Beginner's Guide to New Balance 574
A comprehensive summary of the understated silhouette designed by Steven Smith.
Classic. Heritage. Legacy. Designed by sneaker icon Steven Smith, the New Balance 574 debuted in 1988 as the brand sought to establish an economical alternative to its premium Made in USA 990 line. The silhouette pared back performance internals and midsole technology on models like the 575 and 576 for a simplified everyday sensibility, still managing to retain the technical essence that made its older siblings a hit.
Despite flying under the radar upon release, the hybrid runner quickly gained popularity beyond the athletic track, capturing the attention of America's upcoming professionals with its vibrant color stories and attention-grabbing “N” emblem.
Today, the 574 is celebrated as New Balance’s first lifestyle model and one of the earliest to adopt synthetic materials. It is widely regarded as among the most iconic sneakers in New Balance’s footwear canon, with its universality neatly surmised by NB’s “Worn By Anyone” tagline.
Different Types of New Balance 574s
The New Balance 574 is primarily thought of as a low-top silhouette but is also available in high-top form. The models tagged with “Core” are designed to look almost identical to the early releases of the late ’80s, while the shoes that come without the tag typically move away from the classic suede and mesh build in favor of materials like leather. “Rugged” iterations, meanwhile, adhere to a more functional build.
In 2022, New Balance unveiled the 574 Legacy, retaining most of the same specifications as the original design with elevated materials, a slimmer profile, and an updated midsole and outsole. The 574 has also been adapted for NB's Numeric skate line, executed with a vulcanized midsole for skating, while a platform iteration dubbed the 574+ is geared toward style-focused sensibilities.
The New Balance 574 is a unisex shoe available in men’s, women’s and kids’ (big kids, little kids, toddlers and babies) sizes. The shoe is also available in sizes that account for width.
Best New Balance 574 Colorways
New Balance 574 'Core Pack - Black'
The tonal black colorway is an ideal option for those interested in a comfortable, subtle sneaker that pairs well with both formal and informal outfits.
New Balance 574 'Core Pack - Nimbus Cloud'
Mixing cloudy shades of white, the ‘Nimbus Cloud’ color story is an easy-to-wear option for warm-weather months.
New Balance 574 'Grey White'
Grey is the single most iconic color in the New Balance canon, with this ‘Grey White’ version an ideal option for those who wish to add a retro sensibility to their footwear rotation.
New Balance 574 'Sea Salt Ocean Haze'
Evoking coastal serenity, soft blues, calming greys and peach hues collide for one of the 574’s most soothing color combinations.
New Balance 574 'Core Pack - Black Grey'
This monochromatic colorway exudes versatility. The white midsole pops brilliantly against tonal black tones on the upper.
New Balance 574 'Carolina Blue'
Mirroring blue skies on a clear summer’s day, ‘Carolina Blue’ is the ideal companion to shorts and white socks.
Features of New Balance 574 Shoes
Mesh and Suede Upper
Most 574s are built with a mix of dense mesh, real suede and synthetics on the upper. The iconic “N” logo hits the quarter panel with additional branding on the tongue label.
ENCAP Midsole
New Balance’s proprietary ENCAP (short for “encapsulated”) technology is featured at the heel section inside the midsole. This squishy piece of EVA foam is surrounded by a plastic stability wedge.
Tread Outsole
A tread pattern on the outsole ensures steady footing on all manner of surfaces, adding to the 574’s everyday appeal.
Popular Collaborations for New Balance 574s
The New Balance 574 stands out as one of the brand’s most popular silhouettes for collaborations. Below, a guide to some of the most notable.
Bodega x New Balance
A match made in Boston, neighbors and long-term creative affiliates New Balance and Bodega came together to launch the 574 Legacy. The ‘Departure’ (tonal blue) and ‘Arrival’ (yellow, blue, white and grey) pack is an homage to the 574’s “Internationally Known, Locally Respected” tagline and how the shoe rose to become a globally renowned icon.
Stone Island x New Balance
Stone Island and New Balance unveiled a long-term collaborative partnership in 2021, exchanging design codes on products rooted in performance innovation and premium craftsmanship. Taking on the 574 Legacy in 2023, military-inspired color themes dovetail on the upper. Stone Island’s Compass logo is featured on the tongue for subtle visual relief.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance
Chicagoan creative Joe Freshgoods applied his unique design lens to various New Balance silhouettes on the ‘Conversations Amongst Us’ pack, tackling the 2002R, 550, KAWHI 2 and a pristine white take on the 574. According to Freshgoods, the shoe is designed to look better through wear. “Clothing has been a big part of our culture, influencing the streets and the runway. A culture where you are only as fresh as your white sneakers. Where we once worked to keep an all-white sneaker clean, free from dirt, scuffs and scrapes,” Freshgoods shared.
STAUD x New Balance
Los Angeles women’s label STAUD reunited with New Balance in 2021 for a colorful, irreverent edit of the 574 and 57/40. Primary-colored accents adorn the upper, accompanied by matching laces and a grey base.
FIGS x New Balance
A bridge between function and form, medical apparel company FIGS specializes in scrubs, pants, lab coats and other workwear necessities required by healthcare professionals. The company announced a collaboration with New Balance in 2019, rendering the 574 in a versatile grey tone.
Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance
Comme des Garçons stalwart Junya Watanabe is renowned for his avant-garde craftsmanship. His collaborative partnership with New Balance, however, tends to adhere to a more understated design language. This sensibility is expressed throughout the designer's remix of the 574, preferring simple color combinations and elevated materials.
New Balance 574 FAQ
Who designed the New Balance 574?
The New Balance 574 was designed by Steven Smith.
When did the New Balance 574 first come out?
The New Balance 574 debuted in 1988.
When is the next New Balance 574 release or restock?
The New Balance 574 continually releases in new colorways and designs. Stay up to date on the latest releases and restocks here.
How do New Balance 574s fit?
New Balance 574s generally fit true to size. However, if you prefer a bit more room in your shoes, the snug toe box means you may want to go up a half size.
What sizes do New Balance 574 shoes come in?
The New Balance 574 comes in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes. Additionally, the shoe is available for big kids, little kids, toddlers and babies.
Are New Balance 574s comfortable?
The New Balance 574 is a comfortable shoe for all-day wear and light recreational activities.
What are New Balance 574s good for?
The New Balance 574 is an ideal shoe for walking in. It is also suitable for short-distance runs. For longer distance runs, a specialist running shoe model should be sought instead.
What to wear New Balance 574s with?
The New Balance 574 is highly versatile and can be worn casually with both streetwear and luxury looks.
How to clean New Balance 574s?
The New Balance 574 reacts well to most specialist cleaning agents. For more information, consult our How to Clean Sneakers Guide.
Where to buy New Balance 574s?
You can buy New Balance 574s on GOAT. Explore a selection of 574 shoes here.
How to tell if New Balance 574s are fake?
GOAT uses machine-learning technology, digital authentication, in-hand verification or a combination of these methods to determine if sneakers are fake or real. By doing so, we seek to ensure the New Balance 574s you purchase are both authentic and as-described
What are the upcoming New Balance 574 releases?
Upcoming and recent New Balance 574 releases include: