One of the hottest and fastest rising brands during the COVID period has been New Balance. Why? Partially because of the new interest in the burgeoning ‘dad trend’ — and also because of well-placed collabs with the biggest names in the sneaker business.  brought significant new interest to the surface. Two, the brand’s models are largely concomitant with the current ‘dad trend’ bubbling. Three, a cycle effect was the consequence of the aforementioned two, whereby influencers look to New Balances, and resultantly, so too did the general public.

1. New Balance 990s

Released almost 40 years ago, the New Balance 990s were first made with performance and technicality in mind. Since then, it has become a sneaker that marries both streetwear and running. Right now there are 6 different iterations of the sneaker — nevertheless the 990s are generally a versatile sneaker that would lend itself to a broad range in your wardrobe.

2. New Balance 550s

Originally released in 1989, the 550s were initially intended as a basketball shoe, but had largely failed in its intended purpose until its recent resurgence. This re-sparking of interest in the model was largely the efforts of designer Teddy Santis — then of Aime Leon Dore — who had taken a keen interest in the model, given his shtick of looking towards lesser-known New Balance models and reimagining them. Upon obtaining one of the original pairs in 2018, the 550s were then built from scratch into what it is today. Since then, 550s have been slowly restocked: Its general release colour ways have also been mostly instant sell-outs, and the rising trend of this sneaker does not seem to be coming to a halt anytime soon.

Given the chunky nature of the sneaker, the 550 would do well with wider fits, but not so much with skinnier or more general menswear fits. That being said, colour coordination in one’s outfits would hereby depend on the particular colourway in question.

3. New Balance 2002R

The third shoe of note is a prior obscure one that, contrary to the other models, saw its largest success in a general release pack. Similar to the rest, the 2002 was not well-received in its initial release in 2010, albeit being the successor to the technically impressive New Balance 2001. Further, the higher price point that it demanded then was something that turned the general public away from the shoe.

Notwithstanding, the sneaker came back in 2020 with a new look, being given the New Balance’s 860v2’s midsole. This design change was one that substantially sleeked out the silhouette and in turn also made it less intimidating to the general sneakerhead.

Being a technical runner, the 2002R is one that can fit well into most ‘comfy-fits’. Further, given the current dad-vibe trend, it would also be acceptable to adopt the sneaker into a baggier fit.

4. New Balance 992

The successor to the 991 bore a slightly sleeker shape whilst still maintaining enough bulk that it falls comfortably within the ‘dad shoe’ category. Previously discontinued in 2010, it was subsequently brought back in 2020 in its first ever retro run, notably first with the classic grey colourway.

As one of the sleeker and narrower ‘dad shoe’ types, the 992 undoubtedly serves as a good introduction into the the fit for beginners, while still giving sneaker heads the option of using it in a substantially versatile fashion.

5. New Balance 574

The 574s have been, and remain, one of the most prominent and respected New Balance sneaker models for the longest time. Countless collaborations about it have surfaced and released over the last decade, including a vast array of colourways and region-specific releases. Like every other New Balance model, while it started out with a technical intention, the 574 subsequently saw in the 1990s its use in the lifestyle scene. Today, the sneaker has a slightly more futuristic look, with modern soles and different panelling.

In terms of outfits, the noticeably sleeker 574 stands in contrast with the generally bulkier fit of other New Balance models, making it the perfect companion to more fitted jeans and trousers.