The 550 is the everyday hero of the sneaker rotation. Clean retro-basketball lines, goes with everything, and priced below the hyped silhouettes. If you're buying your first pair — or your fifth — here are the colourways worth chasing in Australia this year.
“Designed by the mercurial Steven Smith, the New Balance 550 had an all-too-brief career in the late 80s before it flamed out and disappeared for three decades.”
— Sneaker Freaker
The colourways worth buying
- White Green — the definitive 550. If you own one pair, make it this one; it pairs with denim, cargos and shorts alike.
- White Grey — the most neutral, wear-anything option. Understated and hard to get tired of.
- Oreo — black-and-white panelling that goes with everything and hides scuffs better than the whites.
How the 550 fits
The 550 fits fairly true to size with a roomier toe box than most retro runners. If you're between sizes, go down half a size for a snugger fit. Coming from a 990 or Dunk, take your usual size.
Straight from the UNTIED floor
Like our other best-sellers, the men's US 8–US 12 sizes go first on the 550. It runs true to size with a slightly roomy toe box, so size down half a size if you like a snug fit. For current AUD pricing and which colourways are in stock, check the product pages — some 550 colourways are restock-only.
Shop the range
Browse every colourway in stock in our New Balance 550 collection, or see the full New Balance range — 100% authenticity guaranteed, shipped Australia-wide.
FAQ
Do New Balance 550s run true to size?
Mostly, yes — with a slightly roomy toe box. If you like a snug fit or you're between sizes, go down half a size.
Which New Balance 550 colourway is best?
White Green is the classic all-rounder and the easiest to style. White Grey is the safest neutral if you want maximum versatility.
Are New Balance 550s still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — they've settled into a dependable everyday staple with broad colourway availability and sensible pricing, making them one of the best-value retro sneakers going.
