The Best New Balance 550s

In case you missed it, the New Balance 550 has become the hottest silhouette in sneakers over the past 12 months. With a range of high heat collaborations as well as some eye-popping general releases, the revival of the 1989 basketball shoe has been gathering momentum with each release. Back in early 2021, you could cop 550s on the shelf, whereas recent GR colourways aren’t even making it out of the box, selling out online in seconds. 

It’s getting harder and harder to put together a list of the best New Balance 550s but that’s just what we were born to do here at StockX. So whether you want the clout of owning a hot collab, or just want to break necks with a pleasing general release colourway on your feet, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best New Balance 550s.

New Balance 550 size? Cordura Pack Grey Cream

You didn’t think we were going to lead with these, did you? That’s why we’re here – to surprise and delight you. Dropping in April 2022, the size? Cordura Pack featured three colourways, the highlight being this Grey-Cream combo. Featuring Cordura fabric on the upper, complemented by a light grey suede and teal detailing, the colour combo just works. If that’s not enough to get you excited, size? lean into the outdoor vibes by putting some stripe detailing on the laces, mimicking a pair of hiking boots. The cream midsole sets off this truly unique pair of New Balance 550s.

New Balance 550 Burgundy Cyan

Kinda hard to believe these were a general release, isn’t it? Everything about them is just beautiful. Let’s start with the smooth white leather upper and perforated overlays – it instantly gives the shoe a premium feel. Then you add in the perfect amount of burgundy detailing on the logos and the collar, and set it off with the cyan hits for a bit of wow factor. There really isn’t a more complementing colour combo than the burgundy-cyan-white trifecta we have going on here – drops like this are why people talk about New Balance’s general releases being so on point. Are these the best New Balance 550s? Probably.

New Balance 550 White Vibrant Orange

Cop these and start feeling like James Worthy on the Showtime Lakers (OK so if you’re over 25, James Worthy used to play for the Lakers and had a New Balance deal – it’s not a good reference if you have to explain it). And while the Lakers might have stunk it up this season to miss the NBA Playoffs, you’ll never be far from the limelight with the New Balance 550 White Vibrant Orange, aka the Lakers colourway. 

Get ’em before the prices go to the moon. 

New Balance 550 Aime Leon Dore Natural Green

Many people credit Aimé Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis with being responsible for the reemergence of the New Balance 550. And while I don’t know the ins and outs of that, I do know that Teddy and the squad made the silhouette desirable again. And you just knew any list of the best New Balance 550s had to include something from Teddy and ALD. 

The New Balance 550 Aimé Leon Dore Natural Green features smooth white leather uppers. Natural Green leather overlays are on the collar, heel, and inner lining. A pilled, yellow leather “N” logo is embossed on each side of the sneaker. Bringing it all together is an off-white, Natural Green, and yellow outsole.

New Balance 550 Joe Freshgoods Conversations Amongst Us

Chicago legend Joe Freshgoods and New Balance are becoming synonymous – their connect in 2020 for the No Emotions Are Emotions 992 paved the way for one of 2021’s shoes of the year – the ‘Outside Clothes’ 990. Mr. Freshgoods is back at it with the Conversations Amongst Us 550.

The New Balance 550 Joe Freshgoods Conversations Amongst Us draws inspiration from crucial dialogues that connect the Black community. It features a simple cream canvas upper with hairy suede overlays and yellowed New Balance logos. At the base, a yellowed sole completes the design.

New Balance 550 Rich Paul

I’ve written about these before, and you know what? I’m wearing them right now. But why did New Balance decide to link with Adele’s boyfriend? If you’re not aware, aside from potentially being the topic of Adele’s next album, Rich Paul is the world’s most well-known sports agent, counting the likes of LeBron James as his client. 

Anyway, The New Balance 550 Rich Paul features an off-white perforated leather upper with navy detailing and yellowed New Balance logos. Rich Paul branded woven labels and insoles customise the design in a similar way to most player edition sneakers. On the sole, hits of light blue add a complementary effect.