New Balance 574

Last updated
New Balance 574
Type Sneakers
Inventor New Balance
Inception1988;36 years ago (1988)
ManufacturerNew Balance
AvailableYes

New Balance 574 is a running shoe produced by New Balance. The shoe is synonymous with New Balance and is seen as the symbol for the company. It has been described as the "most New Balance shoe" due to the modest design and grey colorway along with its emphasis on comfortability and quality. [1]

Contents

Overview

The 500 series was created to target consumers who wanted to run offroad, on rougher terrain similar to trail running. The 500s series used durable suede, breathable mesh, and aggressive outsoles to be able to handle the terrain. New Balance would release first model in the series with the 575 in 1986 and updated versions of line would follow with the 576 in 1988 and 577 in 1989. The popularity of the series led to New Balance deciding to release a cheaper alternative in the line for budget consumers.[ citation needed ]

The cheaper version would eventually be called the 574 and would be designed by long time New Balance designer, Steven Smith. The design of the shoe was a combination of different models. The upper was a stripped down version of the 576 while the bottom was taken from the then unreleased 577. [2] The shoe featured the company's “ENCAP” technology which stood for “encapsulated” which provided better stability for the wearer. ENCAP is a soft piece of EVA surrounded by a hard plastic ring that is located under the heel in the midsole. [3] [4] The shoe was released in 1988 to massive success.

A "Collegiate Pack" pair of New Balance 574 New Balance 574 enfants.jpg
A "Collegiate Pack" pair of New Balance 574

Despite being created as a budget product, the shoe would go on to become an iconic symbol of fashion and sneakers but also represent New Balance language in the way they created products. [5]

Models

574 Greens

A golf variant of the shoe released in 2021. The upper features the same design as the original but with a different sole made for the terrain of golf courses. [6]

574 Greens v2

A follow up to the golf shoe released in 2023. It features updated cushioning and sole on the shoe. [7]

574+

A platform version that features 2 EVA foams stacked on top of each other with a smaller ENCAP piece in the shoe. It was released in 2022. [8]

Numeric 574

A skateboarding shoe released in 2023 that features a lower top compared to the original and a vulcanized rubber outsole for better control of the board. [9]

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References

  1. "New Balance 574: History of a Legend". Hibbett Sports. 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  2. "5 Minutes with New Balance 574 designer Steven Smith". size?. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  3. "Not just for dads, the New Balance 574 is a timeless classic". size?. May 2021. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  4. "From price-conscious sneaker to iconic kicks, the New Balance 574 is a rotation mainstay". Finish Line. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  5. "AN ICON WAS BORN A DEEP DIVE INTO THE ICONIC New Balance 574". Sneaker Freaker. 2023-08-26. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  6. "New Balance Men's 574 Greens Golf Shoe Review". Sneaker Freaker. 2023-08-20. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  7. "New Balance 574 Greens V2 Golf Shoe Review". Golf Monthly. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  8. "Classic New Balance Sneakers Are Back…But Which Style To Choose?". The Mom Edit. 2022-10-26. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  9. "NB# 574". Weartested. 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2024-10-06.