9 New Balance Sneakers You Should Own, If You Don't Already
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Since 1906, New Balance has been crushing it. While many brands have come and gone, New Balance is still kicking—and even that's an understatement. While the brand has been a mainstay in footwear for over a century, the types and styles of shoes have varied in popularity. In the '90s, a chunky dad sneaker was the norm. In the 2000s it became dorky. And in the 2010s and 2020s, the New Balance sneaker has managed to capture the norms, the dorks, and the style gods alike.
Throughout all the years and all the releases, Esquire editors have been staying in tune with everything the brand has to offer, from its lifestyle sneakers to its running shoes. We've bought, tried, and continue to wear our favorite New Balances—the ones we think bring the heat, both in terms of their cool looks and their high-quality performance. We've done the work (and I mean, like, I literally went to work in New Balance's Made in USA factories and sewed a damn pair of sneakers myself, so I know firsthand how much effort goes into every pair), and now we're bringing our coveted research to you. The 9 coolest New Balance sneakers ever made are right here.
8040
For the guys out there who never quite stopped buying into the gorpcore trend, the 8040 is perfection. Inspired by heritage Y2K designs and merged with newer tech (namely NB's 9060 sole), this is the ultimate balance of old and new, a blend designed to get you through even the toughest of terrain. Instead of laces, there's an easy Velcro fastener on the suede upper so you can get to your destination with speed and comfort on your side.
T500
The T500 is a certifiable classic. The court sneaker, which originally dropped in 1982, has literally been serving up looks (and real tennis serves) for decades. In the latest iteration, the T500 now has all the upgrades we'd expect from a heritage brand like New Balance; pigskin-suede and nubuck-leather panels that offer an elevated look on the upper, with a perforated toe box designed for performance and breathability, too. It's cool and casual, so even if you aren't headed to the courts, this sneaker will make your jeans and tee look that much better.
WRPD Runner
In my books, the WRPD Runner is one of the coolest sneakers out there—not only from NB but just in general. It's funky and groovy in its sculptural, dynamic silhouette but keeps things balanced with a minimalist, tricolor design in earthy neutrals. The knit upper is completed with fluid, wavelike accents and a thick sole that's designed for running, with New Balance's FuelCell technology imbued into the construction. Trust me—this shoe might look off-balance, but it's all about stability when you wear it.
1000
Let's talk about the New Balance 1000—a minty, fresh design that adds some speed and style to your fit. The first 1000 was released in 1999, and the latest model still carries the drippy, detailed design. With suede overlays on a breathable synthetic upper, embroidered details, reflective accents, and a segmented sole with cushioning and stability throughout, this is a sneaker that really has it all.
475
If the 475 looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen it on any number of fashionable, street-savvy guys. This is a cult favorite and has been since its initial release in 1986. Though it was first introduced as a running shoe, this sneaker is now a streetwear icon; we wouldn't expect anything else, given the mesh, suede, and leather uppers, the reflective details, and the comfortable sole.
480
It doesn't get much more iconic than the 480. The timeless court-sneaker look is crafted with comfort at front of mind in this classic style, with a bold leather upper that elevates your fit that much more. The rubber outsole offers great traction, and on the inside an Ortholite insert is there for extra lightweight cushioning, moisture-control, and stability.
9060
If you're the kind of guy who likes an understated look, the 9060 is for you. Its futuristic yet minimalist design makes even jeans and a classic white tee look that much better, with oversize sway bars taking from the 990 sneakers and bigger, wavier lines throughout. The sculpted pod midsole adds some modern flair, too, while emphasizing the shock-absorbent midsole.
Made in USA 990v6
I'd consider myself an expert in this shoe—I did hand-stitch one at the Made in USA factory, after all. And through that experience, I know first-hand how much precision and effort is put into every single pair of these shoes, from the pigskin-and-mesh upper to the midfoot saddle to the FuelCell cushioning in the midsole. This one is as performance driven as it is timelessly stylish, and it's made right here in the US of A, baby.
530
If you like techy, silvery sneakers that bring it back to the early aughts, you'll love the 530. This running shoe is designed to feel good and look even better; considering it's crafted with performance tech throughout, that really means something. This style has a shock-absorbent midsole, a breathable mesh-and-synthetic upper, and, of course, metallic accents that are too good to pass up.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to tell you something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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