search
Get Started
search
New Balance 550 - Retro Sneaker
zoom_in Click to enlarge

New Balance 550

language

description New Balance 550 Overview

The New Balance 550 is a low-top sneaker originally designed for basketball in 1989. Constructed with suede and leather, it embodies the aesthetics of the late 1980s. It’s now popular as a lifestyle shoe appreciated by individuals seeking a classic, retro style. The design appeals to those interested in vintage sportswear and footwear history.

help New Balance 550 FAQ

When was the New Balance 550 originally released?

The New Balance 550 was originally released in 1989 as a basketball performance shoe, reflecting the design and material trends of late-1980s sneaker culture. It featured a combination of suede overlays on a leather base with a gum rubber outsole.

Why did the New Balance 550 become popular again in the 2020s?

The 550 was relaunched in 2020 through a collaboration with New York fashion label Aimé Leon Dore, which repositioned the shoe as a lifestyle sneaker. The clean, retro silhouette and premium materials resonated with consumers seeking vintage basketball aesthetics, leading to widespread mainstream adoption.

What materials is the New Balance 550 made of?

The New Balance 550 features a smooth leather upper with suede overlays at the toe box, heel, and paneling, along with mesh tongue detailing. The outsole is constructed from gum rubber, giving it the classic 1980s basketball look that defines its retro appeal.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Track changes
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare