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

Ushering in a more contemporary atmosphere.

Matt Varga September 26th, 2024 (updated)

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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.

1 of 6

WHERE TO BUY

Mens New Balance 550

SKU: BB550VRA

RETAIL PRICE: $110

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

Retailer	Release type	Status
New Balance US	Standard	Check Site

Show All Releases

Get on the Where to Buy list

1 of 5

WHERE TO BUY

Mens New Balance 550

SKU: BB550VRB

RETAIL PRICE: $110

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

Retailer	Release type	Status
New Balance US	Standard	Check Site

Show All Releases

Get on the Where to Buy list

1 of 5

WHERE TO BUY

Mens New Balance 550

SKU: BB550VRC

RETAIL PRICE: $110

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

Retailer	Release type	Status
New Balance US	Standard	Check Site

Show All Releases

Get on the Where to Buy list

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.