New Balance Trainers 574 Review

A little while back, I was kindly sent a pair of New Balance trainers 574, to try out. This gorgeous black and blue pair of shoes is actually exclusive to JD Sports in this colour, so you can’t get them anywhere else. 

This means you won’t come across many people wearing the same-coloured trainers as you.

They are made with a leather-and-textile upper, a synthetic sole, and a textile lining. They have a sleek silhouette and a bright, cool design. 

The history of New Balance

I was actually unsurprised to find that New Balance began in early 1900s America as an arch-support company. Apparently, their founder, William J. Riley, was watching chickens walking around in his back garden and was inspired by how well they balance on their claws, and so he created a flexible arch support with three support points – like the three claws on a chicken’s foot!

Anyone who has worn a pair of New Balance trainers will know they offer excellent arch support.

In fact, I have to say it is one of the best arch supports I have come across in any type of shoe or trainer for a very long time. As someone who suffers with my feet, it really does help make a huge difference when it comes to comfort and durability.

New Balance 574 trainers

The New Balance 574 trainer is a classic style was first released in 1988. These mesh and suede trainers were very popular as a running shoe at first and, in fact, still are. They were originally developed as running shoes offering a high level of comfort and stability but people soon started wearing them for fashion rather than just to exercise in.

New Balance has now also launched the 574 Sport, a variation of this classic trainer. The 574 Sport version is designed for exercise and running, and there is also a version which is water resistant – great for walking and running in all weathers.

With their comfort and support, it’s no wonder they are so popular, as they let you stay comfortable for hours, no matter how much walking or running you’re doing. The 574 is probably New Balance’s best-known and most recognisable style.

New Balance manufacturing

While New Balance is a US company, it actually offers UK manufacturing through its UK factory in Cumbria, which opened in the 1980s. At a time when many other companies were deciding to move their own factories abroad, they came here to support our economy.

Today they employ 210 people, and 90% of the trainers are sold in Europe – how cool! I love supporting companies based in the UK or with operations here, so that’s another tick from me.

While I can’t say where my pair was made (although I believe it wasn’t made in the UK factory), it is still nice to know that New Balance supports people here in the UK, in the US, and across the world. They are one of the world’s largest sporting goods manufacturers and have been in business for over 100 years.

Personally, if you are looking for a new pair of trainers, taking a closer look at the New Balance 574 women’s is a must.

They are comfortable with good support, and so far, with almost daily use, they haven’t shown much wear. 

The soles offer an OK amount of grip (though don’t go trying to navigate ice in them!), and if these colours don’t quite grab your attention, New Balance offers a wide range of colour options, from plain neutrals to more vibrant shades.

Please do, however, note that New Balance trainers tend to run small, and while I am usually a size 6, I had to size up to a 7 in these. I also have wide feet. If you want to buy some, I suggest buying up a size or making sure you can get to a shop to try them on, rather than just ordering them online.

New Balance makes running and walking shoes for men, women and children. This beauty of a pair comes in at £65, which I think is really reasonable for a stylish pair of trainers that offer such great support and quality.

What do you think of my new pair of trainers?

I received the products mentioned in this post free of charge; however, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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