The The New Balance 550 Embraces Its Basketball Roots With A Classic Look Skate Shoe Gets A “Trail Pack”

New Balance has thrived within pretty much every sneaker sub-genre out there, sparking buzz in lifestyle, running, and basketball footwear circles en route to record-shattering revenues in 2023. Despite all that success, the Boston brand’s skate banner remains an up-and-comer thanks to stiff competition from actors like Nike SB, Vans, and other brands with storied skate heritage to draw from.

Perhaps the The New Balance 550 Embraces Its Basketball Roots With A Classic Look will change that. The Andrew Reynolds-endorsed silhouette continues to pioneer the brand’s skate line across a wide selection of looks, now touching down with a “Trail Pack” inspired by classic New Balance hiking shoes. This delivery joins three elements; skate-ready performance (obviously), basketball heritage (the 480 was originally a basketball shoe), and favored outdoorsy New Balance aesthetics, all of which serve to boost the model’s park popularity.

Two pairs make up the pack; one with grey/navy suede and another that leans into leather tan/burgundy treatments. While the grey pair takes on a more understated approach with synchronous lining, its counterpart delves deeper into trail aesthetics with vibrant teal treatments. Both shoes boast rope laces in what’s perhaps the most apparent trail-inspired callback, complete underfoot with matching all-black sole units.

Both pairs are available now from newbalance.com in unisex sizing, marked with a $100 price tag. Enjoy official images below and tap the official purchase links to secure your pair.

In more New Balance news, check out the newly surfaced Anthony Edwards Shoes.

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