New Balance 550 vs New Balance 574
New Balance 550
New Balance 574
550 is the clean court classic reborn, 574 is the forever versatile daily wearer — New Balance at its range.
How They Compare
The things that actually matter 💅
Pick Your Side 💜
Which one stole your heart?
Which One Is For You?
Two amazing products, two different vibes ✨
- You want the NB that looks best with chinos and a button-down
- You prefer basketball-inspired lines over running shapes
- You like being part of the 550 moment in fashion
- You need a shoe that handles any situation without overthinking
- You want classic New Balance comfort at the lowest price
- You prefer a running-style silhouette with chunky charm
The Full Story
LoveBar's deep-dive, written for humans 💕
The New Balance 550 and 574 represent two completely different chapters of the brand, and choosing between them reveals what you value in a sneaker. The 550 was dead for decades before Aimé Leon Dore brought it back, and it immediately became the poster child for the quiet luxury sneaker movement. Those clean basketball court lines, the perforated leather, and the retro New Balance logo make it look like money without trying. The 574 has been around since 1988 and has never stopped being relevant. It is the quintessential New Balance — that chunky N, the comfortable ENCAP sole, and a silhouette that somehow works with everything from sweatpants to suits. The 550 is what you reach for when you want to look intentional. The 574 is what you reach for when you want to look comfortable and cool without any effort. Both are New Balance at its best, just aimed at different parts of your wardrobe.