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The 20 Best New Balance Shoes of All Time
From the 990 to the 550, the Boston-based brand just gets it.
Since 1906, New Balance has been crushing it. While many brands have come and gone, New Balance is still kicking. And that's an understatement. While the brand has been a mainstay in footwear for over a century, the types of styles of shoes have varied in popularity. In the '90s, a chunky dad sneaker was the norm. In the 2000s it became dorky. And in the 2010s to 2020s, the New Balance sneaker has managed to capture the norms, the dorks, and the style gods alike.
But why exactly are New Balance sneakers so beloved? Well, how much time do you have? Though the brand makes its sneakers all over the world, its made-in-the-USA program—something of a rarity in the footwear world—is a big part of its popularity. And no matter where they come from, you can trust the shoes to be sturdy, comfortable, and just plain good. Plus, for a brand that long eschewed hype, it sure knows how to create hype around a relatively accessible sneaker. And, let's be real, NB's chunky sneakers have been an Esquire editor favorite for a minute, with 993s and 990v4s comprising a crucial part of the unofficial uniform of many a staffer.
But true to New Balance's vibe, there are sneakers styles for a range of footwear tastes. If you want something that won't give you high school science teacher PTSD, there are slimmer silhouettes that offer just as much support. Or tennis shoes that look so much cooler than tennis shoes have any right to look. And, of course, there are loads and loads (and loads) of retro-y runners. The field is vast. But we're here to winnow it down. So, here, we present the 20 of the best New Balance sneakers of all time.
This sneaker is part of the 99X series, a great place to start for a chunky NB. This one feels the most modern with a lifted arch and wavy detailing. It's made with suede, mesh, and loads of cushioning.
New Balance 574 Core
New Balance 574 Core
The 574 remains undefeated. It's low-key, easy to wear, and comes in muted colorways that vibe well with, well...everything.
The 550 has been one of the most hyped New Balances of late, enough that it sells out super speedily. Luckily, the brand amped up production, and, even better, it hasn't dipped in wearability. It feels a little more like a skater shoe than some of the other options, and the chunky feel sits lower to the ground.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
The 990v-insert-your-number-here is the line of shoes to look for when you want something comfy. It's a functional shoe that fashion people are making cool. The good news is, you don't need to give a damn about fashion to benefit from its cool-kid clout, too.
The 327 is a perfect everyday sneaker, plain and simple. Wear it to work, wear it on the weekends, wear it on vacation. It works everywhere, all the time. The '70s wedge shape is made all the more retro with a dramatic tread and oversized N.
New Balance Made in US 993
New Balance Made in US 993
The New Balance 993 might be one of our favorite walking sneakers of all time. It's also one you can still feel good about your 'fit in. One of our editors not only confirmed and approved the underfoot support, but also gave a shoutout to the pillowy tongue, which doesn't rub or irritate your foot on the move.
New Balance NB Numeric 480 High
New Balance NB Numeric 480 High
New Balance is more known for its low-tops than its high-tops, but we couldn't resist this style. FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to drive you forward.
Even if you already have an array of neutral sneakers, the 530 deserves a place in your rotation. It's the perfect travel shoe—easy to get on and off at the airport, with plenty of support for walking all day long.
New Balance Made in USA 990v4
New Balance Made in USA 990v4
The 990v4 has that signature 990 look, but it's just a little sleeker. It's the ultimate comfort shoe, with ENCAP midsole cushioning and a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support.
A style that was originally released in 1982, New Balance is bringing back the T500. The performance tennis model can be both worn on and off the court. A perforated toe-box and herringbone outsole pattern add to the thoughtful detailing.
New Balance WRPD Runner
New Balance WRPD Runner
At the intersection of exaggeration and minimalist design rests the WRPD Runner. A thick and dramatic outsole is offset by a sleek silhouette. The FuelCell foam adds a springy boost to your stride.
New Balance Numeric Jamie Foy 306
New Balance Numeric Jamie Foy 306
Skate style is a New Balance signature, and the brand teamed up with renowned skater Jamie Foy to craft this pair. A low-profile shape meets a vulcanized outsole for enhanced board feel.
The 1906R has, rightfully, earned a dedicated fanbase despite a shorter history than many of the shoes on this list. It balances great cushioning with sleek—for New Balance—lines and a range of colorways and collabs that offer something for pretty much everyone.
New Balance TWO WXY V4
New Balance TWO WXY V4
For all the ballers out there, New Balance has you covered. This is the first of the brand's models that combines the Fresh Foam X and FuelCell. The result? A special split-sole design that supports both fast lateral movement and high-impact takeoffs and landings.
New Balance Made in USA 996 Core
New Balance Made in USA 996 Core
An offshoot of the 990, six years of evolution went into making this style. Pair with some light-wash denim or athletic joggers for an effortless fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
For the runner looking to shave some seconds off of their mile time, this shoe might be able to get you there. A Fresh Foam X midsole delivers more cushioning without increasing the overall weight, keeping this pair as lightweight as can be, and a mesh upper adds breathability.
New Balance 2002RX Gore-Tex
New Balance 2002RX Gore-Tex
If you're looking for a pair of shoes that can handle the elements, this is it. The introduction of Gore-Tex to this silhouette makes this shoe water-resistant and durable, which is ideal for trail running or rainy conditions.
New Balance 574 Greens v2 Golf
New Balance 574 Greens v2 Golf
This is a golf shoe that goes straight from the course out to lunch. The spikeless rubber outsole is designed to move naturally with your foot, giving that barely there feel.
The BB680 were worn in basketball games, so this updated version draws style and function from the OG pair. While they might not have the support you would wear for a game today, they make great lifestyle shoes.
Inspired by 2000s silhouettes, this chunky style is bringing the retro runner back. Loads of paneling and mesh ensure that this pair feels like a proper throwback, but the kind you can wear right now.
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