Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Last year was a big year for the New Balance 550, thanks to Aimé Leon Dore, Joe Freshgoods, and a host of general release schemes. The shoe is still around in 2023 and top of mind for New Balance heads. But it's about to get a new look.

For its next 550 drop, New Balance swaps out the shoe's signature leather for airy hemp on the upper. Rendered in an off-white scheme (dubbed Sea Salt), the forthcoming 550 supplies a clean, natural look.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Black hints provide subtle and tasteful contrast, as showcased with embroidered branding on the tongue, upper, and heel. The stealthy shade also outlines that oversized, fuzzy "N" logo.

No notes. Simply, another 550 job well done by New Balance.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The New Balance 550 "Hemp" is expected to land on June 1 in-store and online at Naked, with New Balance and other select retailers, probably dropping around the same time. Of course, keep your eyes peeled for more solid details from the Boston-based footwear brand.

Let's pray we'll get more info soon on those rumored Aimé Leon Dore 550s, too. Who knows? Maybe we'll see them drop before the hemp 550s as a pre-treat.

​​To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for early access to the best drops sent straight to your inbox.

We Recommend
  • atmos & New Balance Dove Into the Deep Sea for a Beautiful (& Familiar) Collab
    • Sneakers
  • On Their 5th Anniversary, Aimé Leon Dore & New Balance Unleash a Flurry of Sneakers
    • Sneakers
  • The Delicious Texture of Jaden Smith's Woven New Balance "Skate Shoe"
    • Sneakers
  • Why New Balance Classics Are Stronger Than Ever
    • Sneakers
    • sponsored
  • New Balance's 550 Sneaker Got a Tastefully Textural Upgrade
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • A Mashup of Classics: Barbour Flyfishing Meets A.P.C. Denim
    • Style
  • Finally (?): Selvedge Denim Cars
    • Culture
  • Max Mara’s Hairy Puffers Turn Camels Into Goats
    • Style
  • Why Do All Modern Basketball Sneakers Look So Weird — And Good?
    • Sneakers
  • Aimé Leon Dore's Beautiful New Balance Dad Shoes Are Worth the Wait
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's Laceless Running Shoe Is Even More Effortless Than It Looks
    • Sneakers