Introducing the New Balance 550

The New Balance 550 was originally released in 1989 as the P550 Basketball Oxford. As a result of intense competition from brands like Nike and Reebok, this model didn't really catch on.

The Rise of New Balance 550

Aimé Leon Dore's re-release of the New Balance 550 in 2020 made huge waves in the sneaker world despite its disappearance almost immediately following its release. These simple yet retro-inspired stylish low-top shoes feature smooth leather uppers, mesh lining, and rubber soles. The easiness of combining this shoe with almost any outfit contributes to its popularity.

Best New Balance 550 Collaborations

Among the most notable collaborations on the New Balance 550 are those with New York fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore for 'White/Grey' and 'Neutral Green'. Collaboration with Korean label thisisneverthat led to the release of three colorways of the 550 design in 'Lavender', 'Green', and 'Brown'.

Inspired by the NB archive

In order to recreate the NB550 from scratch, Santis managed to obtain a pair from a collector. Although the sneaker retains most of its old aesthetic, the simplicity of its retro-inspired design, and the variety of colorways have made it extremely popular.

This has resulted in the New Balance 550 becoming one of the greatest trainers in the world. As a result of its relaunch, it has facilitated more creative collaborations and designs than ever before, making it more popular than ever before.