Ayrton Oneill
The New Balance 550 is a basketball shoe that was first introduced in the late 1980s as a performance basketball shoe. Designed by Steven Smith, the shoe was created as a low-top version of the New Balance Pride 650, also known as the New Balance P550 Oxford. The shoe was originally priced at $45 and was designed to improve upon the New Balance 480 by adding smooth leather, perforated profile panels, and lightweight mesh for breathability. The New Balance 550 has since become a popular retro-style sneaker, with a chunky, low-profile silhouette and excellent grip and support. It is known for its versatility, pairing well with both athletic apparel and casual wear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original release date | 1989 |
| Designed by | Steven Smith |
| Type of shoe | Performance basketball shoe |
| Features | Waterproof microfiber leather upper, rubber outsole, padded collar, cushioned insole |
| Properties of insole | Moisture-wicking, 8.8 mm thick, provides arch support |
| Durability | Above average |
| Torsional rigidity score | 4 out of 5 |
| Toebox durability score | 4 out of 5 |
| Heel counter durability score | 4 out of 5 |
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What You'll Learn
- The New Balance 550 is a basketball shoe with a retro design
- It was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since become a popular fashion statement
- The shoe features a waterproof microfiber leather upper and a rubber sole with excellent grip
- It has a thick Ortholite insole that provides comfort and arch support
- The New Balance 550 has collaborated with various fashion designers and artists, adding to its popularity
The New Balance 550 is a basketball shoe with a retro design
Over three decades later, the New Balance 550 has made a significant comeback, becoming one of the most popular silhouettes on the market. Its retro-style design, with a chunky, low-profile silhouette and a rubber sole, offers excellent grip and support. The shoe's vintage cupsole construction, blocky tread pattern, and forefoot pivot point give off 80s/90s basketball shoe vibes, making it a stable and stylish choice for both the basketball court and the streets.
The New Balance 550 has also become a canvas for collaboration and creativity. Notable collaborations include the Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons, resulting in the release of the New Balance 550 Comme Des Garcons Homme Black. Chicago creative Joseph Robinson, aka Joe Freshgoods, released a version with a cream canvas upper and hairy suede overlays. Klutch founder Rich Paul collaborated on two designs: one with an off-white perforated leather upper and navy detailing, and another with a premium lavender suede upper and purple accents.
The New Balance 550's versatility extends beyond its athletic purpose. Its bold design and colour-blocking make it a fashionable statement piece, pairing well with various styles, from basketball shorts and track pants to denim jeans and casual jackets. Additionally, the shoe provides comfort and support for all-day wear with its thick Ortholite insole, moisture-wicking properties, and cushioned insole.
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It was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since become a popular fashion statement
The New Balance 550 was first introduced in the late 1980s as a performance basketball shoe. It was designed by Steven Smith and created as a low-top version of the company's New Balance Pride 650. The shoe was originally known as the New Balance 550 Oxford and was priced at $45 when it was first released in 1989.
The New Balance 550 has a vintage cupsole construction, a blocky tread pattern, and a forefoot pivot point, giving off 80s/90s basketball shoe vibes. The shoe features a waterproof microfiber leather upper, the company's NDurance spikeless rubber outsole, and a padded collar and cushioned insole for added comfort during activities. The rubber sole offers excellent grip and support, with an above-average coefficient, allowing users to walk confidently on dry and wet surfaces.
The New Balance 550's popularity and success on the basketball court led to its expansion into other athletic arenas and its popularity among casual wearers. Today, the 550 is a retro-style sneaker that has become a popular fashion statement. The sneakers in the New Balance 550 collection have a chunky, low-profile silhouette with bold colour-blocking and distinct branding, which are key aspects of its retro design. The shoe's versatility is highlighted by its ability to pair well with a range of fashion items, from basketball shorts and track pants to denim jeans and casual jackets.
The New Balance 550 has also served as a canvas for collaborations with various fashion designers and artists. Notable collaborations include those with the Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons and Chicago creative Joseph Robinson, who released a cream canvas upper with hairy suede overlays and an aged yellow midsole. Klutch founder Rich Paul also collaborated with New Balance, releasing a pair of 550s with an off-white perforated leather upper, navy detailing, and yellowed logos. These collaborations have further contributed to the New Balance 550's popularity and its status as a sought-after fashion item.
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The shoe features a waterproof microfiber leather upper and a rubber sole with excellent grip
The New Balance 550 is a basketball shoe that was first introduced in the late 1980s. It was designed by Steven Smith as a low-top version of the company's New Balance Pride 650. The shoe was originally known as the New Balance 550 Basketball Oxford and was priced at $45.
The New Balance 550 features a waterproof microfiber leather upper and a rubber sole with excellent grip. The leather used for the upper is smooth and perforated, with profile panels and a lightweight mesh base to improve breathability. The heel has a moulded structure to enhance stability and lockdown, and the sole features an updated traction pattern to provide better responsiveness.
The rubber used for the sole of the New Balance 550 is unknown, but lab tests have shown that it has excellent grip. The shoe has a vintage cupsole construction, a blocky tread pattern, and a forefoot pivot point, giving it a retro design that is popular among fashion-conscious consumers. The shoe also has a high friction score, allowing users to walk confidently on both dry and wet surfaces.
In addition to its performance on the basketball court, the New Balance 550 has also become a popular fashion statement. Its bold design and colour-blocking complement a range of fashion-forward items, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The shoe has also been released in various colourways and collaborations with cultural figures and fashion designers, further enhancing its popularity.
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It has a thick Ortholite insole that provides comfort and arch support
The New Balance 550 is a retro shoe with a 90s basketball shoe heritage. It has a vintage cupsole construction, a blocky tread pattern, and a forefoot pivot point, giving off a stylish, retro vibe.
The 550's insole is a standout feature. At 8.8 mm thick, the two-layered Ortholite insole is significantly thicker than average. This thickness provides exceptional comfort and arch support, making the shoe an excellent option for individuals with flat feet. The insole's moisture-wicking capabilities ensure that feet stay dry and odour-free for extended periods.
The Ortholite insole's comfort and support are enhanced by the shoe's overall construction. The 550 has a moderate taper angle and a standard width of 91.4 mm at the widest part of the foot, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The shoe also boasts a firm midsole that effectively dampens landings, offering a ride that is both comfortable and supportive.
The New Balance 550's thick Ortholite insole is a key feature that sets it apart from other shoes. This insole provides exceptional comfort and arch support, making the shoe a versatile option for various activities, from the basketball court to city streets. The insole's moisture-wicking capabilities further enhance the overall comfort and durability of the shoe.
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The New Balance 550 has collaborated with various fashion designers and artists, adding to its popularity
The New Balance 550 has gained popularity due to its collaborations with various fashion designers and artists. With its heritage as a 90s basketball shoe, the New Balance 550 has a retro and versatile style. The shoe's vintage cupsole construction, blocky tread pattern, and forefoot pivot point all contribute to its appeal among those seeking stylish and functional footwear.
One notable collaboration is with the New York-based label Aimé Leon Dore and its founder Teddy Santis. Santis's passion for 90s nostalgia and New York City basketball culture influenced his decision to use the 550 model for his collaboration with New Balance. He updated the dated silhouette with collegiate colors and vintage finishes, fusing New Balance's history with modern fashion trends. The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 collaboration received critical acclaim and high demand, solidifying the relationship between the two brands.
Another notable collaboration is with designer Joe Freshgoods, who unveiled the "'Conversations Amongst Us' colorway". This iteration of the 550 features a cream-colored canvas and suede upper, with the New Balance "N" logo highlighted in black. The aged and worn aesthetic of this collaboration adds to the shoe's popularity.
New Balance has also released exclusive collaborations with Size?, offering noteworthy releases that sneaker enthusiasts appreciate. These collaborations have contributed to the growing popularity of the New Balance 550, showcasing the brand's ability to infuse its classic silhouettes with fresh perspectives and creative storytelling.
Through these collaborations, New Balance has successfully engaged with a growing market that values both style and functionality in their footwear choices. By partnering with influential figures in fashion, art, and streetwear, New Balance has transformed its image, establishing itself as a leader in high-quality, trendy streetwear.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New Balance 550s are basketball shoes. They were first introduced in the 1980s as performance basketball shoes and are known for their grip and stability.
The New Balance 550s were designed by Steven Smith and were originally made with smooth leather for the upper, perforated profile panels, and lightweight mesh for the base to make the shoes more breathable. The heel has a moulded structure for improved stability, and the sole provides excellent grip.
Yes, New Balance 550s are versatile. They can be paired with basketball shorts, track pants, denim jeans, and casual jackets. They are also popular as a retro-style fashion statement.
