightly different from the first two we have looked at. The Swift Run has less of a sneaker look about it and more of a relaxed trainer look. Sporting an EVA midsole for comfort, textile mesh uppers for breathability, and a rounded toe silhouette, the Swift Run is a gentle trainer with a sportier look that would look great as a casual option.
Verdict
The New Balance 550 is a retro classic that enhances your love for 90's style. It's versatile, stylish, and a good all-round shoe.
Not made for a specific sport but made to look like a sports shoe, the 550 is truly unique and a timeless classic. It is a marmite style, you either like it or you don't.
New Balance is a great brand and the 550 is made for durability and versatility.
However, they might not be the ideal shoe for someone with narrow feet or someone who wants a more comfortable sneaker.
Not made for a specific sport but made to look like a sports shoe, the 550 is truly unique and a timeless classic. It is a marmite style, you either like it or you don't.
New Balance is a great brand and the 550 is made for durability and versatility.
However, they might not be the ideal shoe for someone with narrow feet or someone who wants a more comfortable sneaker.
Where to Buy
See Deal
Where to buy
Best offer on: Dec. 18. 2024
