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.jpg "This celebrity-favourite trainer is trending for spring")
Granted, other brands like adidas, Nike and Puma are equally as well known now, but New Balance is the one that’s been doing it the longest. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the Boston-based label quickly became one of the best sportswear brands, with baseball players and track and field athletes seeking the company out for its speciality footwear.
In 1976, the now legendary 320, which was the first New Balance shoe stamped with the ‘N’ logo on the side, was awarded as the best running shoe by Runner’s World. Then, in 1988, the brand introduced the 574 trainers. The silhouette began as a hybrid road/trail shoe thanks to its durable suede, breathable mesh, and aggressive outsoles that are able to handle different terrain, but they’ve since become a favourite in the wardrobes of fashion’s favourite ‘It’ girls.
Emily Ratajkowski is constantly papped wearing hers, favouring the neutral colourways and pairing them with trench coats, wide-leg trousers and some wired earphones.
And the shape both Fashion Week-goers and Taylor Swift can’t stop wearing? New Balance 530s. Inspired by your classic dad trainer, the chunky silhouette oozes retro appeal – they’re definitely something Monica Geller from Friends would rep’ – which matches everyone’s favourite fashion aesthetic at the moment; the 90s.
Taylor wears hers with cycling shorts and a baggy logo t-shirt (Princess Diana would be proud), but they go with everything from summer dresses and boho-trend skirts, to the best barrel leg jeans and the best gym leggings.
Aside from their list of bestsellers, New Balance has remained on the fashion crowd’s hit list for another reason; yep, I’m talking about their ongoing designer collaboration with Miu Miu.
Jeremy Moeller
Jeremy Moeller
Grabbing everyone’s attention thanks to the mismatched double laces and various fabrications (leather, suede and corduroy to name a few) last spring/summer, the collection has continued and now also leans into the sporty-yet-feminine aesthetic seen on various SS26 runways – making them a dream buy for multiple reasons.
Don’t just take a few A-listers’ word for it, New Balance really are ‘that’ trainer brand. I asked my fellow Glamour colleagues and contributors to share their thoughts alongside mine. See how we all rate the 7 best New Balance trainers below.
1. New Balance 204L
“I’m yet to try these on my own two feet, but after seeing them on Rosalía I can’t wait to. Appearing just as comfortable as New Balance’s other designs, this style offers a slightly more girly and less chunky profile – spot on for 2026 – with scalloped trims and ribbon laces bringing a romantic edge to the original foundation.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“What drew me to the 204L is its balance of legacy and progression,” says Rosalía. “It’s polished but disruptive. From the beginning, debuting the 204L alongside the announcement of my ambassadorship with New Balance felt like a natural extension of our shared vision.”
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