New Balance 550

Buy New Balance 550 at Mentastore

Want to buy the New Balance 550? At Mentastore you will find this clean leather basketball sneaker in colorways like White Grey, Cream Black and UNC White University Blue. Every pair is new, unworn and checked by our own team before it ships. Order online with shipping across Europe, or visit our store at Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to see the 550 in person and try on your size.

The New Balance 550 proves that a simple design can last. With its leather upper, low profile and retro court look, it is a great alternative to the classic white sneakers everyone already owns, with just a bit more character.

The story of the New Balance 550

The 550 was introduced in the late 1980s as a basketball shoe. It was built for the court, with a sturdy leather upper, a padded collar and a solid rubber sole. For many years the model was almost forgotten, until New Balance brought it back a few years ago. The timing was right: retro basketball sneakers were becoming popular again, and the 550 quickly became one of the most wanted New Balance models.

Where most New Balance sneakers on the street are based on running shoes, the 550 comes from a different world. That makes it a nice contrast to the retro runners in our range, like the New Balance 530.

Design and comfort

The 550 has a clean, slightly boxy silhouette. The upper is made of smooth leather with a perforated toe box for ventilation, a large N logo on the side and the model number on the heel. The rubber cupsole is flat and stable and has a classic court sneaker shape. The collar is padded, so the shoe feels secure around your ankle.

This is not a soft running shoe, but a solid everyday sneaker. The leather feels a little stiff at first and softens after a few days of wear, so the 550 shapes itself to your foot over time. Many people love it for exactly that reason: it looks neat, it is durable and it gets better with age.

Popular New Balance 550 colorways

The 550 is mostly released in white based colorways with one or two accent colours. These are the pairs our customers ask about most:

• White Grey: a white leather base with grey details. Easy to combine and a perfect everyday pair.
• Cream Black: a warm cream base with black accents, a strong contrast with a vintage feel.
• UNC White University Blue: white with light blue details inspired by college basketball colours.
• Mint Green: a fresh, soft green that stands out without being loud.
• Syracuse: white with bright orange accents, a nod to college basketball as well.

Our collection changes regularly, and some pairs are in our own stock in Tilburg while others come from our trusted suppliers. Check the product pages for the sizes that are available right now.

New Balance 550 for women and men

The 550 is a unisex sneaker and most colorways come in a wide size range. Women often choose the soft colorways like Mint Green, UNC White University Blue and Cream Black, while men often go for White Grey or Syracuse. Some releases are made in women's sizing and carry (W) in the name. We always show the EU size on the product page, so you simply order the size you normally wear.

How does the New Balance 550 fit?

As general advice, most people take their usual sneaker size in the New Balance 550. The shoe is fairly standard in length and width and feels snug around the ankle because of the padded collar.

• Between two sizes? The leather softens a little with wear, so many people choose the smaller of the two.
• Wider feet? Your usual size or half a size up usually gives enough room.
• Coming from a New Balance 9060 or 2002R? The 550 feels less roomy than those chunky runners.

The easiest way to be sure is to try a pair on in our store in Tilburg. Ordered online and the size is not right? You have 14 days to return or exchange.

How to style the New Balance 550

The 550 fits a clean, slightly preppy look. Think straight jeans, chinos, pleated trousers or shorts with white socks, combined with a sweater, a polo or an oversized T-shirt. White Grey and Cream Black go with almost everything, while the coloured pairs give a simple outfit a nice accent. If you like court sneakers such as the Jordan 1 Low or the Nike Dunk Low, the 550 is an easy switch.

Smooth leather is easy to clean. Wipe off dirt with a damp cloth, use a mild cleaner for stains and let the shoes dry at room temperature. You will find everything you need in our sneaker cleaning collection.

Why buy your New Balance 550 at Mentastore

Mentastore has been selling sneakers and streetwear since April 2023, and more than 30,000 satisfied customers have shopped with us since. We are rated 4.3 on Trustpilot. What you can expect:

• 100% authentic: every item is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also items from our suppliers. Read more on our authenticity page.
• A real store at Heuvelstraat 92, 5038 AH Tilburg: try on, see the pair in person or pick up your online order.
• In-stock items ship within 24 hours when you order before 17:00 on working days. Items from suppliers take 1 to 10 working days.
• Pay later with Klarna, 14 days to return or exchange, and shipping across Europe.

Want to see more models? Browse all New Balance sneakers at Mentastore.

Frequently asked questions

How does the New Balance 550 fit?

Most people take their usual sneaker size. The leather softens with wear, so if you are between sizes, many people choose the smaller one. You can always try them on in our store in Tilburg.

Is the New Balance 550 comfortable?

Yes, for everyday wear. It has a padded collar and a stable rubber sole. It feels firmer than a running shoe at first, and the leather gets softer after a few days.

What is the difference between the New Balance 550 and 530?

The 550 is a leather basketball sneaker with a flat court sole, while the 530 is a light running inspired sneaker with mesh and a cushioned midsole. The 550 looks cleaner, the 530 sportier.

Are the New Balance 550 at Mentastore authentic?

Yes. Every pair is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also pairs that come from our suppliers.

Can I try on the New Balance 550 in Tilburg?

Yes. Visit us at Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to try on different sizes, or pick up your online order in the store.