Facts
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Top
Low Top
Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.
Mid Top
Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.
High Top
Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.
Good to know
Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.
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Inspired from
Sports
Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.
Casual
Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.
Good to know
Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.
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Collection
Good to know
Shoes sharing the same inspiration, history, materials, or technologies are routinely assembled under one compilation for the convenience of those who may wish to categorize or label their own collection as such. The classic collections like the Adidas Originals, Air Max 1, Air Force 1, new balance classic sneakers, and the Classic Leather head the pack of frequently asked about collections.
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Price$65
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Special editions
Summary
We spent 7.1 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
13 reasons to buy
- An overwhelming majority of wearers took note of the overall positive feel that the New Balance 501 gives.
- Many wearers reported that the 501 runs true to size.
- Several looks-conscious purchasers loved the silhouette of the 501 New Balance.
- Many of the purchasers took note of how light the shoe is.
- Some loved how comfortable the shoes feel even after long walks.
- Several shoe enthusiasts loved the fact that there are a lot of colors to choose from.
- A considerable number felt the shoes just perfectly fit them.
- A lot of users were happy with how much value they get even with the New Balance 501’s affordable price.
- The suede and mesh upper offer breathable coverage.
- There is adequate padding in the ankle collar and tongue for a plush in-shoe feel.
- The prominent lugs in the outsole of the 501 easily makes it a versatile sneaker where surfaces are concerned.
- The formidable and stitched toe protection adds a little more durability to the shoe.
- Majority of the reviewers recommend the shoe to those who are looking for a wallet-friendly and stylish shoe.
3 reasons not to buy
- A few disappointed purchasers noticed how the padding did not last long.
- Quite a few commented on how craftsmanship was not so good on the pair they received.
- There were quality inconsistencies across items according to a few reviews.
Bottom line
An overwhelming number of buyers are impressed with how comfortable and stylish the New Balance 501 is. Those who move around a lot noted how light the pair is, sparing their feet from the pains of too much movement. Given its relative affordability, it surely will not hurt to give the New Balance 501 a try.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are sneaker fanatics, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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New Balance 501 History
New Balance’s fame as a top notch company that provides runners and people in general shoes with excellent arch support and good hold has also given them an unfairly misguided reputation as a “dad’s shoe” or clunky trainers that only podiatrists or orthopaedics would suggest.
People who are familiar with New Balance or sneakerheads can readily vouch for the superior style and functionality of what is known as the New Balance Classics. It is a collection of shoes that are found in the closet of thousands of New Balance fans. These shoes are in no way a stereotype of an average “dad’s shoe” or an anonymous trainer.
Part of this deep and amazing collection shoes of is the New Balance 501. The sneaker is a nod to New Balance’s humble beginning as typified by its simple and retro-style look. The vivid colors represent the company’s rich tradition of mixing style and performance. It is also a distant relative to one of company’s most popular and sought-after models in the 574.
A cohort of the iconic 574, the New Balance 501 shares a lot of similarities with the ubiquitous model. It also has that streamlined classic silhouette and snug fit that allow wearers to move around in comfort, which is actually not that surprising since the 501 also traces its roots to running.
There are a handful of notable differences between these two popular lines, though. A significant difference between the two would be New Balance’s use of lighter materials for the 501. Besides the lighter materials, the 501 also does not offer the same type of heel hold as its cousin. Lastly, the midfoot overlays present in the 574 are subdued in the 501.
The differences make the 501 a little more flexible and with better freedom of movement. This is a good choice for those who want to have a more casual approach to their usual days without sacrificing support.
The effective midsole cushioning, outsole durability, and versatile suede/textile stylishness of its breathable upper complete the positive experience that the 501 provides.
New Balance 501 Style
With its classic yet sporty silhouette, the New Balance 501 is a blessing to those who comfortably don the old-school shirt and jeans. Its largely monochromatic colorway, which by the way, comes in a lot of variants, also makes outfit matching such an easy task to do. If versatility is desired, then this pair is indeed one to have.
Fit & Sizing
The New Balance 501 comes in sizes and widths that are specific to the two sexes. The male sizes range from 6.5 to 18, and they come in both D (standard) and 2E (wide) widths. The sizes for women are from 5 to 12, with standard B widths.
Notable Features
The understated approach of the 501 to honor New Balance’s heritage is the shoe’s most notable feature. Besides making it almost a look alike of the iconic 574, it also gives the 501 a simple appeal that makes it one very popular shoe.
The outsole is also quite a stand out feature in this sneaker. New Balance uses adequately-sized lugs from the heel to the forefoot to make it a suitable partner for different types of terrain. Users can be sure-footed while getting their best in lifestyle out of the New Balance 501.
Additional Info
- The New Balance 501 is also available in kids’ sizes.
- The 501 uses the proprietary Encap technology to ensure stability and proper shock dispersion.
- New Balance and Rick Williams’s Distinct Life once collaborated to promote the 501. It was part of their 30 for 30 series where Williams wore 30 different pairs of New Balance kicks, one for each day of June 2011.
