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New Balance 550 vs New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

The New Balance 550 is the better pick for most people who want a clean, retro basketball sneaker with solid leather build and unisex sizing. The 327 is a lighter, sportier runner-style shoe with more color options and wide sizing, but owner reviews flag squeaking and color bleeding. Choose the 550 for durability and classic looks; choose the 327 for a softer, more athletic feel and a wider fit.

  • Choose the New Balance 550 if you want a durable leather sneaker with a timeless basketball silhouette and unisex sizing.
  • Choose the New Balance 327 if you prefer a lighter, runner-inspired shoe with suede and mesh, available in wide widths and many colors.

Prices

  • New Balance 550: $49.00 at theoutnet.com (last seen Nov 5)
  • New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker: $52.49 at Shopbop (checked today)
  • Difference: the New Balance 550 is $3.49 cheaper than the New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 10)
New Balance
New Balance Men's 550

New Balance 550

New Balance Men's 550

4.3(812 ratings)
$49.00at theoutnet.comChecked Nov 5
See all prices and details
Visit theoutnet.com
Pros
  • Durable leather upper
  • Unisex sizing for men and women
  • Arch support and stability
  • Classic basketball look that pairs with many outfits
Cons
  • Runs narrow and tight for wide feet
  • Heavier than mesh-based sneakers
  • Limited color options compared to the 327
New Balance
New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

4.4(7,400 ratings)
$52.49at ShopbopChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Shopbop
Pros
  • Lightweight at 9.3 oz
  • Available in wide widths
  • Sporty, retro runner style with many colorways
  • Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
  • Reports of squeaking with every step
  • Color can bleed when wet
  • Materials vary between colorways

What separates them

New Balance 550New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker
Upper materialLeather with mesh and nylon panelsSuede, mesh, and leather mix
WeightNot specified, but heavier due to leather9.3 oz (women's size 7.5)
SizingUnisex sizing, medium width onlyWomen's sizing, medium and wide widths
Arch supportYes, with cushioning and stabilityCushioning only, no arch support listed
SeasonSpring, summer, fallFall, winter
Owner-reported issuesFits tight, especially for wide feetSqueaking, color bleeding, inconsistent materials
StyleRetro basketball, low-top, streamlinedRetro running, oversized logo, fang design

Price history

$63.00$45.04
Oct 30Nov 10
  • New Balance 550: lowest $45.04 on Oct 31 at ShopSimon; $62.01 on Nov 10.
  • New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker: lowest $52.49 on Oct 31 at Shopbop; $52.49 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

New Balance 550

  • Joe's New Balance OutletNew

    In stock

    $54.99Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Joe's New Balance Outlet
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by scorpionshoes-london

    $61.87Checked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • theoutnet.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $49.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit theoutnet.com
  • JourneysNew

    Availability unknown

    $59.98Checked Nov 6
    Visit Journeys

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 41 stores and price history →

New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

  • ShopbopNew

    In stock

    $52.49Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Shopbop
  • Tradehome ShoesNew

    In stock

    $69.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Tradehome Shoes
  • DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $70.97Checked 4 h ago
    Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods
  • Level ShoesNew

    In stock

    $63.00+ $26.00 shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Level Shoes

Also available at

  • Brown's Shoe Fit Co. LongviewCheck price at Brown's Shoe Fit Co. Longview
  • Chiappetta ShoesCheck price at Chiappetta Shoes
  • CHROMECheck price at CHROME

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 35 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 550New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker
WidthWidth MediumWidth Medium, Width Wide
DepartmentMen's, Women's, UnisexWomen's
MaterialGenuine Leather, Mesh, Nylon, RubberGenuine Leather, Genuine Suede, Mesh, Nylon, Ru…
Fashion SneakerYesYes
Closure StyleLace-upLace-up
StyleCasualCasual
SeasonSpring, Summer, FallWinter, Fall
Support TypeCushioning, StabilityCushioning
Outsole MaterialRubber OutsoleRubber Outsole
shoe_size57.5
colorRedBeige
actual_colorRosewood/PinkSea Salt/White/Black
Show all 36 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 550New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker
Size (US)13, 14, 11, 12, 15, 6.5, 5.5, 9.5, 10.5, 4.5, 8…13, 14, 11, 12, 17, 15, 16, 6.5, 19, 14.5, 9.5,…
Gore-TexNoNo
SeriesNew Balance 550New Balance 327
FasteningLacedLaced
OutsoleRubberRubber
Age GroupAdultAdult
GenderUnisexFemale
Upper MaterialLeatherNylon, Mesh, Synthetic, Leather, Suede, Linnen
SizeSize 7090
Care Instructions

What reviewers say

New Balance 550

  • 4.3 / 5812 ratings

With 4.3 out of 5 from 812 ratings, owners mostly like the 550's retro look and everyday comfort. Complaints tend to center on fit and break-in rather than the design.

What people mention
  • StylePraisedOwners like the clean low-top retro look and how easily it fits casual outfits.
  • ComfortMixedThe padded footbed suits many wearers, but some find it less cushioned than modern sneakers.
  • FitCriticisedSome buyers say the shoe runs narrow or snug, so width and sizing need care.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers describe the leather upper and rubber outsole as solid for the price.

New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

  • 3.9 / 5Google Shopping · 23,091 ratings

With 4.4 out of 5 from about 7,400 ratings, most owners like the retro look and find the 327 comfortable for casual wear. Complaints center on the flat sole, fit, and quality problems such as squeaking and colour bleeding.

What people mention
  • StylePraisedOwners like the retro running look and the oversized N logo.
  • ComfortPraisedMany find them comfortable for walking and all-day casual wear.
  • Arch supportCriticisedThe flat sole gives little arch support, which some buyers notice on long days.

Questions and answers

Which is better for all-day walking?
The 327 is lighter and has a softer ride, so it edges out for all-day walking. The 550 offers more stability but is heavier and runs narrow.
Which lasts longer?
The 550's leather upper is more durable and resists wear better than the 327's suede and mesh, which some owners report squeaking and color fading.
Is the 550 worth stepping up to over the 327?
If you want a sturdy, classic sneaker with arch support and unisex sizing, the 550 is worth it. If you need a wide fit or a lighter shoe, the 327 is the better choice.
Do the 550 and 327 fit true to size?
The 550 fits true to size but runs narrow, so wide-footed wearers should size up or avoid. The 327 fits true to size and offers wide widths.
Which is more breathable?
The 327 has more mesh in its upper, making it more breathable. The 550 is mostly leather, so it traps more heat.

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  • New Balance 1906R Men's vs New Balance Men's 550
  • New Balance 574 Sneaker vs New Balance 327 Women's Sneaker

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best New Balance sneakers for everyday wear
Spot Clean
—
Embellishment StylePerforated—
BreathableYes—
With Arch SupportYes—
Athletic Style—Running
For Athletics—Yes
Lining Material—Leather
shoe_width—Medium
Manufacturer Color—Linen/Sea Salt
Heel Height (")—3.5
Insole—Leather, Cork
Weight (oz)—9.3
Lining—Leather, Synthetic, Textile, Mesh
Midsole—EVA, Rubber
Sizes—5 — 11
Fit
Mixed
Some say they run narrow or small, while the wide width helps others.