Founded by William J. Riley in 1906, New Balance started small, producing highly flexible, three-point arch supports for those that suffered discomfort wearing shoes, all inspired by the daily balancing acts performed by Williams’ own backyard chickens as they nimbly navigated the coop. Chasing supportive, innovative comfort from the moment it was born over a century ago, New Balance would become a sporting shoe manufacturer of import among both athletes and basketballers, loved for its specialist footwear.
Rolling on to 1972, under new owner Jim Davis, New Balance foresaw a shift in the market. Hoping to ride the wave of casual style and streetwear, they began a push for leisure time products and comfy, all-day pieces that would eventually be sought-after from coast to coast and beyond, all renowned for their quality and comfort. From retro-inspired icons such as the 327 and 420 to the newer Fresh Foam cushioning technology pieces of today, New Balance has never stopped developing and has a deep collection of classic leather and suede silhouettes that will always look and feel superb.
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New Balance 550
A sleek retro inspired sneaker that combines basketball aesthetics to modern everyday wear style. New Balances’ 550 drop uses a simplistic design that makes it a core on foot essential. Featuring an understated yet stylish design, the 550 complements a wide range of outfits, from casual jeans to streetwear. With a cushioned midsole and supportive foot bed, providing all-day comfort whether you're active or relaxing. The New Balance 550 sports a vintage basketball-inspired design, featuring a clean leather upper
New Balance Womens 550
Step out in crisp, inspired style with the New Balance Womens 550 in Angora, carrying off some heritage NB details and design on a comfy leather upper with hits of breathable mesh.
The New Balance Womens 550 revisits an 80’s New Balance classic design, showing off the same design elements and standout N logo on modern leather materials for easy-wearing comfort and b-ball style.Perforated side panels and hits of mesh around the ankles and on the collar all help your feet breathe throughout your day, while reliable rubber cupsole helps hold you in place and provides grippy traction.
New Balance
550
Basketball is engrained deeply in the history of New Balance, and few shoes embody this inspiration greater than the 550. Designed by the legendary Steven Smith, the 550 built upon its b-ball focused predecessors the 480 and 650, bringing exaggerated lines inspired by 90s graffiti, all on a stable heel and responsive, updated traction. Fast-forward to 2018, and, after a period of obscurity for the 550, it finally catches the attention of nostalgia icon Teddy Santis and his Aime Leon Dore label, sparking new interest in this venerable piece. Refreshed and remade for a more appreciative age, remastered 550 shoes debuted in 2020, continuing to ride the wave of 90s inspiration with new colourways and releases.
Features
• Vintage basketball style from the New Balance archives
• Low-top silhouette
• Leather Upper with perforated side panels
• Mesh on collar and tongue
• Rubber Cupsole
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 285212
- Man. Ref: BBW550DI
Reviews
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1 to 8 of 16 Reviews
1 – 8 of 16 Reviews
Most Relevant
Molly22
2 out of 5 stars.
"Ouch" - My Toes
Molly22
a year ago
I would not recommend this shoe. I never write reviews but I feel it is my duty to let the people know how painful this shoe is. I always thought of New Balance being a comfortable shoe brand. I was wrong. The top of the shoe pinches right where your toes bend, so whenever you take a step your toes get pinched and it's a very uncomfortable feeling. I wear these shoes and always regret it, even walking to the bus stop a block away from my house I'll be in pain. I noticed the pinching right when I got them, but I figured once the leather loosened it would be fine. It's been a month of me suffering through the pain to try and break the shoes in, still no luck.
Originally posted on New Balance US
al2000
Cleveland
2 out of 5 stars.
Poor quality, inner lining worn through after 1mo
al2000
a year ago
These shoes are cute from an aesthetic perspective, but they are low quality and poorly constructed. I've only had these shoes for about 1 month and the padding on the heel side wall has already begun to rip and disintegrate allowing the foam to show through. It will only be a matter of time until the foam wears through and these shoes become unwearable. For the price point this is unacceptable and I am extremely disappointed.
Originally posted on New Balance US
Response from New Balance US:
a year ago
Team NB
We apologize if the quality of the 550s you received were not up to standards. We appreciate the feedback here and have made sure to share this with our teams. Your feedback is important to us as we continue to develop footwear.
Motherdear
Los Angeles
GenderFemale
Age55 to 64
5 out of 5 stars.
550
Motherdear
a year ago
Prior to purchasing my 550's I read the reviews. One of them said that they run big and to size a half size down. But, I followed my first mind and purchased my regular size. I wear size 10 and they fit perfectly. I do think they are narrow, but other than that I find them to be comfortable. I bought them to wear for Valentines Day. Great choice!!
Originally posted on Joe's New Balance Outlet
angelab
new york
2 out of 5 stars.
THEY HURT!
angelab
a year ago
the shoe itself is nice from an aesthetic standpoint, but they are by far the most uncomfortable shoes ive ever worn. There are several other reviews stating the same. when i walk / bend my foot, the stiff leather by the front of the shoe where the laces begin, stabs my foot and it really hurts! i regret buying these
Originally posted on New Balance US
baelyn
GenderFemale
Age17 or under
5 out of 5 stars.
so cute, but i have some opinions.
baelyn
a year ago
they look cute and i got lots of compliments, though when i first wore them they hurt the sides of my toes as the top of the shoe is fit weird. after my feet got used to it they were fine. i would recommend these shoes but maybe not as fully permanent shoes as it might cause further damage to your feet in the future.
Originally posted on New Balance AU
PhoebeB
1 out of 5 stars.
Misleading product
PhoebeB
a year ago
The product looks very different from the one received. The picture is misleading about the color of the product. Please tread carefully!
Originally posted on New Balance US
Response from New Balance US:
a year ago
Team NB
Hi there. Thank you for sharing a picture attached to this review. We will make sure to look into this and pass the feedback to our internal teams.
Hat234
2 out of 5 stars.
BAD QUALITY BUYER BEWARE
Hat234
a year ago
Bad quality - got the shoe out of the box to wear, and when I was out I realized the N is peeling off. Shoe fits true to size.
Originally posted on New Balance US
Response from New Balance US:
a year ago
Team NB
Hi there. We apologize if the quality of the 550s you received were not as expected. We appreciate you sharing pictures with this review as we pass this feedback to our teams for quality assurance.
Carole L
York, PA
GenderFemale
Age65 or over
5 out of 5 stars.
good value
Carole L
a year ago
purchased two pairs of NB for my granddaughter. It's her favorite shoe. She loved the color I chose and I liked the price
Originally posted on Joe's New Balance Outlet
1 – 8 of 16 Reviews
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