The New Balance 327
One of the most successful New Balance silhouettes in recent years, the New Balance 327 shakes off that NB ‘dad shoe’ label with a lightweight, retro design that has seen some incredibly popular colorways and collabs.
New Balance designer Charlotte Lee designed the New Balance 327, taking inspiration from many different models in the NB archive, including the New Balance 320 and the Super Comp. Both originally released in the 70s, the asymmetric midsole, toe box detail, and studded outsole of the 327 were all borrowed from the retro models.
The silhouette is made from pigskin suede overlays on nylon bases and studded rubber outsoles, and premium leather has also been used on some versions.
The New Balance 327 model burst onto the scene in April 2020 as part of a collaborative collection with French-Moroccan brand Casablanca. The ‘Green’ and ‘Orange’ colorways were instant hits, Casablanca pulling heavy influences from the tennis lifestyle with clean-cut overlays and heavy traction edges.
June 2020 saw a size? collab on the model with two colorways released in red/yellow/green and red/purple/tan.
Levi’s released the model in denim tones in November 2020, two men’s sneakers using a dark ‘Indigo’ and a greyscale denim theme, and a model for the ladies done in a light-wash denim.
The model appeared from nowhere and was an instant hit, with the famous oversized “N” logo and call-backs to the 70s models giving the NB327 serious retro vibes combined with modern touches. High-functioning cushioning and a thick midsole give great comfort and stability, whether its being used as an everyday lifestyle sneaker or a running shoe.
Collabs with brands such as Casablanca, Levi’s, size?, MADNESS and Staud have also sky-rocketed the shoe’s popularity.
Upon release, New Balance 327 retail between €100-€120.
Generally, the New Balance 327 fits true to size.