New Balance 574

Every brand has its own icon. At New Balance, it is definitely the 574. The sneaker with the three small digits can now be called an absolute classic among New Balance runners. Its the most popular and best-known design, and it's not without reason that it's considered as THE "signature shoe" of the traditional Boston brand. Clear lines and striking simplicity define this sneaker with recognition factor.

The story of a legend

But like every big star, the 574 started out small. The origin of the shoe is more of a coincidence. The first New Balance 574 was created in the USA in 1988 from the remains of its predecessor, the 576. A completely new sneaker was developed from two already existing silhouettes, which is why the 574 still bears the nickname "The Original Mashup". It was originally designed as an all-around running shoe, suitable for off-road use and was especially popular with marathon runners in the 1980s. Thanks to the worldwide running boom in the 70s and 80s, New Balance became a true cult brand. The NB 574 has contributed a significant part to this.

In the meantime, the retro runner has turned into a real everyday all-rounder.The 574 is a true casual shoe that simply goes with any outfit. Whether tracksuit or jeans - the classic always accompanies you reliably through everyday life, without pushing itself to the fore. The classic running silhouette embodies the spirit of the respective era again and again, without losing the timeless and cross-generational design.

Grey is the new black

Did you know? The very first colorway of the NB 574 was gray. For the 30th anniversary of the 574, we went iin 2018 all way back to the roots. As part of »Grey Days« the classic has been released in gorgeous gray. In the sneaker scene, the color stands above all for understatement. If that doesn't fit the attributes of New Balance and its most popular shape. In addition to the more simple colors such as white or black, the 574 is now available in a wide variety of color combinations.

ENCAP-technology

Above everything, sneakers need to be comfortable. Thanks to New Balance's ENCAP technology, the 574 reaches a new level of rugged durability to keep up with the demands of modern life. This particular technology features the soft cushioned EVA foam. This provides increased durability and feather-soft cushioning in the midsole and heel. Like all New Balance athletic shoes, the 574 has excellent arch support. So nothing stands in your way in everyday life!

Upper materials of the New Balance 574

The US sporting goods manufacturer is particularly known for its first-class material and workmanship quality. The upper material of the kicks impresses with a functional material mix of leather and textile. Thereby, the textile parts increase the breath-ability, while the leather guarantees a high durability. The unmistakable feature of the 574 is the large sewn-on "N", which often stands in color contrast to the rest of the shoe.

What do the number codes mean?

At New Balance, the motto is: numbers speak louder than words. Unlike other sneaker brands, the Boston-based brand designates the individual silhouettes with numbers or letters. The most common models are definitely the ML574, WL574 or the KL574. And the codes aren't the only thing New Balance does a little differently in the sneaker game: while other major sneaker labels produce in the Far East, the American brand sticks to its factories in Massachusetts, Maine and the UK. This is where the extremely popular »Made in the USA« and »Made in the UK« sneakers are manufactured. The different range of New Balance also sets it apart from many of its competitors. And it didn't come from just anywhere: founder William J. Riley was still making insoles for people with foot problems in 1906 before diving into the world of athletic shoes. First customers at that time were Boston policemen, firemen and workers - the first step to the flagship brand of the American working class hero. The brand's popularity came not from sponsorships with professional athletes, but from pure word of mouth. Fittingly, New Balance carried the slogan "endorsed by no one".

Sporty or classic?

In addition to regular updates, new interpretations of the classic model are released from time to time. The 574 Sport is an athletic variation on the classic and features a fitness-inspired silhouette. Along the way, the sole of the shoe has also been catapulted into the new era. Thus, the 574 Sport sits on a much more comfortable Fresh Foam unit and has a slightly higher tongue than the Classic 574. But before lovers of the classic panic: The sporty version loses nothing of its DNA. On the opposite ! The upper made of fine suede and airy mesh are as convincing as ever. If you're more into retro, you can find the Classic in a wide variety of versions in our store. The 80s-inspired details make both the Sport and the Classic a legend of today.

Which size is the right one?

We've found that New Balance sneakers generally run a little smaller. So if you're on the fence between two sizes, we recommend you choose the larger size - that way you'll be on the safe side.

Something for everyone

For both men and the women among you, the Runner is available in numerous colorways. Plain or rather flashy? For the guys, the 574 is available in eye-catching red or classic black. You can decide for yourself whether you want to wear the classic discreetly with jeans or rock a bright color on your feet. For the ladies, New Balance focuses on simple pastel colors. In our store you will find a wide range of colors: beige, pink, gray or light blue - the different color combinations fit every outfit. Despite its simple design and subtle colors, the 574 still knows how to stand out.