The New Balance 550 “White/Black” is a versatile colorway of the once-obscure retro basketball shoe that returned in a big way in 2020. One of the most unexpected success stories in recent sneaker culture history, the New Balance 550 rose from the depths of irrelevance to become one of 2020’s most desirable shoes thanks to Teddy Santis and his Aimé Leon Dore streetwear brand’s unearthing of the model for its collaboration with New Balance. Here, the “White/Black” features a combination of smooth and dotted white leather on the upper. Both the “550” and “N” branding on the forefoot and mid-panel, respectively, appear in black leather. Classic “NB” detailing in black graces the heel. A grey suede panel appears on the toe and a black leather overlay can be found over the white mesh collar. Underfoot, New Balance gives the rubber midsole a pre-yellowed look as a salute to the old school vibe of the basketball shoe. Release date: May 7, 2021.
