In an age where the fashion sneakers have become everyone’s footwear of choice, you’ll know the name New Balance.
Granted, other brands like adidas, Nike and Puma are equally as well known now, but New Balance is the one that’s been doing it the longest. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the Boston-based label quickly became one of the best sportswear brands with baseball players and track and field athletes seeking the company out for its specialty footwear.
In 1976, the now legendary 320—which was the first New Balance shoe stamped with the ‘N’ logo on the side—was awarded as the best running shoe by Runner’s World. Then, in 1988, the brand introduced the 574 shoes. The silhouette began as a hybrid road/trail shoe thanks to its durable suede, breathable mesh, and aggressive outsoles that are able to handle different terrain, but they’ve since become a top shoe trend found in the wardrobe’s of fashion’s favorite ‘it’ girls.
Emily Ratajkowski is constantly papped wearing hers, favoring the neutral colorways and pairing them with trench coats, wide-leg trousers and some wired earphones. Really leaning into that old school look, Em.
The shape both Fashion Week-goers and Taylor Swift can’t stop wearing, though? New Balance 530s. Inspired by your classic dad shoes, the chunky silhouette oozes retro appeal—they’re definitely something Monica Geller from Friends would rep’—which matches everyone’s favorite fashion aesthetic at the moment; the 90s.
Taylor wears hers with cycling shorts and a baggy logo t-shirt (Princess Diana would be proud), but they go with everything from summer dresses and boho-trend skirts, to barrel leg jeans and the best gym leggings.
Aside from their list of bestsellers, New Balance has remained on the fashion crowd’s hit list for another reason; yep, we’re talking about that designer collaboration with Miu Miu.
Grabbing everyone’s attention thanks to the mismatched double laces and various fabrications (leather, suede and corduroy to name a few), they also lean into the sporty-yet-feminine aesthetic seen on various SS25 runways – making them a dream buy for multiple reasons.
Sadly, you’ll be hard-pressed finding a pair in stock. Yep, the collaboration loved by Pernille Teisbæk and Lily Allen has been sold out for a while now – trust us, we’ve had restock notifications set for months – so if you do happen to stumble upon a pair, act faster than you ever have before.
Don’t just take a few A-lister’s word for it, New Balance really are ‘that’ shoe brand. See how the Glamour team rates the 7 best New Balance shoes below.
The best New Balance shoes to shop right now
1. New Balance 530
“When I say I’ve lived in my New Balance 530s for the past 18 months, you best believe I can count on one hand the number of outings I’ve been on without them. I’ve got them in two colours – the silver/navy colour-way and the powder blue – and I find they go with everything. Jeans, my go-to tailored trousers and waistcoats combo, leggings. I even wear them to the gym when I’m doing weights or upper body work.”—Sophie Cockett, senior European commerce editor.
New Balance 530 Sneaker
New Balance
Free People
New Balance 530 Sneaker
New Balance
Free People
2. New Balance 574
“No wonder Em Rata is a fan. I wore these 24/7 while on a city break in Barcelona, and they didn’t let me down in the slightest – no pinching, breaking-in, rubbing, or slipping – so I’ve waxed lyrical about them to everyone since. They’re a nice in-between shape of all the chunky and plimsole sneakers that are trending at the moment, too, so you can’t go wrong.”—Georgia Trodd, senior commerce writer.
New Balance 574 Core Sneaker
Amazon
New Balance
New Balance 574 Core Sneaker
Amazon
New Balance
3. New Balance 9060
“These have been on my wishlist for quite some time now. They have all the design features of the 530s that I love, i.e. the oversized shape and wearable colors, but they’re just that little bit more fashionable. They remind me of some of my favorite designer sneakers but no where near as price – even despite the fact they’re some of the more expensive pairs New Balance does.”—G.T.
New Balance 9060 Sneaker
Nordstrom
New Balance
New Balance 9060 Sneaker
Nordstrom
New Balance
4. New Balance 1906R
“Admittedly, putting this into the universe feels like I’m cheating on my New Balance 530s (I’ve got two pairs and wear them to death, ICYMI) – but New Balance 1906Rs are the next shoes on my wishlist. A metallic pair only. The obsession began when I met a friend earlier this month who was wearing a silver and green pair with Adidas Firebird trackpants. I fell in love. They feel a bit cooler, a bit fresher and a bit sportier than the other pairs I own, but—IMO—are still smart enough to wear to the office.”—S.C.
New Balance 1906R Sneakers
Amazon
New Balance
New Balance 1906R Sneakers
Amazon
New Balance
5. New Balance 327
“These were sold out at the start of last year because Meghan Markle stepped out in a pair. The perfect mix of fashion and function – the sloped soles assist your legs with each stride – they’re easy to slip on and go and require little-to-know thought when it comes to the outfit you pair them with. I’m yet to try them myself, but the popular burgundy pair would be where I’d set my sights.”—G.T.
New Balance 327 Sneaker
Amazon
Free People
New Balance
New Balance 327 Sneaker
Amazon
Free People
New Balance
6. New Balance 740
“I’d been on the hunt for a new pair of trainers for some time, and the 740s in that beige colourway were exactly what I was looking for. They’re honestly one of the most versatile designs I’ve found — the minimalist hue makes them perfect for both office wear and casual looks – and although they look chunky, they’re actually super lightweight. No achy ankles here.”—Mayola Fernandes, commerce writer.
New Balance 740 Sneaker
Nordstrom
New Balance
New Balance 740 Sneaker
Nordstrom
New Balance
7. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
“I’ve bored my friends and family to death with reminders that I am, in fact, running the Manchester Marathon this April. But the key to getting round all 26.2 miles? A good pair of running shoes. I’ve been lucky enough to try a host of brands — HOKA, Brooks, Asics — but come back to the New Balance FuelCell Rebel every time. Not only are they super lightweight, but the FuelCell foam makes me feel like I’m being propelled forward. Plus, the below mint green colour way is the perfect accent to my usually all-black outfits.”—Sophie Donovan, senior commerce writer.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Amazon
New Balance
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Amazon
New Balance
Related:
- The Best Jogging Shoes, Reviewed by a Certified Running Coach
- The Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet, According to Podiatrists
- 6 Men’s Sneaker Trends We’re Seeing Everywhere
The post 7 Best New Balance Shoes 2025: Fashion’s Favorite Sneaker Brand appeared first on Glamour.
