New Balance 550
NEW BALANCE 550: THE REVIVAL OF A CLASSIC
NEW BALANCE 550 FOR WOMEN & MEN: THE HISTORY
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, a Boston shoemaker, who set out to help people with foot problems by developing orthopaedic insoles that provided better support for the arch of the foot. The brand became known internationally in the 1960s when it decided to enter the running shoe market.
After success with running models such as the 990, the company decided to tackle the basketball court with the 550 in 1989. This new b-ball silhouette followed the classic trainer designs of the 1980s with premium leather construction and a rubber sole. It wasn't until 2020 that the vintage design became popular again with the sneaker community, with the new New Balance 550 White Green.
TRENDY COLLABORATIONS FOR THIS SNEAKER
In the midst of its 2020 revival, New Balance decided to relaunch its retro model in collaboration with Aimé Léon Dore of the Teddy Santis label on the Basketball Oxford pack in the Uniform Program collection. The New York designer reworked the design with a beige treatment on the sole and laces, giving it a vintage look that will appeal to all sneaker lovers.
In the same spirit, the collaboration with sports agent Rich Paul uses a similar colour code of cream and sky-blue tones, giving it a luxurious vintage look; frozen in time, it's a style that pays homage to its 1980s heritage.
TOWARDS A WIDER ROLLOUT OF THE MODEL?
Will we see a similar fate to the Nike Dunk Low? This is one of the questions that remain unanswered for the moment. Indeed, due to its mainstream adoption and trendiness, the New Balance 550 could very well be available in a variety of colours. New Balance could also choose to keep some form of exclusivity, as is currently the case, with very low quantities explaining the sometimes very high resale prices.
By responding to the growing demand for the New Balance 550, the Boston-based brand could establish itself as a brand that can compete with Nike in sneakers and trainers in general.
With the appearance of the two colourways Syracuse and UNC, the firm seems to be taking inspiration from the most fashionable colours of the moment for both men and women.