The 11 Coolest New Balance Shoes of All Time

The T500 is a certifiable classic. The court sneaker, which originally dropped in 1982, has literally been serving up looks (and real tennis serves) for decades. In the latest iteration, the T500 now has all the upgrades we’d expect from a heritage brand like New Balance; pigskin-suede and nubuck-leather panels that offer an elevated look on the upper, with a perforated toe box designed for performance and breathability, too. It’s cool and casual, so even if you aren’t headed to the courts, this sneaker will make your jeans and tee look that much better.

In my books, the WRPD Runner is one of the coolest sneakers out there—not only from NB but just in general. It’s funky and groovy in its sculptural, dynamic silhouette but keeps things balanced with a minimalist, tricolor design in earthy neutrals. The knit upper is completed with fluid, wavelike accents and a thick sole that’s designed for running, with New Balance’s FuelCell technology imbued into the construction. Trust me—this shoe might look off-balance, but it’s all about stability when you wear it.

For the guys out there who never quite stopped buying into the gorpcore trend, the 8040 is perfection. Inspired by heritage Y2K designs and merged with newer tech (namely NB’s 9060 sole), this is the ultimate balance of old and new, a blend designed to get you through even the toughest of terrain. Instead of laces, there’s an easy Velcro fastener on the suede upper so you can get to your destination with speed and comfort on your side.

Let’s talk about the New Balance 1000—a minty, fresh design that adds some speed and style to your fit. The first 1000 was released in 1999, and the latest model still carries the drippy, detailed design. With suede overlays on a breathable synthetic upper, embroidered details, reflective accents, and a segmented sole with cushioning and stability throughout, this is a sneaker that really has it all.

If the 475 looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on any number of fashionable, street-savvy guys. This is a cult favorite and has been since its initial release in 1986. Though it was first introduced as a running shoe, this sneaker is now a streetwear icon; we wouldn’t expect anything else, given the mesh, suede, and leather uppers, the reflective details, and the comfortable sole.

If you like techy, silvery sneakers that bring it back to the early aughts, you’ll love the 530. This running shoe is designed to feel good and look even better; considering it’s crafted with performance tech throughout, that really means something. This style has a shock-absorbent midsole, a breathable mesh-and-synthetic upper, and, of course, metallic accents that are too good to pass up.

It doesn’t get much more iconic than the 480. The timeless court-sneaker look is crafted with comfort at front of mind in this classic style, with a bold leather upper that elevates your fit that much more. The rubber outsole offers great traction, and on the inside an Ortholite insert is there for extra lightweight cushioning, moisture-control, and stability.

With over a century of production under its belt, it comes as no surprise that New Balance has a handful of iconic shoes in the archives—like the original 740, designed for long-distance, heavy-duty running. Back from the past (but still with its 2000s look), the 740 has a breathable, open knit mesh upper with two-tone overlays, a shock-absorbing midsole, and reflective accents for your nighttime jogs.

I’d consider myself an expert in this shoe—I did hand-stitch one at the Made in USA factory, after all. And through that experience, I know first-hand how much precision and effort is put into every single pair of these shoes, from the pigskin-and-mesh upper to the midfoot saddle to the FuelCell cushioning in the midsole. This one is as performance driven as it is timelessly stylish, and it’s made right here in the US of A, baby.

If you’re the kind of guy who likes an understated look, the 9060 is for you. Its futuristic yet minimalist design makes even jeans and a classic white tee look that much better, with oversize sway bars taking from the 990 sneakers and bigger, wavier lines throughout. The sculpted pod midsole adds some modern flair, too, while emphasizing the shock-absorbent midsole.

These trail shoes are some of my favorites ever. New Balance joins forces with Ice Studios for a colorful, splashy, limited-edition sneaker that’s tough enough to handle rough terrain and cool enough to handle your Instagram grid. With a FuelCell sole and a breathable mesh upper, this is a pair to get your hands on while you still can.