New Balance’s Latest Affordable Sneaker Already Looks Like a Future Classic

The Boston running shoe company took inspiration from its own archive for this new casual design.

Published March 13, 2025

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Updated March 13, 2025

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If New Balance never designed another new sneaker again and lived off of perennial favorites and archival reissues, it would do just fine.

But the Boston-based athletic company is not one to rest on its laurels.

a pair of white New Balance running shoes on a brick wall — The New Balance 471 is a new design based on 1970s models.

Yes, bonafide classics like the 574 and 990 are the brand’s bedrock and likely account for a significant portion of annual revenue. However, the competitive spirit that drove the brand to revolutionize running shoe design in the 1970s is still going strong.

New Balance’s newest casual lifestyle sneaker, the 471, mines the company’s design heritage while taking it a step further with a low-profile, streamlined feel and appearance.

Standing on the soles of giants

While the New Balance 471 is an entirely new design, the brand stated that it is inspired by running shoes from the 1970s that established the brand’s reputation.

a pair of white New Balance running shoes on someones feet — New Balance has only announced one color so far for the 471.

It incorporates era-specific materials like woven mesh base panels and hairy suede overlay panels. The tongue is a layer of foam between two mesh panels with an unfinished top, with only the logo tag wrapped over it.

The suede panels’ shape comes from archival New Balance models, specifically a track sneaker from the 1970s called the 320 and the long-running but now retired 501.

a pair of white New Balance running shoes — The suede panels on the 471 are inspired by the 320 from the 1970s.

Even the large “N” logo on each side is roughly the same size and shape as the logo seen on vintage running models like the 320.

Keeping a low profile

Sneaker soles are getting comically big in the 2020s, especially on high-performance running sneakers. So it is interesting to look back at how thin running soles were in the 1970s.

a pair of white New Balance running shoes from the side — The new 741 has a thin sole and low profile.

The 471 was designed with a narrow EVA foam and rubber sole that is true to New Balance’s 1970s running roots. Combined with the low profile upper, it resembles a modern track shoe far more than modern running sneakers.

a man wearing a pair of white New Balance running shoes, red shorts, and a trench coat — The New Balance 471 has a neutral appearance that is ideal for everyday wear.

This low build keeps the sneaker light and flexible, offering just enough support to walk around all day or hit the gym but nothing extra.

Having an upper that hits below the ankle bone also opens up styling options because lower-profile sneakers look better with pants.

a pair of white New Balance sneakers on a log — The New Balance 471 comes in unisex sizing.

New Balance pulled off a brilliant balancing act with the 471 design. It has all the vintage cues that hardcore fans love about the brand while offering a completely new design that expands and freshens up its collection.

Availability and pricing

The New Balance 471 will be available on March 26 from New Balance and other retailers for $100. Only one color has been announced so far, a white and gray with a periwinkle blue “N” logo, but more will surely follow.