Few brands have stayed relevant for as long as New Balance. The appeal comes from a mix of comfort, recognisable design and a range that works for everyday wear as well as sneaker collectors. At Landau Store we have stocked New Balance for years, and it remains one of our best-loved footwear brands. Here are the models worth knowing and how they differ.
A Quick History
New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906, originally making arch supports rather than trainers. The brand still manufactures selected Made in USA and Made in UK models, including footwear produced at its Flimby factory in Cumbria.
The Models Worth Knowing
New Balance 574
The 574 is one of the most recognisable New Balance silhouettes. Launched in 1988, it combines a chunky EVA midsole with a suede and mesh upper and the classic N logo. It works easily with jeans, joggers and shorts, which is a big part of why it has remained so popular.
- New Balance 574 Mens, Slate Grey with Rain Cloud
- New Balance 574 Mens, Dark Olivine with Flare
- New Balance 574 Mens, Navy with Alpine Green
- View all New Balance Women's
New Balance 327
The 327 draws on archive running shoe designs from the 1970s. Its oversized N logo, retro profile and mix of suede and mesh give it a bolder look than the 574. It is a good choice if you want something with more of a fashion-led shape while still keeping the New Balance feel.
- New Balance 327 Mens, White / Black
- New Balance 327 Mens, Tornado / Black
- New Balance 327, Castlerock
- New Balance 327, Black / Black
- New Balance 327, Light Arctic Grey
New Balance 530
The 530 started life as a performance running shoe and has become one of New Balance's strongest lifestyle models. The ABZORB sole and technical mesh upper give it a clear 1990s influence without making it difficult to wear. It works particularly well with wide-leg jeans, casual trousers and everyday sportswear.
- New Balance 530 Mens, White with Natural Indigo
- New Balance 530 Mens, White Silver Metallic
- New Balance 530 Mens, Sea Salt with Grey
- New Balance 530 Mens, Black with Silver Metallic
- New Balance 530 Womens, White with Natural Indigo
- New Balance 530 Womens, Black / Castlerock
New Balance 2002R
The New Balance 2002R combines early 2000s running design with a comfortable modern sole unit. Layered suede and mesh uppers give it a technical look, while its everyday comfort has made it one of New Balance's strongest lifestyle models. It sits neatly between the retro simplicity of the 574 and the chunkier look of the 530.
New Balance 480
If the 574 is the classic and the 327 is the statement option, the 480 sits somewhere between the two. It has a cleaner, lower-profile shape with basketball influence in the construction. It is a good choice if you want something more understated but still recognisably New Balance.
New Balance 990
The 990 is one of the more premium models in the range and is closely associated with New Balance's American manufacturing heritage. Its muted colourways and supportive construction make it less trend-led than some of the brand's other styles.
Why New Balance Works for So Many People
Part of what makes New Balance unusual is how broad its appeal is. The same model can work for someone interested in sneaker culture, someone looking for a comfortable everyday trainer and someone who simply prefers the brand's shape and fit.
Width options are another point of difference. New Balance produces selected styles in multiple widths, including standard, wide and extra wide, which can be useful for people who struggle with the fit of more narrow trainer shapes.
How to Style New Balance Trainers
The 574 and 530 are versatile enough to wear with most casual outfits. They work particularly well with straight-leg jeans, relaxed trousers, joggers and shorts. The 327 has a bolder profile and works well when the rest of the outfit is kept simple. The 2002R is an easy option if you want a more technical look without going too chunky.
At Landau we stock clothing that pairs naturally with New Balance, including Carhartt WIP hoodies and jackets, Dr. Denim jeans and Colorful Standard basics.
Shop New Balance at Landau Store Folkestone
We are an authorised UK New Balance stockist, and every pair we sell is genuine and sourced through official channels. We stock men's, women's and children's New Balance across a range of models and colourways, both in our Folkestone store and online with free UK delivery on orders over £70.
If you are unsure which model is right for you, call us on +44 (0)1303 257511. Our team knows the range and can point you in the right direction.
