Jovani Hernandez Designed by Steven Smith in 1989, the New Balance 550 didn’t find its footing until late 2020. Over the last two years, the silhouette has become the “it” shoe for the North American institution, with pairs like a newly-surfaced “Cream/Olive” one indicating this isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
Deviating from the Aimé Leon Dore-favored smooth leather build, the latest take on Smith’s design indulges in a canvas material across its upper. New Balance’s “Conversations Amongst Us” collection also outfitted the decades-old model in canvas, but its special release favored a much simpler color palette. Desert-reminiscent tones take over the entirety of the upper, with a sand-like brown claiming stake around the heel. Profile “N” logos and “550” branding on the lateral quarter panel opt for lighter shades of brown, while the “NB” text on the spine deviates in a muted green. Stability clips right underneath it follow suit, as does the outsole, but components in-between revert to a tan hue further animated with off-white speckling.
No firm NewBalance.com release date has been disclosed by the company yet, but that’s likely to change soon. In the meantime, enjoy official images of the pair ahead.
Elsewhere from the Boston-based brand, the New Balance 990v6 is expected to debut before 2022 ends.
