The New Balance 550 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance 550 is a versatile retro basketball shoe that appeals to those seeking both style and utility. Featuring a robust design, this shoe is ideal for casual wear and daily activities.

Lab tests reveal notable comfort with a flexible yet supportive structure. Despite lacking modern technology, it provides a stable base, making it suitable for various environments, from the hardwood to urban settings.

This sneaker’s classic aesthetic allows for easy integration into everyday outfits while maintaining durability throughout wear.


Pros

  • Attention-grabbing throwback look
  • Incredibly clean details
  • Suitable for various outfits
  • Durable, high-quality construction
  • No visible wear after several uses
  • Easy to clean
  • Striking shades
  • Reasonably priced
  • Awesome grip on wet and dry streets

Cons

  • Firm and dull platform
  • Insufficient lockdown feel

Key Features

  • Bold Design: The New Balance 550 Sneakers feature a striking aesthetic that makes a statement.
  • All-Day Comfort: Designed with your comfort in mind, they allow you to feel good even in challenging situations.
  • Durable Construction: The use of high-quality materials ensures longevity and flexibility, making these sneakers lighter than conventional options.
  • Easy-to-Wear Style: The historical details add a layer of uniqueness while maintaining a classic sneaker silhouette.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Rubber, providing excellent traction and durability.
  • Outer Material: Mesh, allowing breathability to keep your feet cool.
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up, offering a secure fit for added support.

New Balance 550 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance 550 Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Reebok Classic Leather Adidas Campus 00S
Price $110 $125 $75 $110
Style Retro Platform Classic Classic
Breathability Warm Moderate Warm Breathable
Weight lab 15.9 oz / 452g 16.8 oz / 476g 11.4 oz / 323g 14.9 oz / 422g
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Firm Balanced Firm Firm
Material Cup Sole Cup Sole Leather Leather
Season Spring Spring Spring Spring
Inspired from Basketball Basketball Running Basketball
Width / fit Medium Narrow Medium Wide
Toebox width Medium Narrow Narrow Medium
Leather/suede quality Real leather Real leather Real leather Real leather
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Bad Decent
Outsole durability Decent Bad Good Decent
Heel stack lab 33.7 mm 36.7 mm 35.7 mm 24.6 mm
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Tongue padding Average Average Average Thick
Drop lab 15.7 mm 16.6 mm 13.6 mm 10.1 mm
Forefoot 18.0 mm 20.1 mm 22.1 mm 14.5 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Bottom 21% Top 4% Top 47% Top 7%
Popularity Top 6% Top 7% Bottom 38% Top 18%