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 Boston, Massachusetts, in 1906 by William J. Riley, initially specializing in arch supports designed to enhance comfort and foot health. The company expanded into athletic footwear during the 1960s under the leadership of Paul and Eleanor Kidd, introducing innovative models such as the Trackster, notable for its ripple-soled design providing improved traction. Throughout the decades, New Balance has incorporated advanced technologies like ENCAP cushioning and Fresh Foam to support performance, and has secured endorsements from accomplished athletes including Kawhi Leonard. The brand has also collaborated with influential designers and labels such as Aimé Leon Dore, JJJJound, and Salehe Bembury, further establishing its prominence within lifestyle and performance footwear markets.
