In 2020, New Balance brought back a classic sneaker from the ’70s—the New Balance 327—and it quickly became a hit.
It wasn’t easy to get my hands on a pair back then, but now I’ve got them. And today, I’m diving into the details to see what’s great about this sneaker and answering the big question: Will the New Balance 327 still look good in 2025?
Follow along to find out everything you need to know!
Contents
Detailed Review of New Balance 327
Note: Before I start talking about the NB 327, I’d like to give thanks to our sponsor, The Standout UK, for sending me a pair for this review.
They’re one of the few stores where I get fast international shipping and a great selection of footwear brands, all at solid discounts. So, if you’re looking for a good deal, definitely check out Standout UK—you won’t regret it.
Alright, now let’s start looking at the shoes.
Design
The New Balance 327 brings a decades-old style to life, which, by today’s standards, seems pretty simple.
But for those who love the retro vibes from classic New Balance runners like the old 320 and 355 models, this sneaker does a great job of living up to the legacy.
Compared to the chunkier versions we had in the ’70s, this one has a cleaner, more streamlined look. It’s like they stripped away the unnecessary bulk and kept only what matters.
And, speaking of the most distinctive details, it’s definitely the exaggerated heel fang at the back and the oversized tilted “N” logo that give the sneaker a modern touch.
All in all, it’s a blend of sporty, vintage, and refreshed modern vibes that fits right in with today’s trends.
Materials
In materials, New Balance switched it up a bit for each pack, but I’ll just go over what I’ve got on mine.
For me, the upper here is a mix of mesh, suede, and some textile. Up front, there’s a suede toebox that feels solid and honestly looks pretty sporty. It adds a nice flair to the overall look, if you ask me.
In the middle, it’s mostly mesh running through, giving the shoe that breathable feel you want in a sneaker. The big leather “N” logo sits right there, and I think it actually looks quite better than the smaller N-logo like we have on NB 574.
Around the heel, you’ve got more suede, which brings a bit of durability into the mix. And in here, the lugged outsole even extends up the back with that signature fang design.
Now, in the middle, the tongue is pretty basic—nothing fancy going on there. Just your standard textile material with not much padding, so don’t expect a lot of cushioning from it. The laces are also textile but feel a step above your average pair; at least they don’t seem like they’re going to start fraying after a couple of wears.
Moving to the interior, you’ve got a textile lining and a thin insole. It’s removable, so if you want to switch it out for something comfier, go for it. I’d actually recommend doing that if you’re planning on wearing these all day because the stock insole doesn’t really add much comfort.
As for the midsole, it’s chunky and made of EVA, but it’s definitely on the stiff side. If you’re hoping for something that’s going to flex and move with your foot, this isn’t the one. Honestly, it’s not the best choice for running sessions—it’s more of a lifestyle sneaker.
And then there’s the outsole, which is made out of rubber. This outsole features a lugged pattern that’s clearly inspired by retro trail runners. And yeah! It does give off a solid grip on the floor.
Overall, I find the mix of materials here is nice, but there’s room for improvement to take these from “good” to “mind-blowing,” especially for the tongue and ankle lining.
Fit
The fit on the NB 327 is mostly true-to-size (TTS). However, if you’ve got wider feet, I’d definitely suggest going half a size up to avoid feeling cramped.
For me, they worked out fine because my feet are a bit narrow—not too much, but just enough.
So, they’re definitely better suited for narrow feet. If you’re on the wider side, sizing up will give you a more comfortable fit for sure.
Comfort
Alright, hear me out on this.
It’s a budget-friendly sneaker, so don’t expect anything mind-blowing.
It’s a baseline shoe with its share of flaws, but that doesn’t mean you should brush it off. In fact, I’d say the New Balance 327 holds its own against other budget options from brands like Vans, Puma, or Adidas.
What I really liked is how the shoe has its own separate feel. It’s super breathable due to the fully mesh upper. And it’s incredibly lightweight, which is a bit surprising considering the chunky midsole. You’d think it’d weigh the shoe down, but nope, it stays nice and light.
You can walk in these for hours without feeling any discomfort. And if you do start to notice anything, you can always swap out the insole for your favorite one—easy fix.
The weird part, though, is that even though this sneaker draws inspiration from running shoes, it doesn’t feature any of New Balance’s tech like Abzorb, Nergy, or Ndurance. The midsole itself is also pretty standard, and I feel like adding at least one of those technologies would’ve been better.
Another thing is the ankle lining—it’s on the thinner side. So, don’t expect a ton of cushioning if you’re planning to run in these. It’s not built with that kind of comfort in mind.
Aside from those two flaws, I found this shoe to be an absolute banger for the money.
If you’re thinking about getting a budget-friendly New Balance sneaker, I’d definitely recommend putting this one on your buying list.
Price
I know, I’ve probably mentioned like a thousand times that this sneaker is a budget-line shoe. But I haven’t told you the price yet, right?
Well, the actual price is £100, which is roughly around $120.
However, the place where I got mine is offering them for just £85. They’re currently under a good deal, so you can grab a pair from there while the discount lasts.
Here’s a quick link for you guys—hit it and snag them before the deal’s gone!
Must See: Vans Ward Detail Review
Final Thought—Are New Balance 327 Worth It?
Back in 2020, when the New Balance 327 first dropped, getting a pair was no easy task. Even now, they’re still hard to find in retail stores because the hype hasn’t faded.
These sneakers might not pack a ton of features, but they definitely score big on style. With countless New Balance 327 colorways to choose from, there’s no shortage of options.
So, if you’re looking for a sneaker that could still be trending in 2025, give these a shot. They’re sporty, stylish, and surprisingly affordable—you can snag a pair for under $100 if you’re lucky enough to find them in U.S. stores.
