If one were to envision a Mount Rushmore of trending sneaker models, the New Balance 550 would unquestionably claim a spot. The lifestyle shoe from the Boston-based brand has rapidly ascended to global fame, adopting a plethora of identities and employing diverse release and marketing tactics since its 2020 revival. In its unique journey, New Balance may well have crafted its contender to the likes of the Nike Air Force 1, adidas Samba, and Reebok Club C among other streetwear legends.

The New Balance 550 roared back onto the scene in 2020 via collaborations with Aimé Leon Dore, finding fertile ground for growth amid a perfect storm of increasing brand popularity, pandemic-induced consumer behaviors, and a surge in online shopping fueled by stimulus checks. These collaborations not only leveraged the growing appeal of vintage aesthetics and DIY sneaker customization on social media but also introduced the 550 to a new audience with a penchant for simple yet striking color blocking designs.

Following this collaboration-fueled resurgence, New Balance brought the 550 silhouette back into its standard lineup. This move offered an accessible alternative to the previously elusive ALD collaborations, expanding the shoe’s reach. The brand continued to innovate through partnerships with notable figures like Joe Freshgoods and Rich Paul, introducing fresh materials and designs to the 550 series.

Today, it’s rare to find a design theme, colorway, or material that the New Balance 550 hasn’t explored. Despite the silhouette’s everlasting nod to retro, basketball-oriented origins dating back to 1989, the brand continues to push the envelope in design innovation. While collaborative projects have seen a decline, this indicates the brand’s confidence in the 550’s market presence and its shift towards empowering its internal design teams.

Looking ahead, the New Balance 550 is poised for more bold exploration of new colors, materials, and designs, aiming to solidify its status as a staple in the sneaker community. The journey of each iconic sneaker is unique, and the path that lies ahead for the New Balance 550 could be its most adventurous and thrilling journey yet.

Seen below are a variety of new and upcoming New Balance 550 installments that best reflect the model’s direction moving forward. Shop for available pairs below; stay tuned to see when some of these will become available.

Delivery Confirmation

New Balance has championed the norm-core “dad shoe” look for ages. But how about the aesthetic of the post-man? For Spring 2024, New Balance gave the 550 a swift update inspired by the the 706V2, a shoe commonly worn by mail deliverers. Three colors have been created, each mimicking a respective package logistics company (we’ll let you draw those connections). Currently, just two colorways are available on newbalance.com; the third should be on the way.

Animal Instinct

Believe it or not, the New Balance 550 hasn’t really dabbled much in the world of animal prints and textures, but 2024 marks the beginning of change. Two leopard-print iterations recently surfaced, leading the way for the Boston brand to dip into the world of exotics for upcoming executions. Who wouldn’t want to see the 550 covered in croc-skin or pony hair?

Y2K Vibes

For any sneaker to achieve some relevance in sneaker culture, it needed a moment in the 2000s. The New Balance 550 is doing some retroactive work with some colorway creations that are clear nods to the footwear trends of the early millennium, with a vivid mix of patent leather hues calling back to the days of all-over-print hoodies and Japanese denim. Pairs have surfaced overseas, but will arrive this Summer 2024. The chilled-out pairs beneath offer something a bit more subtle, but still with that pop of patent.

Vintage Finds

The New Balance 550 is not stranger to the pre-aged aesthetic. In fact, that’s how it burst onto the scene by way of the aforementioned ALD collaborations. For 2024, the brand is exploring the vintage treatment a little further, adding even more yellow oxidation and even going as far as chipping away the paint on the N logo.

Ready For Tee Time

Hardwood heritage meets the greens on the New Balance 550 Golf, embodying a growing market for golf footwear that’s both functional and aligned with modern fashion trends. A spikeless NDurance® rubber outsole defines the version’s utility, and golf ball graphics on the tongue make it clear.