The Once-Archived New Balance 550 Is Returning As A Mainline Offering

From launching new models to celebrating milestone anniversaries for others, New Balance‘s 2020 has been commendable. And instead of resting on its laurels for the tail-end of the year, the Boston-based brand is closing out the start of the new decade with no easy feat: reintroducing the archival New Balance 550 into its mainline propositions.

Although the brand tapped Aimé Leon Dore and Team Sonny in September to feel out the sneaker landscape, its decision to start-up production for a model that hasn’t been in the logistical plan since 1989 is a calculated risk. But if digital mood boards and walks around New York City’s SoHo neighborhood on any random day are indicative of anything it’s that there’s growing interested in the North American company’s retro basketball silhouettes. While free of any pre-yellowing, the inaugural in-line duo follows the color-blocking of ALD’s collaboration: either red or blue and black take over branding, collar areas and tread underfoot while most of the gaps in-between indulge in a clean white arrangement.

A price tag for the 550 hasn’t been disclosed, but that’ll change on December 1st when both pairs are made available on NewBalance.com. In the meantime, enjoy a quick look at the shoes here below.

For more news regarding the Steve Jobs-approved brand, check out the X-Racer by Staple and atmos.

Images: @newbalancelifestyle