A History of the Best New Balance Sneakers
New Balance was born in 1906 in the Boston, Massachusetts area. It was the brainchild of inventor William J. Riley, whose design of a three-point, orthopedic insole, modeled after a chicken’s gait, sparked a phenomenon in the athletic footwear space. Riley began manufacturing athletic shoes in 1938 for track and field athletes for the Brown Bag Harriers sports club, and soon became sought after for the incredible support and comfort his orthopedic technologies offered.
In 1960, the company began offering its first pair of sports shoes, the “Trackster,” a running shoe that came in a variety of shoe widths, accommodating different types of feet—an idea that’s still relevant today. In 1972, current owner Jim Davis, bought the company, foreseeing the incredible potential in leisure footwear. He was in his late twenties at the time, and soon began transitioning New Balance into the powerhouse footwear and apparel leader we now know today.
With the rise in recreational running, especially the popularity of the Boston Marathon in the company’s hometown, a demand for running sneakers spurred incredible growth. Throughout the 1970s, iconic New Balance features, such as the visible “N” logo design seen on the 320, gained recognition and became a signature of the brand’s athletic footwear, a symbol we still see on the market today, catapulting the brand’s mainstream success.
During the ’80s and ’90s, sneaker styles such as the 574 and 990 debuted, and have since been reissued with new variations for modern day wear as part New Balance’s core collection. Consistently popular in contemporary culture—both within sportswear and fashion—it’s these heritage designs like these that are testaments to the brand’s enduring appeal and versatility.
Within the past few years, its Dad sneaker (the chunky-soled staple pioneered after running styles from the 2000s), has become a celebrated, street style favorite, with celebrities and the Fashion Week elite. (Its 2019 tagline says it all: “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio.”) With styles like the 740 and 530, leading the way, and desirable collaborations, like the ongoing partnership with Miu Miu, New Balance has further solidified its position as a highly desirable choice, season after season, in the sneaker space. Keep reading to discover all the best New Balance sneakers.
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An important part of the brand’s storytelling is the fact that many New Balance styles are still manufactured in its origin country—simply look for the “Made In USA” branding. The Made in USA 990v6 is one of the most popular reissue styles, launched in 2022. The original 990, which debuted in 1982, was considered by many as the greatest running shoe ever. Modern variations in colorways and high performance technology have made the 990v6 a lasting success, with a sleek design and incredible cushioning.
Another style from the “Made In USA” offerings is the 992 Core, a re-release of the iconic shoe from 2006. Often associated with Steve Jobs, who infamously wore the sneaker throughout the 2000s, in tandem with his every everyday uniform of black turtleneck and jeans, the shape is beloved universally for its simple design, now with even more stability and lift. Premium suede, mesh, and Abzorb cushioning are a few of its notable features, with core colors, ranging from grey, black, navy blue, and white, offering a versatile and timeless styling option.
A heritage running model from the 2000s, the 740 is back, much to sneakerheads’ enthusiasm. Characterized by the open-knit, mesh upper and chunky, rubber outsole, this Dad sneaker style is not only considered highly performing, it provides all-day support while making a stylish statement. Available in a variety of colorways, from classic white and shadow grey, to those mixed with neons and bright hues, there is often a metallic note that makes these instantly recognizable.
New Balance’s answer to the court shoe, this original style was released in 1982, with a focus on leisurewear, more than true running properties. The retro detailing rings true; for starters, the pigskin suede and nubuck upper with contrasting “N” logo have an undeniably vintage look, while the gummy midsole plays on another classic design element of tennis shoes of the decade. With all things retro having a moment, these are certainly worth snapping up.
Part of the 99X series, the 9060 debuted in 2022 and has a distinct, Y2K-era feel, characterized by a chunky yet futuristic sole, providing lots of grip and impeccable balance. Abzorb and Soft Blown Rubber (SBS) are signature design features for superior shock absorption, so a day on your feet is no issue. A favorite of sneakerheads, believe the hype—the 9060 is just as cool as it is functional.
Originally released in 1999, the 1000 sneaker has maintained its distinct look, even with a reissue, something significant for a true running sneaker. The external lacing with nylon eyelets highlights the stylish, late-’90s laid-back attitude, yet modern performance features ensure this sneaker is not just for leisure. An internal, foam heel pad, a sculpted midsole, and stability web, provide capability, not just on the road, but for a variety of dynamic activities, wherever your day may take you.
Another running style that focuses on comfort and precision, the 1906R offers state-of-the-art support through a blend of trademark characteristics, including shock absorbing N-ergy, Acteva Lite cushioning, and segmented Abzorb SBS pods at the heel. It also has a cool and clean design, which has been used as the base for one of the most popular Aimé Leon Dore collaboration styles, which notable celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence, have been seen wearing.
One of the most identifiable sneakers on the roster, the 574 premiered in 1988 as a hybrid road and trail sneaker designed with a wider last, in juxtaposition to the slimmer, runner styles of the 1970s. It might lack the high-tech components of some of the others, but its flexibility, able to work with a variety of terrains, has made it a true icon. It’s also street style-friendly with modern day fans, including Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid, who like to wear them with everything from jeans to dresses.
A contemporary twist on the original MR530 of the 2000s, the 530 is a chunky, runner shape with plenty of cool points. The classic mesh exterior, “N” logo, and angular sole, feature many of the details that New Balances sneakers are synonymous with. Built with durability in mind, its cushioned midsole is high on the 530’s list of many positive attributes. Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner are just a few of the stylish women who frequently don the crisp white variation in their everyday lives.
A modern interpretation of the infamous 320 style of the 1970s, today’s 327 has a similar feel, with a few twists. You’ll still find retro nods, (the 320 was the first to feature the “N” logo), however, the lifted platform and perforated gum sole keep things looking to the future. This punchy, lace-up sneaker is surprisingly super lightweight, and will take you from studio to street, in serious style.
One of Vogue’s favorite sneaker collaborations of all time, New Balance x Miu Miu debuted spring/summer 2022, and the ongoing partnership continues to captivate fans, while selling through, almost instantaneously. Scoop up the latest styles, including the Italian fashion house’s spin on the 530 sneaker, with a fresh, suede fabrication and colorful laces in a slim runner shape, or the playful mule, slide hybrid design.
