New Balance 574 vs 550: Which Is Right for You?

The New Balance 574 and 550 are two popular sneakers that everyone wants to buy right now. Choosing between these two sneakers is making buyers quite puzzled! And people are asking me which one to choose.

So, time for a face-off: New Balance No. 574 vs. 550! I’ll be breaking down the essentials—design, materials, pricing, weight, comfort, and how they handle everyday running.

This discussion is going to be about what I think about these sneakers, so buckle up for everything that I’m going to tell you!

New Balance 574 vs 550: Key Differences

Design: Which One Looks Better?

In terms of design, both have their own unique appearance and design, making them look good on their feet.

If we look at the 550s, you’ll notice that retro feel to it, but by the end of the day, it does not look out of place whatsoever. These 550 give off themselves as stylish low-top basketball sneakers. Creating a distinctive vibe that resembles NB 650.

For the 574, I would say it comes off right from the 80s and reflects the brand’s history. It has a tall design with suede and mesh on top, plus the famous “N” logo on the side.

Its design hasn’t been changed much since 1988, but the shoe looks voguish and feels like it was made for everyday use. You can put these on with any of your casual outfits.

So, both designs are good, and I’ll say it’s a tie.

Materials: Which Has Superior Materials?

Again, in material, I don’t see much of a difference.

The NB 550 uppers boast a mix of leather and synthetic leather, which guarantees better durability. With that, you get to see some premium suede, mesh, and fabricated materials that add flexibility.

The 574 uses leather, suede, mesh, and eco-friendly materials in the upper part. It has overlays on the toe area for style and to protect against dirt. These overlays have cool shapes and patterns that make the shoe look good.

Now, let’s talk about their soles. Both feature rubber outsoles, but the NB 574’s end cap midsole offers extra support, which makes it good for outdoor activities.

Midsoles, however, show some major differences, like the 550 featuring lightweight EVA foam cushioning, but the 574 gives you ENCAP technology, which is an amalgamation of EVA foam and polyurethane. ENCAP technology is a bit more protective and supportive than just a simple EVA foam.

Lastly, you have insoles, which are EVA foam on both of the sneakers. On the New Balance 550, the insoles are removable, and on the NB 574, they’re not.

Both sneakers score well for their premium materials, showcasing awesome build quality.

Comfort and Fit: Which One Offers More Comfort?

This is going to be an interesting part of our discussion.

The NB 550 is a lightweight sneaker—good for walking, jogging, and running. Similarly, for playing basketball, I sense that the on-foot experience feels secure. The grip of these sneakers is on point, and the perforation keeps my feet cool and dry. The toe part is, in fact, a bit narrow, but it is not irritating.

For the NB 574, it adapts to my feet as I wear them and gives off more comfort because of the extra padding. Extra padding feels good, but it adds weight, making it not very nice for light exercising. Moreover, the NB 574 has a broader toe box, which makes it good for wider feet.

Let’s check all the comfort features of both shoes:

If you’re aiming for style and casual walks, the New Balance 550 is a good choice. However, if you prefer additional comfort and support and plan on intense exercise, then the New Balance 574 is the way to go.

Prices: Which Is More Affordable?

Here comes the most crucial factor in the play—pricing. This factor makes or breaks the deal for many.

Even though NB 574 and NB 550 are both fairly priced, I aim to tell you which is more affordable.

The New Balance 574 comes in at around $90 for the unisex, men-and-women lifestyle. Whereas kid’s sneakers cost around $70 to $75.

On the other hand, the New Balance 550 is priced slightly higher, at around $110 for men and $100 for women. Whereas a unisex lifestyle costs you around $120, and kid-size costs around $75 only.

In this pricing, you can find discounts on both of them at various sales events, like Christmas or New Year’s sales. Therefore, I would say to stick with different retailers and be on the lookout for any ongoing sales for better deals.

Sizing: Which Is True-to-Size?

Sizing is also important to know. If you’re not completely into sizing things, you can check out this small-size guide. It has all the details for US, UK, and EU sizes, including centimeter conversions. For my review, I’m going to stick with US sizes.

In size, the 574 goes true-to-size. The normal version of the sneakers does feel a bit tight at the toe region, but if you have wider feet, you should go with the wider feet option.

The 550 is also very true to size, but the shoe at the start is going to feel a bit stiff. Other than that, its stretchable properties give it an edge where it expands to some extent. 

So, no need to stress about their size.

Weight: How Much is the Difference in Weight?

I’m going to explain the difference in weight through my weight machine.

The New Balance 574 for men is around 12.5 ounces for sneakers in size 9. Whereas the same size for women goes around 10.1 ounces. This weight of shoes is due to the thick midsole and extra cushioning around the ankle.

For the NB 550, it’s a bit lighter; for men, it comes with 10.4 ounces, and for women, it stays somewhere near 8.5 to 9 ounces. Here you get to see a slimmer midsole and less padding around the ankle, which contribute to its lighter weight.

Some sports players like light shoes to be fast and nimble. Others like a bit heavier shoe for extra cushioning and support.

But, for this weight section, NB 550 is definitely the winner.

Also Read: Blundstone 550 vs 585

Which one is best for running?

Now, I know most of you guys might be wondering which one is going to be more suitable for running-like activities.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the NB 550 is the better choice because it is lightweight and stretchable. It snugs your feet and provides a comfortable grip. It’ll be best for activities like running, jogging, hill climbing, Fartlek training, or basketball.

The NB 574 is not bad either, but it is a bit heavy, and with that, it is not very stretchable. If you want more comfort, especially for intense activities like gym workouts, then you can go for the New Balance 574.

Final Thoughts: New Balance (574 vs. 550)

So, whether it’s the 574 or 550, both are great sneakers. If you prefer light exercising, running, and jogging, the 550 is a good choice. However, if you’re up for some intense workouts, then the classic 574 sneakers are the way to go.

To end my discussions, I’ve made some essential key takeaways that could help you make a better decision in this New Balance 574 vs 550 battle.

New Balance 574:

1. Trendy Appearance: The OG NB 574 has been a trendsetter model since ’88. The New Balance 574s are not just shoes; they’re a style statement that never goes out of fashion.

2. The Most Recognizable Model: NB 574s are the most recognizable and beloved models. They’ve been strutting their stuff since ’88 and show no signs of slowing down.

3. Comfort and Fit: As far as I know, the 574 fits pretty damn well. It features a cushioned midsole that’s the perfect blend of support and impact absorption. Letting you walk comfortably for hours.The

4. Cost-effective: These sneakers cost you less than a hundred, which isn’t rare but still good for less than a hundred bucks. It stands pretty well.

New Balance 550:

1. Retro Style Appearance: The NB 550 brings back the old vibes with a leather upper, durable rubber sole, cool stitch details, and a long-lasting retro style that never fades.

2. Durability: The leather it comes with is tough and has a rubber sole with a grip that won’t quit. Similarly, the stitches are strong and reliable.

3. Lightweight and stretchable: The 550 is not just light; it stretches too, so you’re not just walking; you’re strutting.