The Hidden Sneaker King: New Balance 574—More Than Just Nostalgia
What makes a sneaker truly great?
What makes a sneaker truly iconic? Affordable pricing, standout design, and functional performance are essential factors. New Balance has excelled in these areas for decades, consistently producing sneakers that resonate with enthusiasts. Leading the charge is the ever-popular 574, a model that has quietly cemented its legacy as one of the most beloved silhouettes of all time.
A Look Back at New Balance’s Origins
New Balance’s journey began in 1906, founded by William J. Riley in Boston, not as a shoe brand but as a company specializing in flexible arch supports. Riley believed his insoles provided a “new balance” to wearers, hence the name.
The brand's first venture into running shoes came in the 1960s with the “Trackster,” which set the stage for what would become a staple in American athletic wear. Its wavy sole and comfortable fit made it a favorite among college athletes, and it wasn’t long before New Balance became synonymous with running excellence.
However, it was Jim Davis, who acquired the company in 1972, who truly put New Balance on the map. On the day of the Boston Marathon, Davis purchased the brand, immediately propelling it into the public consciousness.
That same year, runner Dick Beardsley’s impressive second-place finish in New Balance sneakers solidified the brand's credibility in the running world.
The Rise of the New Balance 574
First introduced in 1988, the New Balance 574 was designed as an affordable trail-running shoe. Its appeal, however, transcended its original purpose, quickly becoming a streetwear staple. Inspired by the high-tech 576, the 574 gained traction for its budget-friendly price, comfort, and stylish design.
From college campuses to workplaces, the 574 was everywhere. Its diverse colorways allowed wearers to express individual style despite its ubiquitous presence.
Quickly, New Balance 574 established its own street culture and gained popularity in the hip-hop scene. From Mos Def and Pharrell sporting them on covers and live performances, to Raekwon of the Hall of Fame rap group Wu-Tang Clan boasting in his lyrics, "I'm on Staten Island, rocking New Balance against the gods," the 574's status on the streets continued to rise.
Gradually, the 574 became known as New Balance's best-selling shoe and the model with the most colorways ever released by the brand. The 574’s global popularity, particularly in Japan, led to the establishment of New Balance Japan and numerous collaborations.
Collaborations and Cultural Influence
Throughout the years, the 574 has been reimagined through multiple collaborations, keeping it fresh and relevant.
Miu Miu x New Balance 574
Notably, Miu Miu partnered with New Balance in 2022 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 574, introducing a limited-edition collection with distressed leather uppers and bold colorways. Known for its "girlish" style, Miu Miu brings a contrasting rebellious image to these New Balance sneakers.
Stone Island x New Balance 574
Stone Island, known for its outdoor brand ethos, opted for a more conservative choice of materials and color schemes in their collaboration in 2021. The combination of gray-green suede and ripstop nylon highlighted Stone Island's functional aesthetic.
This year, their latest collaboration revisited the New Balance 574 Legacy as the foundation for the new release. It features moss green and sage, accented with mustard yellow and gray. These designs showcase Stone Island's expertise in color research and experimentation, backed by their extensive archive of over 60,000 different dyeing recipes.
The Legacy of New Balance 574
Decades after its debut, the 574 remains a timeless classic in the ever-changing world of sneakers. With New Balance’s deep roots in craftsmanship, the brand has successfully maintained a balance between heritage and innovation.
While many brands jumped on the dad shoe trend, New Balance stayed true to its original ethos, crafting quality sneakers with a vintage appeal.
As the retro trend continues to gain momentum, New Balance has responded with fresh takes on their beloved models. The 57/40, a contemporary evolution of the 574, seamlessly blends retro elements with modern flair, offering new colorways and a refined silhouette. With options ranging from the 574 Legacy to the tech-enhanced 574 Sport, New Balance ensures there’s a 574 for everyone.
In addition to classic colorways, the 57/40 offers a variety of options such as gray, red, black and multicolor schemes. It's safe to say that the 57/40 excels in color selection as well. The blend of retro and innovative elements allows the 57/40 to evoke nostalgia while also providing a fresh and exciting experience.
It's not just the 57/40; the 574 has seen many iterations as well. These include the 574 Legacy, which features a fuller silhouette, the 574 Core with a narrower last, and the 574 Sport, which incorporates a Fresh Foam midsole and a rearfoot ABZORB Crash Pad for dual cushioning technology. Each of these versions has carried the legacy of the classic 574 in its own way.
The 574 "History Class" series, released in 2021, featured six colorways that paid tribute to the 850, 770, JP1300, 565, 670, and 700 models. This collection created a range of styles inspired by dressing trends from the 1980s to the 2000s.
New Balance's creative agency, Tokyo Design Studio, also used the 574 as a base to create the 574 TDS, a model with enhanced outdoor attributes. The combination of a minimalist upper and a jagged outsole makes for a striking design.
Throughout its history, the 574 has never chased trends or relied on the latest cutting-edge technology. Instead, its understated, timeless design has sustained its popularity since 1988. Even today, it retains a devoted following, with fans like Miu Miu and Junya Watanabe continuing to elevate its status.
Whether it’s through iconic collaborations or its status as a streetwear favorite, the 574 continues to leave an indelible mark on the sneaker landscape. For the next generation, this “hidden king” might just become their ultimate symbol of youth and style.
Other Popular New Balance Models
New Balance 990
Known for its premium quality and comfort, especially the Made in USA versions. The 990v5 is a fan-favorite.
New Balance 327
A modern classic with bold colorways and the distinctive oversized "N" logo.
New Balance 1906R
A retro-inspired design that's gaining popularity for its sleek silhouette and comfort.
Each of these models brings something distinct to the table—be it heritage, unmatched comfort, or a fresh take on classic designs—making them standout favorites among sneaker enthusiasts.