Whether you’re a trainers-every-day kind of person or only slip them on for casual, off-duty days, chances are that you own a pair of New Balance trainers. In an era where the best fashion trainers have dethroned every other shoe in our wardrobes, New Balance has become the name you hear on everyone’s lips and see on everyone’s feet. And for good reason.
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I don’t know about you, but I’m at a point where new shoes need to tick two boxes: on-trend and seriously comfortable (yes, I'm talking the best walking shoes level comfort). And as much as I love white trainers, I’m so ready to shake up my sea of neutral kicks with something a little more eye-catching.
So when the IT girls are out in full force with the latest NB on their feet – Taylor Swift, Em Rata, Jennifer Lawrence and Zoe Kravitz to name a few – I know I'm on the right side of being influenced.
Granted, other brands like adidas, Nike and Puma are equally as well known now, but New Balance is the one that's been doing it the longest. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the Boston-based label quickly became one of the best sportswear brands, with baseball players and track and field athletes seeking the company out for its speciality footwear.
In 1976, the now legendary 320, which was the first New Balance shoe stamped with the ‘N’ logo on the side, was awarded as the best running shoe by Runner’s World. Then, in 1988, the brand introduced the 574 trainers. The silhouette began as a hybrid road/trail shoe thanks to its durable suede, breathable mesh, and aggressive outsoles that are able to handle different terrain, but they've since become a favourite in the wardrobes of fashion's favourite ‘it’ girls.
Glamour's Freelance Writer Georgia Brown adds: “As a marathon runner, I’ve relied on New Balance for years, not just on race day, but for every training run in between. Their shoes combine the kind of performance I need with a style I actually want to wear off the track too.”
Emily Ratajkowski is constantly papped wearing hers, favouring the neutral colourways and pairing them with trench coats, wide-leg trousers and some wired earphones. Really leaning into that old school look, Em.
The shape both Fashion Week-goers and Taylor Swift can't stop wearing, though? New Balance 530s. Inspired by your classic dad trainer, the chunky silhouette oozes retro appeal – they're definitely something Monica Geller from Friends would rep' – which matches everyone's favourite fashion aesthetic at the moment; the 90s.
Taylor wears hers with cycling shorts and a baggy logo t-shirt (Princess Diana would be proud), but they go with everything from summer dresses and boho-trend skirts, to the best barrel leg jeans and the best gym leggings.
Aside from their list of bestsellers, New Balance has remained on the fashion crowd's hit list for another reason; yep, we're talking about that designer collaboration with Miu Miu.
Grabbing everyone's attention thanks to the mismatched double laces and various fabrications (leather, suede and corduroy to name a few), they also lean into the sporty-yet-feminine aesthetic seen on various SS25 runways – making them a dream buy for multiple reasons.
Sadly, you'll be hard-pressed to find a pair in stock. Yep, the collaboration loved by Pernille Teisbæk and Lily Allen has been sold out for a while now – trust us, we've had restock notifications set for months – so if you do happen to stumble upon a pair, act faster than you ever have before.
Don't just take a few A-listers' word for it, New Balance really are ‘that’ trainer brand. See how the Glamour team rates the 7 best New Balance trainers below.
1. New Balance 530
“When I say I've lived in my New Balance 530s for the past 18 months, you best believe I can count on one hand the number of outings I've been on without them. I've got them in two colours – the silver/navy colour-way and the powder blue – and I find they go with everything. Jeans, my go-to tailored trousers and waistcoats combo, leggings. I even wear them to the gym when I'm doing weights or upper body work.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
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2. New Balance 574
“No wonder Em Rata is a fan. I wore these 24/7 while on a city break in Barcelona, and they didn't let me down in the slightest – no pinching, breaking-in, rubbing, or slipping – so I've waxed lyrical about them to everyone since. They're a nice in-between shape of all the chunky and plimsole trainers that are trending at the moment, too, so you can't go wrong.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
3. New Balance 9060
“These have been on my wishlist for quite some time now. They have all the design features of the 530s that I love, i.e. the oversized shape and wearable colours, but they're just that little bit more fashionable. They remind me of some of my favourite designer trainers but nowhere near as pricey, even despite the fact they're some of the more expensive pairs New Balance does.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“High on my radar right now are the New Balance 9060 in chocolate brown. The versatile colourway leans into a rich mix of mesh and suede, giving the bold, sculptural silhouette a surprisingly wearable edge. A welcome change from my usual sea of neutral white trainers." – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
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4. New Balance 1906R
“Admittedly, putting this into the universe feels like I'm cheating on my New Balance 530s (I've got two pairs and wear them to death, ICYMI) – but New Balance 1906Rs are the next trainer on my wishlist. A metallic pair only. The obsession began when I met a friend earlier this month who was wearing a silver and pink pair with Adidas Firebird trackpants. I fell in love. They feel a bit cooler, a bit fresher and a bit sportier than the other pairs I own, but – IMO – are still smart enough to wear to the office.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
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5. New Balance 327
“These were sold out at the start of last year because Meghan Markle stepped out in a pair. The perfect mix of fashion and function – the sloped soles assist your legs with each stride – they're easy to slip on and go, and require little to no thought when it comes to the outfit you pair them with. I'm yet to try them myself, but the popular burgundy pair would be where I'd set my sights.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“Top of my New Year wishlist: the New Balance 327. They’ve been everywhere for good reason – that retro silhouette paired with a lightweight, easy-to-wear feel makes them the definition of throw-on-and-go. I can't believe I haven’t added them to my rotation yet, but this is the year — ideally in a rich neutral or classic colourway that works with absolutely everything.” – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
6. New Balance 740
“I’d been on the hunt for a new pair of trainers for some time, and the 740s were exactly what I was looking for. They’re honestly one of the most versatile designs I’ve found — the minimalist hue makes them perfect for both office wear and casual looks – and although they look chunky, they're actually super lightweight. No achy ankles here.” – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
“A slightly more elevated version of the New Balance 530 trainers, the 740 are the perfect alternative. If you’re after a trainer that can handle serious mileage and slot seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe, these trainers are a standout in mine. With its subtly retro silhouette and cushioned midsole, I wore these for a city break to New York recently and racked up more than 20,000 steps a day. They kept my feet supported, bouncy and blister-free. I loved styling them with wide-leg trousers, leggings or an oversized coat; they deliver the kind of understated, street-style polish that never tries too hard.” - Georgia Brown, Glamour Freelance Commerce Writer.
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7. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 Shoes
"If the new year has you flirting with the idea of becoming a runner, the FuelCell Rebel v5 is a very safe place to start. They’re lightweight, supportive and quietly cushioned, and carried me through training blocks, half marathons and, yes, even a full marathon without losing their bounce."
“What I love most, though, is how they behave off-duty. The sleek, sculpted shape and subtly sporty colourways make them one of the rare running shoes you can wear without feeling like you’ve committed to athleisure as a personality. They slot neatly under wide-leg trousers, gym leggings, or a big wool coat on a Sunday coffee run. In short: a genuinely high-performing running shoe that still understands the sartorial assignment.” - Georgia Brown, Glamour Freelance Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop with these New Balance discount codes at checkout.
