The New Balance 550 Is Back In A Big Way, But Only If You Love Suede

Even if the New Balance 550 has been partially surpassed by some of its inline peers, the New Balance 1960R and New Balance 9060, there aren’t many silhouettes on the market that exemplify retro basketball better. As Steven Smith’s design settles into a spot as an affordable lifestyle shoe rather than the most hyped-up model in the scene, we continue to see varied experimentations on its profile. The latest brings suede toe-boxes to the NB 550 in three colorways, each landing for Holiday 2024.

While the addition on suede at the toe-box is the most readily apparent addition, the same shaggy material lands on the collar and poking through the N branding carved into either quarter panel. The result is a design that plays a bit like a Nike Dunk Low, bringing mixed-media energy to the typically all-leather offering.

Right in line with that, two of the colorways here rely on vintage looks; one blends together patriotic red, white & blue with heavy doses of cream on the leather upper. An “Oreo,” or (dare we say it) “Panda” outfit is next up, with the collection rounded out by a the zaniest look of the three, pinning eccentric hits of electric yellow and pine green on top of that same cream foundation.

Each of the three pairs in this pack are expected to hit NewBalance.com and associated channels simultaneously in time for Holiday 2024. Be ready for a $110 price tag on all three pairs. Enjoy official images included ahead.

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