THE RISE OF THENEW BALANCE 550On eBay Sneakers

The New Balance 550’s modern day story doesn’t exist with Aimé Leon Dore, the New York City-based brand founded by Teddy Santis. In late 2020, ALD unearthed the outdated basketball sneaker from the archives and helped the masses see its worth. (Very fairy godmother-like, no?) Color combinations and blockings have switched up ever-so-slightly, but “aged” sole units have remained, allowing people in 2022 to enjoy the old.

The West Side of Chicago’s Joseph Robinson – widely known as “Joe Freshgoods” – knows product and storytelling. So when he teased having a hand in an upcoming 550, fans were anticipating nothing but flame emojis. Dropped as part of the “Conversations Amongst Us” initiative, a project created by and for Black associates at New Balance and beyond, the JFG-directed pair delivered a simple, clean look that’s more than an off-white-colored, partly-canvas shoe. The sneakers are more like a white tee in the summertime. IYKYK.

Super agent with a clientele including LeBron James, Rich Paul maybe be relatively unknown in the mainstream, but he boasts one of the most lauded New Balance 550 colorways. The “Cream”-accented pair quickly made collectors keep an eye on the Sports Group founder for more sneaker goodness.