As athletic and casual footwear continues to advance in terms of comfort and style, finding footwear with just the right fit becomes ever more crucial in our quest for happiness and style. New Balance stands as an embodiment of innovation and quality by offering an array of options tailored specifically for various tastes and preferences.
As part of our comprehensive sneaker fashion guide, this article explores three iconic models from New Balance: the 550, 990 v3, and XC-72. From their history to design features and more, this in-depth examination covers every facet, providing a guide for contemporary sneaker enthusiasts navigating modern sneaker fashion.
Designer
New Balance 550
Crafted under the visionary eye of sneaker maestri Steven Smith, the New Balance 550 stands as a testament to his design ingenuity.
New Balance 990 v3
The Teddy Santis x New Balance 990 V3 is a striking product created through a collaboration between esteemed designer Teddy Santis (founder of Aime Leon Dore) and the iconic New Balance brand.
New Balance XC-72
Designed under Charlotte Lee‘s creative guidance, the New Balance XC-72 showcases her artistic touch for an exceptional new entry in their portfolio of shoes.
Release Year
New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 first debuted on basketball courts nationwide in 1989 and has made an indelible mark ever since. Following some time away in the archives, limited-edition releases of this iconic shoe returned with great fanfare in late 2020, eventually earning itself an official place among our offerings in 2021.
New Balance 990 v3
The 990 series began its life in 1982, when its original designers set out to craft an ideal running shoe. In 2012, its third-generation counterpart came out, building on their predecessors’ legacy and continuing the series’ legacy.
New Balance XC-72
In August 2021, New Balance debuted the XC-72 sneaker, which took inspiration from 1970s concept cars’ futuristic aesthetic and technology-speculative optimism.
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Design
Upper
New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 features a classic upper constructed from leather with accents of synthetic materials for its ankle collar and logo area. While most of this perforated leather provides excellent breathability, ventilation levels overall remain limited, making these sneakers less ideal for hotter climates.
New Balance 990 v3
The New Balance 990 v3 features an elegant upper with carefully integrated materials such as pigskin, nylon, and 3M Thinsulate. While ventilation details remain unknown, their combination suggests an appropriate mix of durability and breathability.
New Balance XC-72
The New Balance XC-72’s upper construction takes an eco-conscious approach with its knit mesh composition and chrome-free suede overlays, prioritising environmental consciousness while offering good ventilation throughout all seasons.
Midsole
New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 shoe’s midsole stands out thanks to the use of Ortholite removable insoles for cushioning purposes. The midsole itself is crafted from regular EVA foam, a material visibly present on the inner side of the shoe.
New Balance 990 v3
Conversely, the New Balance 990 v3 sports an innovative midsole technology known as ENCAP that utilises lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to provide both comfort and long-term support.
New Balance XC-72
The New Balance XC-72 stands out in its midsole construction by emphasising its rubber-cushioned design; this choice indicates durability and traction, two especially crucial features for cross-country running.
Outsole
New Balance 550
Built from durable rubber, this outsole not only offers resilience but also provides reliable traction on multiple surfaces. The design suggests support and stability, making this pair the perfect option for anyone seeking a balance between comfort and functionality in their sneakers.
New Balance 990 v3
Moving onto the New Balance 990 v3, this model also utilises a durable rubber outsole that emphasises its commitment to providing optimal traction. Furthermore, using high-grade materials in its construction guarantees long-lasting performance and ensures high durability levels.
New Balance XC-72
The XC-72 raises innovation to an entirely new level with its vertically split outsole that features two hard-ground traction designs. Integrating elements from the XC15 and the 375, the XC-72 combines the ‘gripper’ and studded patterns for a versatile and adaptive outsole.
Branding
New Balance 550
New Balance 550 shoes are distinguished by the striking “N” logo displayed prominently on each sneaker side, complete with stitch lines to outline its perimeter, adding a handmade touch. Furthermore, the iconic “NB” logo proudly stands out on each heel, further supporting brand identification.
New Balance 990 v3
990 v3 features an eye-catching stylised “N” logo raised and prominently located on the sides. Furthermore, “Made in USA” branding placed prominently on its heel represents this shoe’s American heritage and commitment to high-quality manufacturing processes.
New Balance XC-72
The New Balance XC-72 takes an innovative and modern approach to branding with its bold oversized N logo made of leather, creating a sense of modernity and luxury in this contemporary shoe design.
Price
New Balance 550
550 retails for USD 110, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a cost-effective yet stylish sneaker.
New Balance 990 v3
As one moves up the price spectrum, the 990 v3 stands out with an MSRP of USD 185, offering premium features at an advanced cost.
New Balance XC-72
The XC-72 fits between the 550 and the 990 v3 in terms of price, retailing at USD 120. This positions it as a mid-range option, offering a compromise between affordability and elevated features.
Conclusion
As your perfect footwear partner, New Balance provides a spectrum of styles to meet diverse tastes—be it the classic charm of the 550, the performance features of the 990v3, or the eco-conscious ideals in the XC-72s—to accommodate you perfectly.
Selecting your ideal sneaker goes beyond following trends; selecting your perfect pair should reflect who you are as an individual. So, choose wisely, step confidently, and let your footwear journey become one that marries comfort with style seamlessly!
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