THE RISE OF THENEW BALANCE 550On eBay Sneakers

The New Balance 550’s modern day story doesn’t exist with Aimé Leon Dore, the New York City-based brand founded by Teddy Santis. In late 2020, ALD unearthed the outdated basketball sneaker from the archives and helped the masses see its worth. (Very fairy godmother-like, no?) Color combinations and blockings have switched up ever-so-slightly, but “aged” sole units have remained, allowing people in 2022 to enjoy the old.

The West Side of Chicago’s Joseph Robinson – widely known as “Joe Freshgoods” – knows product and storytelling. So when he teased having a hand in an upcoming 550, fans were anticipating nothing but flame emojis. Dropped as part of the “Conversations Amongst Us” initiative, a project created by and for Black associates at New Balance and beyond, the JFG-directed pair delivered a simple, clean look that’s more than an off-white-colored, partly-canvas shoe. The sneakers are more like a white tee in the summertime. IYKYK.

The West Side of Chicago’s Joseph Robinson LeBron James, Rich Paul maybe be relatively unknown in the mainstream, but he boasts one of the most lauded New Balance 550 colorways. The “Cream”-accented pair quickly made collectors keep an eye on the Sports Group founder for more sneaker goodness.