New Balance 574 Core Complete Review

Since its debut in 1988, the New Balance 574 Core has become one of the most recognizable and enduring sneakers on the planet. It has gracefully navigated decades of trends, evolving from a performance running shoe to a global style icon praised for its everyday comfort and versatility. This comprehensive review dives into every aspect of the 574, from its signature ENCAP midsole technology to its often-discussed sizing, to see if this timeless classic still holds up today.

Quick Take

• Overall Rating: 4.5/5

• Best For: Casual Wear, Streetwear

• Key Strengths: Comfortable for all-day wear and extended periods of standing, Timeless, retro aesthetic that's easy to style with various outfits, Available in multiple widths to accommodate different foot shapes, Durable construction with quality materials, Affordable price point, often found on sale

• Notable Limitations: Inconsistent sizing, often running small or narrow, Minimal arch support and firm cushioning, Limited breathability in warm conditions

What Makes New Balance 574 Core Stand Out?

You know what? In a world of fleeting trends and high-tech sneaker gimmicks, there’s something profoundly satisfying about a shoe that just is. The New Balance 574 Core is exactly that. It’s a cultural icon, a piece of footwear history that has steadfastly refused to become irrelevant since its debut way back in 1988. Let me explain. Its staying power doesn’t come from flashy marketing, but from a brilliant, foundational design. The core of its appeal lies in the ENCAP midsole technology—a clever blend of soft cushioning surrounded by a tough polyurethane rim.

This gives you a unique mix of immediate comfort and long-term support that you can feel all day. Honestly, it’s a workhorse. Add to that the fact that New Balance offers it in a bunch of widths, and you’ve got a shoe that’s genuinely for everyone. They’ve even updated the materials to be more eco-friendly, which is a huge plus in my book. It’s this blend of timeless style, democratic fit, and reliable comfort that keeps people coming back. As one happy customer put it, "The New Balance Brand is one of my favorites but I'd never purchased the classic style until now! Can't believe I missed out all this time. These are super comfy, Stylishly and classic."

Real Customer Experiences

Here’s the thing, you can talk specs all day, but what do actual owners think? The sentiment online is overwhelmingly positive, but it’s not without its nuances. The general consensus points to a shoe that delivers on its promises of comfort and style, but with a few asterisks that are important to know.

• Praise for Versatility and Comfort: A recurring theme is just how adaptable the 574 Core is. People rave about its ability to be a daily driver for a huge range of activities. Whether it's for running errands, a casual day at the office, or just kicking back, the comfort and classic look make it a go-to. They are often described as a wardrobe staple that you don't have to think twice about.
• Sizing is a Frequent Topic of Discussion: If there's one drum that gets beaten constantly in reviews, it's about the fit. A significant number of wearers report that the shoe runs small or narrow. This has led to a widely accepted piece of community advice: consider going up half a size. For those with wider feet, the availability of different width options is a godsend, but for others, it can be a point of frustration if they order their standard size and find it too snug.
• Durability Gets Mixed but Mostly Positive Reviews: Most users find the 574 Core to be a sturdy, well-built shoe that holds up over time. However, there are consistent, albeit less frequent, complaints about specific weak points, like the inner lining tearing or the sole beginning to separate at the toe after moderate use. It seems that while the core construction is solid, some of the finer details can occasionally fall short for some users.

Here are a couple of quotes that capture the user experience perfectly:

"These shoes last for a long time and my first pair is still in great condition! The sizing is a perfect fit but once you wear them they will stretch out and feel super comfy. Great to wear to lunch, the gym or shopping. I can dress these up or down and they've become such a staple in my wardrobe..."

"I wanted to LOVE these classic New Balance sneakers. I do love them, just not on my wide feet. They're just too narrow, and I am sure that even going a size up won't allow the width I need for comfort."

Design and Build Quality

Alright, let's get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a 574 a 574. The design is, frankly, iconic. It’s a silhouette that even non-sneakerheads can probably recognize. It has that perfect late-80s runner vibe, a little chunky but not overly aggressive—the kind of design that has gracefully ridden the wave of trends, from its athletic origins to its current status as a streetwear and "dad shoe" champion.

The upper is a classic combination of suede and mesh. Most of the signature colorways feature rich suede overlays on the toe cap, heel, and eyelets, which gives the shoe its structure and premium feel. The mesh panels on the toe box and collar provide some breathability, though as we'll discuss, maybe not enough for a sweltering summer day in Phoenix. Some special editions might swap in leather or other synthetic materials, but the suede/mesh combo is the true DNA of the 574.

Now, the midsole—this is where the magic happens. New Balance’s ENCAP technology is the star of the show. Imagine a core of soft, shock-absorbing EVA foam. That’s for immediate comfort. But to keep it from squishing out and breaking down, New Balance wrapped that soft core in a tough, durable polyurethane (PU) rim. This dual-density setup is brilliant. It provides the stability you need for walking around all day without sacrificing that initial soft feeling underfoot. It’s a technology that has stood the test of time for a reason.

Flipping it over, the outsole is made of good old-fashioned rubber. It features a rugged, nubby traction pattern that provides a decent grip on most urban surfaces like pavement and tile. It’s not a trail running shoe by any means, but you won’t be slipping and sliding on your way to the coffee shop. In a nod to modern sensibilities, some versions now include 5% recycled rubber, aligning with New Balance's "green leaf standard."

When you pick it up, the shoe feels substantial without being a brick. It weighs in at around 327.4 grams, which is a respectable weight for a lifestyle sneaker built with these materials. It’s not an ultra-light performance knit, and that’s the point. It feels like a real, solid shoe.

Beyond ENCAP, the other bit of special tech is a subtle TPU heel insert. This little plastic clip cups the back of your heel, adding a touch of extra stability and preventing your foot from rolling. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you wear a shoe that doesn’t have it.

Of course, no shoe is perfect. The most common durability issues reported by users tend to focus on the inner heel lining, which can tear from the friction of taking the shoe on and off. Some have also noted sole separation at the toe after extended wear, which is a common failure point for many sneakers of this construction style. The suede, while beautiful, is also a bit of a diva; it's prone to water damage and staining if you're not careful.

Comfort and Fit

Here's the thing about the 574 Core: it's built for comfort, but you have to get the fit right first. It's a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it's a shoe people wear for hours on end, standing and walking, without complaint. On the other hand, a huge chunk of negative reviews boils down to one thing: sizing.

Let's start with the sizing advice. The overwhelming consensus from the community is to go a half size up from your usual size. The classic 574 last is known for being a bit short and, more importantly, a bit narrow in the toe box. Trying to squeeze into your true-to-size pair can lead to a cramped, uncomfortable experience. This is especially true if you have even slightly wide feet. Going up that half size gives your toes the room they need to splay naturally and accommodates the shoe's snugger profile.

Speaking of which, the width profile is one of the 574's greatest strengths. While the standard width (D for men, B for women) can be narrow, New Balance heroically offers the shoe in Wide (2E) and even Extra-Wide (4E) options for men. This is a game-changer for a huge portion of the population that is often ignored by other major sneaker brands. If you've always struggled with shoes feeling tight on the sides, the 574 in a wide option could be a revelation.

As for the break-in period, it’s minimal. Honestly, they feel pretty good right out of the box. The EVA foam in the midsole provides immediate cushioning. However, the suede overlays do have some structure to them, and they might require a day or two of wear to soften up and mold perfectly to the shape of your foot. It's less of a painful "break-in" and more of a "settling-in" period. After a few wears, they should feel like they were made for you—provided you got the size right!

One wearer's comment sums up the comfort journey well:

"Absolutely love these shoes! Love the navy color and they are sooooo comfortable! I normally wear a 9 1/2 but got a 10 and they are perfect!"

This quote perfectly illustrates the sizing dilemma and the resulting comfort. Get the size right, and you're golden. Get it wrong, and you'll be missing out on what makes this shoe so beloved.

Style and Versatility

The New Balance 574 Core isn't just a shoe; it's a style statement, but a quiet, confident one. Its aesthetic is pure, uncut retro goodness. It’s the visual definition of a classic trainer, with a design that has effortlessly transitioned from 80s running tracks to modern city streets. Honestly, its strongest stylistic asset is its versatility. It famously became one of the faces of the "dad shoe" trend, but it's transcended that label. It looks just as good with a pair of worn-in jeans and a t-shirt as it does with smarter chinos for a casual office environment. It has an understated cool that doesn't scream for attention.

This adaptability makes its ideal scenarios incredibly broad. It's the perfect shoe for casual outings, daily errands, and weekend shenanigans. It's also a fantastic travel companion because it offers that all-day comfort for walking tours while still looking presentable for a nice dinner. While you wouldn't take it for a serious run, it's more than capable for light walks or a very casual gym session. It's the shoe you reach for when you don't know what the day holds, but you want to be comfortable and look put-together. It’s a true wardrobe chameleon.

Quality and Durability

So, is the 574 Core built to last? For the most part, yes. Here’s the thing, with about 80% of wearers praising its durability, the shoe has a solid reputation. The suede and mesh upper, when cared for, holds its shape well, and the rubber outsole is tough enough for miles of city walking. The ENCAP midsole, with its protective polyurethane rim, is specifically designed to resist the kind of premature crushing and breakdown you see in cheaper, all-EVA sneakers. For a shoe that retails for under $100, the materials and construction feel substantial and well-executed. It feels like a good investment.

However, it's not invincible, and it's important to look at the other 20%. There are a few common issues that pop up in user reviews with enough frequency to be noteworthy. The most cited complaint is the inner lining tearing, particularly around the heel and ankle collar. This is often due to the friction of slipping the shoe on and off without fully loosening the laces—a shoe horn might be your best friend here. Some users have also experienced the sole separating at the toe, where the outsole curves up to meet the upper. This is a high-flex area, and over time, the adhesive can give way. Finally, the suede itself, while a premium material, is susceptible to water damage and staining, which is more of a material characteristic than a manufacturing flaw, but something to be aware of.

One user's experience highlights this perfectly:

"I wore this shoe for specific occasions and within 5 months and only wearing them 20 times the inside of the shoe is ripping. Other than the ripping very comfortable shoes."

This quote captures the frustrating duality: a shoe that is comfortable and beloved, but can sometimes fail in specific, predictable ways.

Decision Matrix

Trying to decide if the 574 Core fits your life? This quick matrix should help you visualize where it excels and where it falls short.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor