Designed by Steven Smith and first introduced for basketball, the new balance mens heather tech graphic tee was first released as a low-top alternative to the New Balance 650 in 1989. The shoe was built for performance on the court, featuring a leather upper for durability and an ENCAP cushioning system for support and comfort. Despite being discontinued for some time, the 550 saw a resurgence in popularity following a collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore in 2020. This revival created a new generation of fans for the 550 and led to a consistent stream of new releases, including collaborations with Japanese brand AURALEE and footwear retailer Concepts.
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New Balance was founded in 1906 by British immigrant William J. Riley in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing orthopedic shoes and arch supports, with the name inspired by Riley's observation of chickens balancing on three claws. Over time, New Balance evolved into a leader in running shoe technology, with innovative products such as the Trackster, the world's first running shoe available in multiple widths, released in 1960. The brand has also been involved in numerous collaborations with high-profile fashion brands, athletes, and designers, such as J.Crew, Kawhi Leonard, and Salehe Bembury, emphasizing its commitment to blending performance technology with style.
