New Balance 574

The New Balance 574 is the model many people picture when they think of New Balance: a suede-and-mesh runner from the late 1980s that has hardly ever left the range. Its rounded shape, padded collar and modest sole make it an easy everyday sneaker for women and men. On WOOVIN the spotlight is currently on the 574 Legacy, especially the versions made with Stone Island.

The history of the New Balance 574

The 574 grew out of the 500 series, a group of New Balance running shoes for runners who also went off-road. It is usually dated to 1988 and was meant as a more affordable option within that series. The design was a hybrid: the upper was a simplified version of the 576, while the sole came from the 577, which had not yet been released at the time.

The shoe did not stay on the running track for long. From the 1990s it turned into a casual sneaker, and New Balance has since released it in hundreds of colours and materials. Where the 990v4 stands for the premium side of the brand, the 574 has always been the accessible classic.

Design: from the classic 574 to the 574 Legacy

The classic 574 combines suede overlays with mesh, a large N on the side and a thick, padded collar. The heel holds ENCAP: a soft EVA core inside a firmer polyurethane rim, which adds support without making the shoe feel hard.

The 574 Legacy is an updated version with a more refined finish. It keeps the familiar silhouette, but adds lightweight EVA foam in the midsole alongside ENCAP for extra comfort.

What is the difference between the New Balance 574 and the 530?

Both are retro runners, but from different eras. The 574 is a late-1980s design with plenty of suede, a rounded toe and a fairly flat, sturdy sole. The New Balance 530 comes from the early 1990s and looks sportier, with more mesh, silver details and a layered, cut-away sole.

How does the New Balance 574 fit?

According to retailers and most wearers, the New Balance 574 fits true to size, so you can keep to your usual New Balance size. Experiences with the 574 Legacy vary slightly, so if in doubt, compare with a New Balance pair you already own. With wide feet or thick socks, half a size up gives you a little more room.

Buy the New Balance 574 at WOOVIN

On WOOVIN you will mainly find the 574 as the 574 Legacy, with the Stone Island pairs in two shades of green and the monochrome Ghost series. Choose a Ghost pair if you like a tonal, all-suede look, or one of the green versions for the more outspoken collaboration. Filter by your size to see which pairs are available right now.