New Balance 574 History: Trail Origins, Street Style, and Which 574 to Buy

Quick answer: The New Balance 574 came out in 1988 as a do-it-all running shoe. New Balance mixed ideas from two of its running shoes, often described as the 575 trail runner and the 576 road runner, to make a shoe that could handle both dirt paths and pavement. That tough, simple design is why the 574 moved from running to everyday street style, and why it's still one of New Balance's most popular sneakers today.

The 574 didn't start from scratch. In the late 1980s, New Balance took the grippy feel of its trail shoes and the steady build of its road shoes and combined them into one model.

The result was a shoe with a lugged outsole that grips gravel and dirt but still rolls smoothly on flat streets. It was simple, tough, and affordable, which made it a favorite for people who walked a lot. That same do-everything design later helped it become a style staple.

A big part of the 574's trail roots is its wide, steady base.

JD Expert Question: Does the 574's roomy fit and lugged sole still make a difference for everyday wear today?

JD Expert Answer: Yes. The 574 sits on the roomy SL-2 last, so your foot has a wider base under it. That helps you feel steady when you step off a curb or walk on uneven ground. The lugged outsole also grips better than many flat lifestyle soles. It won't replace a real trail shoe, but it handles parks, gravel paths, and wet sidewalks well.

The 574 uses New Balance's ENCAP midsole: a soft EVA foam core wrapped in a firmer polyurethane (PU) rim.

The firm rim keeps your foot steady on uneven ground, while the soft core cushions each step on pavement. It also helps the 574 keep its shape instead of going flat. For a deeper look at the 574's cushioning and comfort, see our guide on whether the New Balance 574 is comfortable.

• Simple look: Its clean shape and suede-and-mesh upper go with jeans, joggers, shorts, and more.
• Endless colorways: The 574 comes in a huge range of colors, from classic grey to bold seasonal shades.
• Everyday comfort: People kept wearing it because it's comfortable for long days, not just because of the look.

• 574 Core: The classic. Best if you want the original look and an easy everyday sneaker.
• 574 Rugged: A newer take with a chunkier, more trail-inspired outsole. Best if you want a bolder look that nods to the 574's off-road roots.
• Kids' 574: The same classic look in kids' sizes, with easy-on options for younger kids.

• True to size: Most people wear their usual size in the 574.
• Wide feet: The SL-2 fit is roomy, and wide (2E) versions are made in many sizes. Check our New Balance wide-feet guide for more options.
• Vs. Nike and adidas: The 574 usually feels roomier in the toe box than Nike and adidas lifestyle sneakers in the same size.

• When did the New Balance 574 come out? It first released in 1988.
• Was the 574 a running shoe? Yes. It started as a trail-and-road running shoe and later became an everyday lifestyle sneaker.
• Can you hike in the New Balance 574? It's fine for easy trails and gravel paths, but choose a real hiking or trail shoe for rough terrain.
• What's the difference between the 574 and the 574 Rugged? The Rugged has a chunkier, grippier-looking outsole. The Core keeps the original shape.

Why do the 574's off-road roots still matter?

The 574 was built to handle more than one kind of ground, and that's why it still works for real life today. It's tough, steady, and easy to style. If you want one sneaker for walking, errands, and everyday outfits, the 574 is a safe pick. Ready to shop? Browse the New Balance 574 or all New Balance at JD Sports.

• Brand History: The New Balance 574 first released in 1988 and drew on New Balance's earlier trail and road running shoes.
• New Balance Product Information: Details on the 574 outsole, ENCAP midsole, and SL-2 last.
• New Balance Product Information: Details on the 574 Core and 574 Rugged versions.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.