New Balance 550

The New Balance 550 has arrived at JD Sports Australia, and we have loads of options for you to browse, including different colours and sizes. Those who enjoy retro sneakers won’t want to miss out on this nostalgia-driving collection, which offers everything a sneakerhead could desire: comfort and style.

When Was the New Balance 550 Released?

The debut of the New Balance 550 can be traced back to 1989. This was the year when the collection launched as a successor of the 480, the brand’s first attempt at entering the world of basketball footwear.

Like most basketball shoes of the time, the low-top NB 550 adhered to NBA colour regulations with a mostly white colour scheme (minor deviations in colour blocking reflected specific teams). Unlike its competitors, however, New Balance struggled to find a loyal audience for its basketball sneaker, and it fell off the radar for decades.

Thankfully, the NB 550 made its triumphant return in 2020, revived by Teddy Santis of Aimé Leon Dore, who’d discovered the old series in an aged Japanese catalogue. The retro trainer was given a new lease on life, with the classic design going mostly unaltered, save for some fresh colourways. To the relief of all involved, this second chance was enough to generate the hype the 550 had been denied on its first release, and the shoe is now recognised as one of the brand’s shining stars.

Who Designed the New Balance 550?

The New Balance 550 was designed by Steven Smith, whose portfolio also includes the 997. Drawing from experience, he gave the new sneaker an improved outsole for better grip on the court and a visually appealing silhouette that presented the company’s signature ‘N’ logo on its leather upper. He also addressed one of the key problems of the 480, breathability, using mesh so players could exert themselves without overheating.

Why Should You Buy a Pair of These Sneakers?

Despite originating as basketball footwear, New Balance 550 shoes have grown into something with a much broader appeal. Their unique style lends itself to the wants of the modern sneakerhead, bringing back that retro feel. If this resonates with you, we strongly recommend you browse the JD Sports AU line-up, where you’ll find all the latest releases from the collection.