Designed by Steven Smith and first introduced for basketball, the New Balance 550 was first released as a low-top alternative to the New Balance 650 in 1989. The shoe was built for performance on the court, featuring a leather upper for durability and an ENCAP cushioning system for support and comfort. Despite being discontinued for some time, the 550 saw a resurgence in popularity following a collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore in 2020. This revival created a new generation of fans for the 550 and led to a consistent stream of new releases, including collaborations with Japanese brand AURALEE and footwear retailer Concepts.
About the Brand
New Balance was founded in 1906 by British immigrant William J. Riley in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing orthopedic shoes and arch supports, with the name inspired by Rileys observation of chickens balancing on three claws. In the 1960s, New Balance began producing running shoes, leading to the creation of the Trackster, the first running shoe with a ripple sole and coming in varying widths. During the 1970s and 1980s, New Balance released iconic models like the 320 and the 990, known for their high-quality materials, comfort, and performance. In recent years, New Balance has had a resurgence in popularity, partially due to collaborations with designers and fashion labels such as Aimé Leon Dore, Action Bronson, and Stone Island.
