How does the New Balance 550 fit?

It runs narrow and somewhat snug, especially in the toe box. Shoppers with wide feet often go up half a size.

Is the 550 good for playing basketball?

No. It is a lifestyle shoe with flat, firm cushioning and no modern court technology. It is meant for casual wear.

What is the Vintage Pack version?

It is a 550 with a sea salt leather upper, marsh green and shadow grey accents, and an intentionally aged, yellowed midsole.

How does it compare with the Nike Dunk Low?

Both are retro low-top court shoes. The 550 has more layered paneling and a narrower fit, while the Dunk is generally softer and wider.

Does the leather crease?

Yes. The leather toe box shows creases with wear, which is normal for this type of shoe.

How should I clean it?

Wipe the leather with a damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid machine washing. Air-dry away from direct heat.

Where is the New Balance 550 cheapest?

At JOHN 25NORMAN, for $32.00, as of our latest check.

New Balance 550

Best price now

$32.00at JOHN 25NORMANChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit JOHN 25NORMAN

New Balance 550

Best price now

$32.00at JOHN 25NORMANChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit JOHN 25NORMAN

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $32.00 at JOHN 25NORMAN on Nov 8.

Our take on the New Balance 550

The New Balance 550 is a low-top basketball sneaker revived from the late 1980s, built on a leather upper with a rubber cupsole and a padded collar. This Vintage Pack version pairs a sea salt leather upper with marsh green and shadow grey accents and an aged, yellowed midsole for a worn-in look. It is a lifestyle shoe rather than a performance one: flat, firm underfoot and closer to a court shoe than a modern cushioned trainer. Rivals like the Nike Dunk Low and Adidas Samba offer similar retro styling, but the 550's chunky paneling and narrow toe box give it a distinct, slightly dressier shape. Owners like the clean look and easy styling; common complaints are stiffness out of the box and a snug fit that runs narrow.

Best forEveryday casual wearRetro and vintage-style outfitsFans of late-80s basketball silhouettesWearers with narrow to average feet

Pros

Clean leather upper with layered paneling
Aged midsole gives an authentic vintage look
Durable rubber cupsole with solid traction
Easy to style with jeans, chinos and shorts
Padded collar and tongue for comfort

Cons

Stiff out of the box and needs break-in time
Runs narrow, especially in the toe box
Flat, firm cushioning not suited to long walks
Leather creases visibly with wear
Not a performance basketball shoe

New Balance 550 prices at every store

JOHN 25NORMANNew
In stockShips from the UK · duties may applyReturn policy
$32.00Checked Nov 8
Visit JOHN 25NORMAN

What reviewers say

Owners generally like the 550's retro look and build quality, calling it a versatile everyday sneaker. The most common complaints are a narrow fit and stiffness that takes time to soften.

What people mention

FitCriticisedMany say the shoe runs narrow and recommend going up half a size or trying it on first.
Break-inMixedThe leather and sole feel stiff at first, though most say they soften after a few wears.
CushioningCriticisedThe flat, firm sole is fine for short outings but not for standing or walking all day.
DesignPraisedOwners like the layered panels and aged midsole that give it a vintage basketball look.
BuildPraisedThe leather and rubber cupsole feel sturdy and hold up well with regular wear.
CreasingCriticisedThe leather toe box creases noticeably after some wear.

About the New Balance 550

The New Balance 550 "Vintage Pack Marsh Green" is a retro low top sneaker inspired by late 80s basketball style. The upper is made of sea salt leather with marsh green and shadow grey accents throughout.

An aged, yellowed midsole gives it a vintage look. The rubber outsole provides traction for everyday wear.

Style: Retro low top basketball sneaker
Colorway: Vintage Pack Marsh Green
Upper: Sea salt leather
Accents: Marsh green and shadow grey
Midsole: Aged, yellowed finish
Outsole: Rubber

Questions and answers

How does the New Balance 550 fit?: It runs narrow and somewhat snug, especially in the toe box. Shoppers with wide feet often go up half a size.
Is the 550 good for playing basketball?: No. It is a lifestyle shoe with flat, firm cushioning and no modern court technology. It is meant for casual wear.
What is the Vintage Pack version?: It is a 550 with a sea salt leather upper, marsh green and shadow grey accents, and an intentionally aged, yellowed midsole.
How does it compare with the Nike Dunk Low?: Both are retro low-top court shoes. The 550 has more layered paneling and a narrower fit, while the Dunk is generally softer and wider.
Does the leather crease?: Yes. The leather toe box shows creases with wear, which is normal for this type of shoe.
How should I clean it?: Wipe the leather with a damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid machine washing. Air-dry away from direct heat.
Where is the New Balance 550 cheapest?: At JOHN 25NORMAN, for $32.00, as of our latest check.