New Balance Men’s 574 Classics Running Shoe Review

First Impressions

The first impression of the Classic 574 Running Shoe by New Balance is that these are built for running, and a timeless classic in more ways than one.

Created by New Balance in 1988, by putting two amorous sneakers out to stud together; the Classic 574 owes it heritage to its unnamed parents, but it is not the only chick in the nest.

The 574s are not confined to the Classics style. There are a whole family of them, which are all very similar.

For this reason, sometimes there can be a bit of confusion between the difference between the Core 574 and the Classic 574.

In all essence, there aren’t a lot of differences between these siblings and most of the things in our New Balance 574 review will be the same.

The full range is pretty extensive, so make sure you check them out before deciding on the exact ones you want.

Back to the Classic 574.

These are indeed a classic range of sneakers and although they have been designed to run in – all of New Balance’s range are – these are also highly stylish and the simple look of them might well be the main reason for your purchase.

  • MANUFACTURER: NEW BALANCE
  • MODEL NO:  NB 574 CLASSICS
  • SIZES:  5-18 VARIOUS WIDTHS
  • HALF SIZES: AVAILABLE
  • SHIPPING WEIGHT:  3 POUNDS
  • HEEL:   1.25”
  • COLORS: GRAY/ SILVER, NAVY/GRAY, BLACK/WHITE, NAVY/SLATE BLUE SUEDE, RED, BLACK, GRAY, NAVY, BURGUNDY, NAVY/SILVER/WHITE, HUNTER GREEN WITH WHITE, DESCENT WITH WHITE, SPICE MARKET WITH WHITE
  • OUTER MATERIAL: SUEDE/LEATHER AND MESH
  • SOLE: SYNTHETIC/ CARBON RUBBER OUT SOLE
  • ALSO:   EVA ENCAP HEEL CUSHION, DIE CUT EVA FOAM BED
  • WATERPROOF: NO
  • FIT AS EXPECTED:   74%
  • PRICE GUIDE:   $69.95-$105.15 APPROX
  • OUR RATING:     4.1 STARS OUT OF FIVE

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New Balance Men’s 481V3 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe, Grey, 12 D Us

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New Balance Men’s Iconic 574 Sneaker, Grey, 95 D Us

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Quality Materials for This Classic Style 

With an EVA midsole and ENCAP® technology to provide support and a hard-wearing durability, these are more than just a pretty face and will provide maximum comfort and support for your feet.

The EVA midsole creates a product that is eco-friendly. It’s not made with materials that will harm the environment. 

The New Balance 574 Mens Leather shoe is made from quality leather and other materials. They are made from leather, suede, and textile mesh and have a rubber sole.

The materials are chosen for their lightweight nature. You don’t want a running shoe weighing you down. These are light and airy while providing incredible support for your run.

They are available in a range of colors, like the New Balance Classic Red or lovely black. The colors vary depending on which place in the internet you look. Once again, be prepared to check which model you are ordering first.

One thing is for sure, these are certainly not only available in the plain and functional!

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Are New Balance 574s Suitable for Running?

The 574 Classics from New Balance are a very versatile running shoe.

Although these are not trail shoes, they may be used for some casual off-road running, we feel. But we wouldn’t venture too far off the beaten track in them.

Unfortunately, these are not waterproof (they are suede) but you might be able to improve their water resistance by using some suede protecting waterproofing spray on them.

A New Balance waterproof spray can turn your running sneakers into a shoe that isn’t concerned about rain or puddles. You can joyfully splash through puddles on your run. 

This may not turn them into galoshes, but will ensure that they can withstand a few splashes along the way and the odd bit of light drizzle.

The Fit

These are a model of trainers with a deep toe box, narrow heel and wide forefoot – according to the manufacturer’s description of their shoe.

With the EVA foot bed, there should be enough protection between your foot and the pavement beneath it.

Likewise, with the ENCAP heel cushion, you shouldn’t face the pain of a ‘hard’ heel, hacking away at the skin on your heel.

Like the rest of this range, these 574 Classics are available in a full size and a half size, so everyone should be able to get something to fit them and width options also exist.

So, if you are wide footed, a fitting does exist for you. The size ranging is pretty impressive also, spanning from a 6.5 to an 18.

And do they really fit perfectly? Well, they are pretty good, but there is some slight room for improvement in this field.

With 74% of respondents claiming that these fit as expected, this is a respectable figure, but for a significant minority, these run too small.

Once again, with a complaint that is not uncommon to all sneakers, including some of the other New Balance range; it would seem these run a little too narrow for some people.

Obviously, the answer to this is to buy the wider option available in this range and be prepared to size up by a half size, if this is necessary.

The toe box itself should not be the thing that gives the trouble, but anyone with a wide heel might want to think about going up that extra half size, because these have been designed to be a little narrower there.

Whatever your foot size or shape, we feel confident that there is, somewhere, the right option for you – it might just be a matter of patiently trying on a couple of pairs.

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New Balance 574 Comfort Test

Once you have got your New Balance 574 Classics to fit, the next thing you want to know is exactly how comfortable they are. 

Especially if you have purchased these with the express intention of running in – they need to fit and fit comfortably.

Luckily, the news is good on this score. Our testers can confirm these are a highly comfortable pair of sneakers. It doesn’t even seem to matter what you want to wear them for.

Whether it is just casual, everyday use or long distance running – these are a pleasant wearing experience and certainly you might find yourself living in this pair of running shoes!

We think these are probably best placed to be worn on the road or track, but they can also be usefully employed in the gym or treadmill.

And in terms of usage – we think you can take your pick. If you only bought them for walking in, then these make great walking shoes, but if you got them to train in, then you can do that in both comfort and style.

Would We Recommend These Shoes?

The 574s are a timeless collection, by manufacturers New Balance. They bring retro cool to life in several different variations and vivid colors.

We would not hesitate to recommend the Classic 574s to anyone looking for not only stylish sneakers, but ones that are highly wearable and also perform well, regardless of what you want them to do for you.