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
The New Balance 550 Delivers Another Take on “Sea Salt”
It’s been a long journey for the New Balance 550. From obscurity to the heights of being the “it” shoe for the better part of...
The New Balance 550 Steps In “Sea Salt” For Fall 2025
2020 wasn’t too long ago in the grand scheme of things, but it feels like New Balance is so far removed from the days of...
The New Balance 550 Unleashes A “Gum Pack” For Women
In so many ways, the New Balance 550 is the brand’s equivalent to the Nike Dunk, once at the forefront of sneaker culture and now...
The New Balance 550 Mixes Up Burgundy And “True Red” For Summer
Especially considering the big jumps that the New Balance 9060 and New Balance 2000 represent, the New Balance 550 almost registers as a product of...
Pink Suede Softens Up The New Balance 550
Is it just us, or does this New Balance 550 bring back memories of a Nike SB banger? Specifically, we’re reminded of the CNCPTS x...
The New Balance 550 Golf Gets Two New Colorways For The Masters
You really couldn’t have scripted the 2025 Masters any better, capping off with Rory McIlroy completing a Grand Slam title 14 years in the making,...
AVAILABLE NOW: New Balance 550 “Classic Crimson”
Updated April 10th, 2025: The New Balance 550 “Classic Crimson” is available now via NewBalance.com, retailing for $120 in men’s sizing. Hit the “Where To...
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,...