Some sneakers are bought for the moment, while others are investments because they’ll last for years. The New Balance 550 in “Cream Black” belongs to the second group — a retro basketball shoe that quietly becomes one of the easiest pairs to style in your wardrobe.
The shoe
The foundation is a warm cream-white leather upper, with a beige-grey suede “N” on the sides that looks a little softer than stark white. Black provides the contrast: on the heel, along the sole and in the finer details. The perforated side panels and low, wide silhouette reveal its eighties basketball roots. It’s a calm, grown-up colorway — understated, but full of character.
What to wear it with
This is where the 550 really shines. Pair it with straight-leg, slightly washed jeans and you can’t go wrong. A cream- or sand-colored chino brings out the warm tones in the upper and makes the whole look feel a little more polished. Want something tougher? Go for dark denim or cargos, add an overshirt or a low-key bomber, and you’re good to go. Because the cream base isn’t pure white, it continues to look good after a few wears too — less likely to turn into “dirty white” than a bright-white sneaker.
The 550 is highly rated by us (ATOMIC rating), and that’s hardly surprising for a silhouette that has grown from sleeper hit to everyday staple over the past few years. The selection is a little more limited than with the major hype sneakers, so it’s worth comparing your options: line up the shops and sizes on Solezilla and grab it from whichever retailer has the best price in your size.