How did this “dad shoe” become such a classic with sneakerheads across the globe? In this article, we’ll explore an enchanting selection of amazing New Balance 550 colour palettes — from the Atlantic Blue to the Honeycomb and True Red iterations — and also dig deeper into the history of the beloved sneaker. If you’re a fan of the brand, here’s your chance to unleash your unique fashion sense and enhance your collection of sneakers with the best New Balance 550 colourways currently available.
New Balance 550 Sneaker History
The New Balance 550 made an impactful entrance into the sneaker world, leaving an indelible mark and heralding its triumphant resurgence. Despite its initial debut in 1989, the New Balance 550 all but disappeared for nearly three decades, eclipsed by competing footwear alternatives. However, in 2020, Teddy Santis, the revered founder of Aimé Leon Dore and Creative Director of New Balance, infused fresh vitality into this underappreciated masterpiece.
With a new lease on life, the fortunes of the New Balance 550 swiftly transformed. Suddenly and unexpectedly, sneakerheads around the world patiently waited outside sneaker stores, eagerly awaiting their turn to acquire the coveted footwear. In a remarkably brief span of just over a year, the 550 soared from insignificance to stardom, propelled by its groundbreaking collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore. Of course, the subsequent partnerships with esteemed brands like Auralee and Rich Paul acted as propulsive forces too, catapulting this New Balance silhouette to the zenith of its popularity.
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1. Aimé Leon Dore Natural Green
Unveiled on April 16, 2021, the remarkable union of Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance gave birth to the captivating Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 “Natural Green” iteration. As a part of the retro basketball shoe collection, this collaboration showcases the creative synergy between the renowned New York-based streetwear brand and the iconic footwear manufacturer.
The design: The upper features an elegant blend of smooth and dotted white leather, adding a pop of vibrant flair in the form of the metallic yellow “N” logo on the profiles of the shoe. Aimé Leon Dore and “NB” branding shine through on the backs of the left and right shoes, respectively. A striking Natural Green leather overlay embellishes the collar, lending a touch of distinctiveness.
What we like about it: These sneakers embrace their heritage with a vintage approach thanks to their pre-yellowed rubber midsoles, which, instead of ageing the sneakers, add an element of nostalgia and contemporary style to the sneakers.
Release date: 2021
Where to buy it: You can find pairs of these sneakers on Farfetch for anywhere between $509 to $979, depending on what size you are looking for and their rarity.
“We are a slave to our nostalgia, and this sneaker just brings it back.” – The Life Of A B
2. 550 x Rich Paul
Introducing the Rich Paul x New Balance 550—an embodiment of vintage court aesthetics infused with modernized intricacies. These sneakers seamlessly merge classic and contemporary design elements, representing a fusion of exceptional talent from the design team at New Balance and sports agent Rich Paul’s incredible work.
The design: The upper features exquisite off-white leather accented by microperforated elements on the toe box, collar and midfoot overlay. The “N” logo is cream-coloured and outlined in navy, while the woven tongue tag proudly displays the iconic branding, “Rich Paul for New Balance 550”.
What we like about it: The sneakers are neither subtle nor do they stand out. This makes them perfect for those who are looking for a versatile pair that can go both ways. Help them stand out by making them the focal point of your fit, or let them be subtle by pairing them with something even louder. We love a good, versatile pair of sneakers.
Release date: 2021
Where to buy it: StockX currently has these sneakers on offer for $220.
3. New Balance 550 Red Atlantic Blue
Presenting the colourful New Balance 550 colourway – the Atlantic Blue. Evoking nostalgia, the shoe boasts a robust and commanding silhouette, paying homage to the ever-popular “dad shoe” trend. Don’t be surprised to see this sneaker high on the list of other Best New Balance 550 Colourways lists, too.
The design: The sneakers feature a harmonious amalgamation of supple suede and lustrous white leather, both of which are imbued with blue and red hues.
What we like about it: The combination of red and blue always seems like a bold choice, as the primary colours aren’t exactly complementary, but they still managed to work so well together that they make a striking pair of sneakers.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: You can find a collection of sizes of the New Balance 550 “Red Atlantic Blue” on GOAT for anywhere from $88 to $127.
4. New Balance 550 Honeycomb
This pair of 550s is a great companion for those seeking to illuminate their path with confidence. In perfect harmony, the Heritage Blue lends a sense of depth and timeless elegance. The Honeycomb colourway is definitely one of the best versions of the New Balance 550.
The design: The bold Honeycomb yellow hue exudes a radiant brilliance, infusing each step with a touch of unapologetic boldness, while the upper maintains the stunning and iconic combination of leathers and suede.
What we like about it: While the pops of yellow are prominent on the collar and the outsole of these sneakers, they are relatively understated because they don’t branch out onto the upper, making them a gorgeous pair of sneakers despite the contrast between yellow and blue.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: A pair of these sneakers in size 6.5(US) is currently on offer at Farfetch for an affordable $95.
“I can wear these all day, every day.” – Credit Nstyle
5. New Balance 550 Royal
The visionary creation of renowned designer Steven Smith, this New Balance 550 lifestyle sneaker is adorned with an exuberant blue mantle, immersing the wearer in a sea of vibrant elegance.
The design: These sneakers have a seamless all-suede upper that is drenched in the captivating Royal Blue hue, topping off the Concrete grey rubber outsole that unites the design and offers unwavering traction and durability.
What we like about it: A fully suede pair of New Balance 550 sneakers is a rarity, and this gorgeous wash of blue is literally royal, elevating any look to a whole new level.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: While there are many options for where you can find these sneakers, Modesens often has stock for around $138.
6. New Balance 550 True Red
Aptly named Team Red, the sneaker exudes an air of understated elegance from heel to toe. The shoe proudly flaunts its affinity for subtlety.
The design: The upper is mostly constructed of supple off-white leather. Adorning the eye stay panel and collar with an assertive flourish, the bold leather embellishments are rendered in a captivating hue known as Chile Red.
What we like about it: Red, White, and Black is always a winning combination when it comes to colourways, and the combination of these colours with the aged-looking leather upper is gorgeous.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: These gorgeous sneakers while being one of the best colourways on this list, finding these sneakers isn’t a difficult task, and you can easily find them on sites like StockX for $66, almost half of the original retail value.
7. New Balance 550 Concrete
They say you can never go wrong with a monochrome rendition of your favourite sneaker. And that’s true for this New Balance 550 colourway, too. This pair revitalizes a classic retro style, seamlessly merging the essence of yesteryear with the demands of the present-day fashion landscape. Don’t just take our word for it, you can see what other people are saying about these sneakers on the r/Newbalance subreddit.
The design: These sneakers are constructed of the usual mix of leather and mesh that the New Balance 550 range is known for, with micro-perforations on the sides. The monochromatic colourway is brought to life with the Black and Grey detailing throughout the sneakers.
What we like about it: Here at Sneaker Fortress, we often say that you can’t go wrong with a pair of black sneakers. The same goes for a classic monochromatic look like this one, making it one of the most wearable colourways in the collection.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: While there is no relative shortage of these sneakers online, Shoe Palace offers these sneakers for $110.
“Perfect for lovers of simple and timeless style.” – Sneakerhype
8. Canyon / Tobacco Brown
Drawing inspiration from the resounding success of the wheat shoe trend, perpetuated by iconic footwear such as the Nike Air Force 1 Mid and Timberland 6-inch boot, New Balance ventures into a realm of rustic allure with this colourway. This sneaker deserves its place on any Best New Balance 550 Colourways list.
The design: Swapping out the usual leather and suede setup, the upper on this pair is constructed of gorgeous premium nubuck instead. Both the upper and sole unit take on the gorgeous dark brown shades, accented minimally and beautifully.
What we like about it: Where many of New Balance’s sneakers have at least two contrasting colours making up its colourway, this pair is subtle, understated, and sophisticated. The sophisticated and gorgeous sneakers set a bit of a different stage for New Balance sneakers, taking them out of the sports world and into more of a lifestyle sphere thanks to their elevated look.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: These gorgeous sneakers are currently on sale at Cncpts for $96, but if you miss their sale, you can also purchase them for $120.
9. New Balance 550 Marine Blue Maize
These gorgeous women’s exclusive sneakers set a bit of a different stage for New Balance 550 sneakers, swapping out the usual tonal outsole for a much more understated and gorgeous look. Breaking away from vibrant and eye-catching sneakers, this pair was a bit of an understated breath of fresh air, perfect for any ladies on the go who love a more sophisticated look.
The design: This sneaker begins with a foundation of off-white suede, serving as the canvas for a captivating interplay of panels. Within this composition, some panels align harmoniously with the base, while others boldly embrace a mesmerizing pink hue. Delicate touches of pale yellow grace the collar leather overlay, infusing a subtle vibrancy that dances along the silhouette.
What we like about it: The slightly speckled gum-coloured outsole is a great break from the usual colourful look, while the soft pastels throughout the upper really draw your eye to the branding of the sneakers. While we often love bright colours that capture the attention, this pair stands out from the crowd for its subtle beauty.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: Grab your own pair of gorgeous “Marine Blue Maize” sneakers from Flight Club for $83.
10. New Balance 550 Turtledove Green Aura Colourway
Step into the realm of style with the exquisite NB 550 Turtledove, featuring hints of Green Aura and perfect for the ladies in the sneakerhead community.
The design: These sneakers boast a captivating Turtledove canvas base that sets the stage for a harmonious fusion of colours. The Sandstone-hued overlays gracefully envelop the canvas toe box, mudguard, collar accents, and heel panel, intertwining effortlessly with the suede eye stay panels and mid-panels.
What we like about it: There is something special about the interplay between soft green, white, and off-white throughout these sneakers that takes these sneakers to a different level, making them refreshing to look at, and almost giving you a boost of energy just from their appearance.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: While you can find these sneakers from many outlets at this point, one of the most affordable options is StockX, where you can grab them for a steal at $50.
11. Black Gum
When these sneakers first arrived on the scene, people were incredibly shocked that they weren’t limited edition or exclusive. Their gorgeous look really lends the pair sophistication, making them an optimal pair for activities outside of sports but still having the tried and true capabilities and comfort of New Balance 550 sneakers.
The design: Bucking the trend of all-leather uppers commonly found in NB 550 iterations, the 550 Gum takes a different approach with its indulgent suede overlays adorning the toe and heel areas. Embracing a predominantly black colour scheme, this rendition tastefully incorporates subtle hints of grey through the tongue branding, “550” branding, and across the collars.
What we like about it: At the risk of sounding like a broken record at this point, you just can’t go wrong with a gorgeous pair of black sneakers, and this pair gets bonus points for its gorgeous suede incorporated throughout. A solid colourway always just has a way of elevating sneakers tenfold, especially when the range is usually multi-coloured.
Release date: 2022
Where to buy it: Foot Locker is currently running a sale on these gorgeous sneakers, so where you could normally grab a pair for $120, you can currently grab them for $74.99. Don’t miss the sale!
12. New Balance 550 Verdigris
There are a couple of colour combinations out there that just scratch an itch in your brain you didn’t know you had until you saw it, and this pair of ladies’ New Balance 550 sneakers does exactly that. Once again forgoing a more active colourway, the gentle interplay between green, orange, and teal is just gorgeous. Without a doubt, this is one of the best New Balance 550 colourways out.
The design: Embracing a delightful palette, these New Balance 550 Verdigris sneakers showcase a base of the palest blush hue rendered in luxurious suede, setting the stage for a panelled upper that exudes visual intrigue.
What we like about it: New Balance really knows how to make ladies sneakers. This is yet another win for ladies who like a more understated and sophisticated look, complemented by the surprisingly interesting speckled outsole.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: Yet another super affordable option on this list, pairs of these sneakers are currently available for $58 on StockX.
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13. New Balance 550 Patent Leather Pack
Although these sneakers are gorgeous, they are currently sitting at the bottom of the list because they haven’t even arrived on the market yet. It’s also a bit of a cheat because it isn’t just one colourway but three. It arrives in a stunning blue, monochromatic, predominantly black colourway, which is mirrored by a predominantly white colourway.
The design: Of course, the shining feature in the design of this pack is the patent leather that the sneakers are named after, combining the elements of the usual New Balance 550 sneakers with the new material.
What we like about it: These sneakers just emerged on the 1st of Jan, 2024, but their newness isn’t the only reason we love them. It’s a gorgeous change of pace to see patent leather making up the usually suede sections of these sneakers, and the collection of cool toned colours is gorgeous.
Release date: 2024
Where to buy it: StockX has pairs of all three colours available, with the “Chrome Blue” pair coming in at $94, “Black Sea Salt” at $127, and “Sea Salt Black” (the white pair) at $94.
14. New Balance 550 Y2K Patent Leather Pink Green
It seems that 2024 might be the year of patent leather for New Balance, as we have yet another upcoming pair of sneakers that is decked out in the shiny substance. If the previous pack was a little too boring for you, this bright, pastel, Y2K-inspired pair of sneakers should scratch that itch. With bright pink, bright green and a matching yellow smattering across these sneakers, this pair is one of the most recent releases, having just been launched on the 1st of April, 2024.
The design: Once again, this Y2K pair has swapped out all of the suede elements for bright green patent leather, but where the previous pack kept its iconic soft leather upper pieces, this pair swapped that out for more patent leather in a gorgeous bubblegum pink. The rest of the construction of the sneakers remains mostly the same as other pairs but only alternates colours between the midsole and the outsole rather than having multiple colours on the outsole.
What we like about it: Y2K is coming back into fashion, and these sneakers are just about the most fun pair that New Balance has ever made.
Release date: 2024
Where to buy it: Because these sneakers were released so recently, you can still find them directly from New Balance for $119.99.
Honourable Mentions
Fourteen places are probably not enough to cover all the best new balance shoes, especially since there have been so many new colours in recent years. While the majority of the silhouette has had an off-white leather upper, the other colours that make up the colourway vary a lot. Then there are also many of Aime Leon Dore’s collaborations.
1. New Balance 550 UNC White University Blue
2. New Balance 550 White Black
3. New Balance 550 Sea Salt Pine Green
4. New Balance 550 Marquette
5. New Balance 550 White Vibrant Orange
If you’d like to get your hands on any of these, it might be good to check with resellers like Stockx.
Tell us what you think are the best New Balance 550 colourways.
