New Balance 327

The New Balance 327 has arrived at JD Sports Australia, so browse our full range to discover what makes this collection so iconic. This sneaker is available in different sizes and across dozens of eye-catching colourways, allowing you to find the pair that best complements your outfit.

If you’ve been looking for a casual trainer to wear daily, the NB 327 should be at the top of your wish list. The collection has everything a footwear fan could want, from bold upper designs to grippy outsoles.

The History of the New Balance 327

The first pair of New Balance 327 sneakers took to the stage in January 2020, making waves on the Paris Fashion Week runway as the brand collaborated with Casablanca, a Parisian fashion label. Don’t let the collection’s release date fool you, though: it’s very much a product of the retro era, influenced by running shoes from the ’70s.

The designer of the NB 327 was the UK-based Charlotte Lee, who’d been with the company since 2014. When reflecting on her aims during the collection’s development process (which started in 2018), she expressed that she didn’t want to replicate what had come before. She sought to be inspired by the style of previous releases, not restricted. This approach is apparent in the aesthetic of the 327, which blends the retro with the modern.

To accomplish her aims, Lee drew inspiration from several running shoes, namely the 320, SuperComp, and 355. The 320 (a release from 1976) is significant in that it inspired the 327’s bold ‘N’ logo and, as you can probably tell, its name. While the 320 heavily influenced the aesthetics of the 327, the SuperComp (a track and road shoe from 1978) and 355 (a trail running shoe from 1977) informed the design of the rubber lugged outsole.

By combining elements of these sneakers, Lee was able to create something distinct from previous New Balance releases. Yes, the collection pays homage to the brand’s running heritage, but its differences help it stand out from the crowd—a difficult task in a market as saturated as this one. The creative approach taken by Lee made the 327 an instant hit, and it remains popular among sneakerheads and casual wearers alike.

The Features of the New Balance 327

On its release, the New Balance 327 was dubbed ‘the ultimate leisure shoe,’ and it lives up to this moniker, providing a perfect mix of style and comfort. The collection is ideally suited for day-to-day use and light exercise, so if you’re on the hunt for some reliable footwear, not just a shoe that looks good on display, this is a great choice.

The upper is made from pigskin suede, mesh, and nylon, and as previously mentioned, there’s a large asymmetrical ‘N’ logo on the sidewall. In addition to the logo, you’ll notice that the padded nylon tongue features stylised ‘NB’ lettering, helping the sneaker stand out from any angle.

From a functional perspective, the NB 327 is greatly enhanced by its studded outsole, which wraps around the trainer and increases the wearer’s ability to grip any surface, on road or off. What’s more, the thick rubber sole provides incredible shock absorption, and the use of mesh aids breathability. These practical features make the sneaker suitable for long periods of use, whether you’re relaxing or getting your steps in.

How to Style Your New Balance 327s

The New Balance 327 is a versatile shoe that seamlessly combines with almost all casual outfits. This is partly due to the many colour options provided, which range from classic black to vibrant pink. That said, it goes without saying that neutral colours are the most flexible, able to be paired with many different shades. Keep this in mind when selecting which pair (or pairs) you want to add to your footwear collection.

If you’re wondering what clothes to wear with your NB 327s, we suggest sticking to relaxed items: tees, jeans, shorts, cargos, and so on. Throw on some oversized jeans and a comfortable jumper, and you’ll be looking stylish in no time. This isn’t your only option, though: just because you shouldn’t dress to the nines doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a bit of sophistication. Monochromatic colours (like tan) combined with a neutral pair of 327s will have you blending in with any smart-casual crowd.