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The 574 is worth it for accessible late-80s road/trail New Balance heritage and value.
The 574 arrived in 1988 as a cost-conscious blend of New Balance road and trail running ideas, sharing DNA with the pricier 576 but built on simpler materials so it could reach a wider audience. That mass-market intent is exactly why it became the brand's defining shape for decades, the suede-and-mesh runner most people picture when they hear New Balance. It later carried countless seasonal colorways and collaborations without ever shedding its everyday, unpretentious role.
Runs slightly snug, especially in the toebox. A New Balance employee notes the 574 runs about half a size smaller than true to size. The major advantage is width options, since core colorways come in wide 2E and extra-wide 4E. In broader fit discussion, one user noted the 574 is one of the few lifestyle sneakers offered in wide sizes, and a 4E wearer confirmed the 574 is comfortable for flat wide feet.
Depends on your frame of reference. Coming from Nike or Adidas, the 574 feels like a revelation, with one user saying they did not know sneakers could be this comfortable. Another called it a strong sub-100-dollar shoe with legit cushioning tech. But within the New Balance lineup, the 574 is entry-level comfort, and a lifelong wearer who upgraded to the 990v6 framed it as a good first New Balance rather than the comfort peak.
The 574 is the gateway and the 990 is the destination. The 574 uses ENCAP cushioning around 85-90 dollars; the 990 stacks ENCAP, ABZORB and FuelCell at 180-200 dollars. Users consistently describe the 574 as the budget entry point to the 99X feel, and a detailed comparison noted the 993 is far more all-day comfortable while the 574 trades comfort for price. For extended walking or standing, upgrade to the 990 series.
The 574 by a wide margin. Users consistently confirm the 574 is more comfortable and lighter than the 550. The 550 has a hard rubber cupsole with minimal cushioning, while the 574 has real ENCAP foam. The 550 is the style-first shoe and the 574 is the comfort-first shoe. At similar prices, the 574 wins on everything except the clean court-shoe look.
Solidly durable for the price. One owner reported two years of hard daily wear from a pair, and others call them tanks. The main concern is that without rotation they lose their shape and sag at the sides after a few months. The suede can scuff, so rotate pairs and treat the panels with care and they will serve you well.
Claims in the guide text link directly to these Reddit threads and article sources.
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574 guide
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Browse the New Balance Buyer's Guide
See the full New Balance Buyer's Guide on SoleFeed.
New Balance 990v6
If you want the best NB comfort and are willing to pay $200.
New Balance 550
If you want a cleaner court-shoe look and do not prioritize comfort.
ASICS Gel-NYC
If you want a retro runner with modern GEL comfort at a similar price.
