Facts
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Price$150
-
Special editions
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.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
Fit & Sizing
The classic 580 silhouette comes in both men’s and women’s sizing. The New Balance 580 men’s, otherwise known as the NB MRT580, is available from size 4 to 13 with half sizes in between D Standard or Medium width. The NB WRT580 or the New Balance 580 women’s, on the other hand, has sizes from 5 to 12 with half sizes also included in B Standard or Medium width. The fit is true to size for most wearers.
The crowd-favorite silhouette comes with a low-top construction that permits flexible ankle movement while allowing sufficient foot support and protection. Inspired by a running shoe, it is constructed with lightweight materials for unparalleled comfort. Like most NB Classics, this one also features a traditional lace closure that can be adjusted or customized depending on the wearer’s preference.
New Balance 580 Style
With the constant presence of the New Balance 580 Classic sneakers and its different versions in the market, the Boston-based footwear company only proves that classic sneakers, indeed, are always a hit regardless of changing market trends and different generations of consumers.
Despite modern sneaker technologies that continuously evolve, the New Balance 580 manages to stay true to the brand’s classic heritage. It may not be as technologically advanced or modernized as other running-inspired sneakers from brands like Nike or Adidas, but its overall timeless aesthetic and appeal is what makes it high-selling and a crowd favorite.
In addition to a low-top profile in a traditional lace-up closure system, the 580 shoe offers a wide selection of colorways that both men and women can choose from to find a pair that suits their style best. Its timeless facade gives out a sporty-meets-trendy kind of vibe that can easily dress up or down any outfit.
The New Balance 580 in black, for example, could be your best bet if you want a clean and versatile pair of kicks. There is also the New Balance 580 in grey, which gives similar muted, old-school, and stylish appeal. Another favorite color is the New Balance 580 in red - a unisex colorway that provides an instant pop of color to a monochromatic black outfit.
Notable Features
The New Balance 580 is known for its chunky midsole that provides superior stability. It also features a combination of suede and mesh on the upper that allows ventilation on foot. Recent releases feature innovative REVLite midsole for premium responsiveness and durability at a much lighter weight while the original version features the Rollbar midsole that gives unparalleled traction on rough or uneven surfaces.
New Balance 580 History
The New Balance 580 has been one of the famous and highly-sought classic models from New Balance since it launched in 1996. It initially released as a Japan-exclusive sneaker based on another New Balance classic called the “Made in USA” M585.
It was designed to be more “muscular” than other NB models and featured three innovative technologies from the brand: the “Rollbar” midsole, which gives additional traction even on uneven surfaces; the “C-Cap” technology that provides cushioning without sacrificing flexibility; and the “ENCAP”, for added stability and shock absorption. These technologies collectively make the New Balance 580 suitable for running smoothly on dirt trails and paved roads.
Although initially intended as a trail running shoe, the New Balance 580 made its way into the street fashion scene. And even before collaborations were a thing, New Balance partnered up with Japan footwear brands Mita Sneakers, Undefeated, and Stüssy to work on the 580 silhouette. It was a successful move, making the 580 one of the most popular and most highly-sought shoes from New Balance.
Fast forward to 2007. New Balance Japan noticed that the US street culture has begun to appreciate the Japanese-exclusive New Balance model. Eventually, it launched as the New Balance MT580 in the US sneaker market.
Throughout the years, several collaborations continued, which resulted in various NB 580 releases in different colorways and collections. In 2013, the classic model received an upgrade through the introduction of the REVLite midsole for added comfort. It was also that same year when this classic was finally made available for women, known as the WRT580.
New Balance 580 20th Anniversary
The iconic 580 running-turned-lifestyle model celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016. In commemoration of such historical event, Boston brand New Balance yet again collaborated with Mita Sneakers on the MRT580 shoes. The special rendition launched at the New Balance 580 20th anniversary pop-up store at *Scape in Singapore from June 11 to July 17, 2016. It released in limited quantities of only 24 pairs for $229 each. Making the limited release even more extraordinary is a limited-edition 580-branded cap and lace locks that come with every purchase.
Also part of the 20th anniversary of the NB580 is an introduction of two new variations of the icon – the New Balance 580 Re-Engineered and the New Balance 580 Deconstructed models. The “Re-Engineered” model has a minimalist look while the “Deconstructed” model is a stripped down, modern, and more lightweight version.
Additional Info
- The New Balance 580 also features padded tongue and collar for added comfort and an extra lace strap on the tongue for a more secure fit.
- There are New Balance brandings on the inner and outer side panels, on the outer side of the toe box, on the tongue, on the heel, and the outsole.