New Balance 574

About

The New Balance 574 launched in 1988 as a budget-friendly option within New Balance's 500 series, a range originally aimed at off-road runners. Designed by Steven Smith, the 574 was built from existing components: the upper borrowed from the 576, while the sole was taken from the then-unreleased 577. The resulting shoe was practical and unpretentious — an accessible entry point into the New Balance catalogue without sacrificing quality. Central to the 574's construction is ENCAP technology: a midsole system in which soft EVA foam is encapsulated within a rigid polyurethane outer ring. This unit sits under the heel, delivering both cushioned comfort and structural support. The upper pairs durable suede panels with breathable mesh for a construction that has remained consistent across decades. What elevated the 574 from a catalogue footnote to a genuine icon was its restraint. Its grey tonal colourways became synonymous with the understated "dad shoe" aesthetic that New Balance helped define. The 574 is often cited by New Balance as the most iconic shoe in the brand's history, and it continues to anchor the brand's originals range alongside the 550 and 990 series.