New Balance Trainers: Our Favourite Styles and Why We Love the Brand
Few brands have managed to stay genuinely relevant for as long as New Balance. While other labels chase trends, New Balance has built its reputation on something more durable — consistent quality, distinctive design, and a loyal following that spans serious runners, sneaker collectors and everyday wearers alike. At Landau Store we have stocked New Balance for years and they remain one of our best-loved brands. Here is why, and which styles we think are worth your attention right now.
A Quick History
New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 — not as a trainer brand, but as a company making arch supports. What sets New Balance apart from most competitors is that a significant proportion of its shoes are still made in the USA and the UK — the Flimby factory in Cumbria has been producing New Balance footwear since the 1980s. In a market where almost everything is made in Asia, this genuinely matters.
The Models Worth Knowing
New Balance 574
The 574 is the New Balance trainer most people picture when they hear the name. Launched in 1988, it has become one of the most recognisable silhouettes in footwear. The chunky EVA midsole, suede and mesh upper, the bold N logo — it is a trainer that has barely needed updating because it got it right the first time. It works equally well with jeans, joggers or shorts and sits comfortably between casual wear and streetwear.
- 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. The oversized N logo, the retro profile, the mix of suede and mesh — it is a bolder trainer than the 574, and one that has been heavily embraced by the fashion world. Collaborations with labels like Casablanca and Aimé Leon Dore have pushed the 327 into premium territory, but at Landau you can buy it at a fair price without the hype markup.
- 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 is having a significant moment. Originally a performance running shoe from the 1990s, it has crossed over into lifestyle territory in a way that feels completely natural. The chunky ABZORB sole and technical mesh upper give it a distinctly 90s feel without looking like a costume. If you want one trainer that works with everything from wide-leg jeans to gym wear, the 530 is a strong choice.
- 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 480
If the 574 is the classic and the 327 is the statement piece, the 480 sits somewhere between the two — a cleaner silhouette, slightly lower profile, and that basketball heritage visible in the construction. It is the New Balance trainer for people who want something a little more understated but still recognisably NB.
New Balance 990
The 990 is the most premium model in the range and the one most associated with New Balance's American manufacturing heritage. Made in the USA, priced accordingly, and built to last significantly longer than a typical trainer. Muted colourways — typically grey or navy — but that restraint is exactly the point. It is the trainer you buy when you stop caring about trends and start caring about quality.
Why New Balance Works for So Many People
Part of what makes New Balance unusual is how broad the appeal is. You will see the same model worn by a retired marathon runner, a 19-year-old following sneaker culture, and someone who just wants a comfortable everyday trainer. That breadth comes from making shoes that are genuinely well-constructed rather than built around marketing.
The width fittings are another point of difference. New Balance is one of the very few mainstream trainer brands that produces shoes in multiple widths — standard, wide and extra wide — which matters enormously for people who have struggled to find comfortable footwear elsewhere.
How to Style New Balance Trainers
The 574 and 530 are versatile enough to wear with most casual outfits — they work particularly well with tapered or straight-leg jeans, joggers and shorts. The 327 is a bolder trainer and works best when the rest of the outfit is relatively simple. The 990's muted colourways sit well with almost anything.
At Landau we stock a range of clothing that pairs naturally with New Balance — Carhartt WIP hoodies and jackets, Dr. Denim jeans, and Colorful Standard basics all work particularly well.
Shop New Balance at Landau Store Folkestone
We are an authorised UK New Balance stockist — every pair we sell is genuine and sourced directly from New Balance. 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 inside out and can point you in the right direction.
