New Balance 574 Review

This New Balance 574 review is a long time coming. The 574 was my introduction to the brand. Back in the early 2000s in New Orleans, I got my first pair in high school — and looking back, it was kind of wild that the 574 was making moves in a city dominated by Air Jordan retros, Nike Air Force 1s, Nike Huaraches, Prada America’s Cups, and Sperry boat shoes. The New Orleans fashion scene was something else back then, and somehow the 574 fit right in with all of it.

I started with the classic grey colorway — the same one that branches into the countless options New Balance has released over the years. Even in an era where streetwear was just finding its footing with labels like Rocawear, Sean John, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren, the 574 could slot into any outfit. Button-ups and straight-leg jeans? 574s worked. Khaki shorts? Also fine. That versatility is still the shoe’s greatest strength.

Even in adulthood I kept coming back. There was barely a stretch in my life where I didn’t have a pair somewhere in the closet. Last year I picked up a classic grey pair almost identical to my first, and reviewing them now I can say I’ve noticed some changes — some good, some not. Here’s everything you need to know.

New Balance 574 Review: Quick Verdict

Pros:

• Timeless, versatile silhouette that works with almost any outfit
• Comfortable out of the box — no break-in period needed
• Wide range of colorways at almost every price point
• Regularly goes on sale; easy to find under $70

Cons:

• The newer versions feel slightly different from the originals — cushioning has changed
• Not a performance sneaker; purely lifestyle
• Some colorways feel overexposed at this point

Best for: Anyone who wants a reliable, everyday sneaker they can wear with anything. A solid first New Balance purchase.

Design and Materials

The 574 has one of the cleanest silhouettes in the New Balance lineup. It’s a low-top retro runner with a slightly chunky midsole, a suede and mesh upper, and the classic “N” logo on the lateral side. Nothing about it screams for attention — and that’s exactly the point.

The classic grey colorway I’ve always gone back to is clean without being boring. The suede overlays give it some texture and the mesh panels keep it from feeling too heavy. Build quality on the current version is solid — the materials feel consistent and the stitching holds up well. The 574 has always been built to last, and that hasn’t changed.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the most-asked-about topics in any New Balance 574 review, and for good reason. The ENCAP midsole — a combination of foam surrounded by a polyurethane rim — provides a stable, cushioned ride that doesn’t feel mushy or overly stiff. It’s not the most advanced cushioning New Balance makes, but for a casual lifestyle sneaker it hits the right balance between support and flexibility.

All-day wear is genuinely comfortable. I’ve worn mine for full days of walking and errands without any complaints. There’s no break-in period — they feel good right out of the box.

Sizing Advice

The 574 fits true to size for most people. If you’re between sizes, I’d lean toward your true size rather than going up. The toe box has a moderate width — comfortable for average feet, but if you have wider feet you may want to look at a wide (2E) version, which New Balance does offer in the 574.

For reference to similar models: the 574 fits close to the 990 and 993 in terms of length, though both of those have a wider, more structured build overall. If you’re coming from the New Balance lineup, the 574 runs consistent with most of the brand’s lifestyle models.

Styling and Everyday Wear

This is where the 574 is genuinely hard to beat. It goes with jeans, joggers, chinos, shorts — essentially anything in a casual rotation. The muted colorways (grey, navy, cream) work year-round, and the shoe has enough of a retro runner profile to feel current without chasing any particular trend.

I’ve worn mine with everything from a basic tee and cargos to a button-up and slim trousers. It always looks intentional. For people building an everyday sneaker rotation, the 574 is one of the safest buys you can make — it’s the kind of shoe that looks great with almost anything and usually shows up on sale if you’re patient.

Price and Value

Retail on the 574 sits around $89.99. For value, this New Balance 574 review keeps coming back to the same conclusion: it’s one of the most deal-friendly models New Balance makes. It regularly drops to $60–$70 at major retailers, and if you catch a good sale you can find it under $60. For a shoe with this much versatility and build quality, anything under $70 is a strong buy.

The value case is simple: you’re getting a classic silhouette with solid materials and all-day comfort at a price that undercuts most of its competition. Keep an eye on New Balance deals — the 574 shows up on sale consistently throughout the year.

Alternatives

If you like the 574 but want to explore the lineup, a few models worth considering:

• New Balance 576 — More premium materials, UK-made, similar silhouette but a step up in build quality
• New Balance 997 — Chunkier, more structured, with ENCAP and C-CAP cushioning; great for dad shoe energy
• New Balance 580 — A sleeper model that flew under the radar until the KITH collab; similar lifestyle use case

Final Verdict

To wrap up this New Balance 574 review: the 574 has been in my rotation on and off for over 20 years — and that’s about as strong an endorsement as I can give. It’s not the most exciting sneaker New Balance makes, and it doesn’t need to be. What it does is show up every day looking clean, feeling comfortable, and working with whatever you’re wearing.

If you’re new to New Balance, start here. If you’ve been sleeping on them, pick up the grey. At sale price, it’s one of the best values in the entire casual sneaker market.

FAQ

Is the New Balance 574 good for everyday wear?

Yes — the 574 is specifically designed as a lifestyle and everyday sneaker. The ENCAP midsole provides enough cushioning for long days on your feet, and the versatile design pairs with most casual outfits.

Does the New Balance 574 run true to size?

Yes, the 574 runs true to size for most people. Wide-footed wearers should look for the 2E wide option, which New Balance offers in this model.

What is the retail price of the New Balance 574?

Retail is $89.99, but the 574 goes on sale frequently. You can often find it for $60–$70 at major retailers throughout the year.

How does the New Balance 574 compare to the 990?

The 990 is more structured and premium, with a heavier build and more advanced cushioning. The 574 is lighter, more affordable, and more streamlined — a better daily casual option, while the 990 is better for longer walks and more demanding use.

Where can I find the best New Balance 574 deals?

Check the New Balance Sneaker Deals page for current prices. The 574 regularly appears on sale at Finish Line, JD Sports, and the New Balance website itself.