New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 is a lifestyle sneaker from New Balance designed by legendary sneaker architect and “The Godfather of dad shoes,” Steven Smith. Rooted in basketball-ready
design, the silhouette was reintroduced in 2020 by the Teddy Santis-led Aimé Leon Dore (ALD). It has since been established as one of
New Balance’s best-selling lifestyle shoes on the market.
Check out some frequently asked questions about the New Balance 550 below, followed by the latest news, “Where to Buy”
guides, and features.
The New Balance 550 originally released in 1989 under a “P550 Basketball Oxford” model name. The low-top basketball shoe featured premium smooth and perforated leather uppers, breathable mesh interior lining and a rubber sole unit. At the time, the New Balance 550 was not very popular as it could not compete with the technology-forward basketball shoes of the time, such as the Reebok Pumps, Nike Air, Air Jordan, etc.
As of Spring 2024, pricing for the New Balance 550 is as follows:
- • Men’s $110-130
- • Women’s: $110-130
- • Big Kids: $95
- • Little Kids: $80-$85
- • Toddler: $70
The 550 is available for purchase on NewBalance.com in full family sizes.
The New Balance 550 became the “it” shoe among sneaker heads and fashionistas when it first returned in Fall 2020. In 2021, the 550 became one of the most coveted silhouettes on the market, and by 2022, New Balance had increased production of the model as part of its seasonal product offerings.
The 550 gained popularity for a number of reasons; it was something entirely “new” to the market as it hadn’t released since its original run in 1989. It also gave sneaker-heads something other than the typical Air Force 1 and Dunk to get interested, which Nike had over-saturated the market with.
Yes.
The New Balance 550 will be among the more available models from New Balance. Several colorways are available right now on NewBalance.com.
New Balance 550
New Balance Debuts A New 550 Build With Canvas And Mesh
Though the days of the New Balance 550 being a total titan for the brand are likely in the rear view for now, the Boston...
The New Balance 550 Advances Seasonal Push In “Oreo”
You can’t count out the New Balance 550. While its days as a collaborative silhouette and star of the inline catalog are likely behind it,...
Aimé Leon Dore Vibes Appear On This “Sea Salt/Slate Grey” New Balance 550
The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 line was probably one of the most consequential sneaker collaborations of the past decade. Not only did...
Light “Olive” Dots The New Balance 550
Despite approaching Nike Dunk levels of oversaturation, New Balance is continuing to revisit the 550 in new colorways. For Summer 2025, the Boston brand is...
Atlanta’s EarthGang Debuts The New Balance “Saturated Suedes” Pack
Atlanta rappers Johnny “Olu” Venus and Doctur “WowGr8” Dot, better known as EarthGang, are well-known for pushing the envelope with their fashion choices. The duo...
Can The New Balance 550 Make A Comeback? Strong Colorways Help That Cause
It wasn’t too long ago that we were putting the proverbial nails in the New Balance 550’s coffin. Put in less harsh terms, the silhouette...
The New Balance 550 Pushes Vintage Aesthetics In “Dark Juniper”
There was a brief moment towards the end of 2024 when we thought the New Balance 550 might be taking a hiatus. Absent from the...
The New Balance 550 Shakes Out A “Salt & Pepper” Colorway
Just when it seemed like the New Balance 550 was due for a bit of a break, a quiet end to 2024 has been followed...
New Balance Brings Down A “Landslide” 550 For Women
Believe it or not, it’s been almost five full years since the New Balance 550 returned by way of an Aimé Leon Dore collaboration. The...