New Balance
Arctic Grey 574 Sneaker Men
The New Balance 574 is a low-top men's casual sneaker (model U574) in an Arctic Grey colorway, featuring a suede upper with leather overlays and mesh panels, a removable foam footbed, and a lightweight EVA foam ENCAP midsole with a PU rim for cushioning. The rubber lug outsole provides traction, and the design is commonly used for everyday casual wear. Reddit reviewers note that while the 574 is a versatile and classic model, comfort and build quality can vary; some recommend a break-in period and suggest considering wider widths or premium New Balance models for more support.
- Color
- Arctic Grey
- Material
- Suede upper with leather overlays and mesh panels; brushed terry lining; EVA foam midsole; rubber outsole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- casual, classic, streetwear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Classic men's sneaker with suede upper, leather overlays, and cushioned ENCAP midsole.
Removable foam footbed, lightweight EVA foam ENCAP midsole, rubber lug outsole.
- Color
- Arctic Grey · gray
- Material
- Suede upper with leather overlays and mesh panels; brushed terry lining; EVA foam midsole; rubber outsole
- Style
- casual, classic, streetwear
- Occasion
- casual, everyday, travel
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Suede upper
- Leather overlays
- Mesh panels
- Brushed terry lining
- Comfortable padded collar
- Woven label on tongue
- Removable foam footbed
- Lightweight EVA foam ENCAP midsole with PU rim for cushioning and support
- Rubber lug outsole for extra grip
Product Insights
The New Balance 574 debuted in 1988 as a hybrid of the 576 and 577, becoming the iconic model kept in continuous production. Its design blends automotive-inspired stability features with a BMX-derived outsole for grip. The Arctic Grey colorway continues the core grey that defined the 574's look. Priced at 130 CAD, it's an affordable 500-series entry, but buyers note quality tradeoffs versus premium US-made versions. Comfort is decent for casual use, though aftermarket insoles are recommended; the ENCAP midsole is less plush than premium models and the EVA core packs out over time. Recent 574s have thinner materials and less support than older pairs. The removable foam footbed can be swapped for better comfort. Initial stiffness fades as suede loosens and midsole settles. Sizing is true to size for most, half size smaller than Air Force 1; only standard D width available. Outsole durability is rated Good in lab tests. The 2018 redesign reverted the toebox to sleeker 1988 proportions. The rubber lug outsole offers high traction. Styling pairs well with cuffed denim, chinos, and tonal layers. Suede care involves brushing and spraying; the upper stretches slightly with wear.
Verified claims
- Heritage
- Debuted in 1988 as a hybrid of the 576 and 577, now the iconic New Balance model kept in continuous production.
- Functional design
- Automotive-inspired stability features and BMX-derived outsole for grip.
- Colorway
- Arctic Grey continues the core grey that has defined the 574's iconic look since 1988.
- Manufacturing
- Priced at 130 CAD, it's an affordable 500-series entry, but buyers note quality tradeoffs vs premium US-made versions.
- Comfort
- Buyers find the 574 decent for casual use but recommend aftermarket insoles for extended comfort.
- Build quality
- Buyers report that recent 574s have thinner materials and less support than older pairs.
- Cushioning
- ENCAP midsole is less plush than premium NB models and the EVA core packs out over time.
- Footbed
- Owners report swapping the removable foam footbed for an aftermarket insole to improve comfort.
- Break-in
- Initial stiffness fades as the suede upper loosens and the midsole settles over several wears.
- Width
- Available only in standard D width.
- Sizing
- True to size for most; half size smaller than Air Force 1.
- Durability
- Outsole durability rated Good in RunRepeat lab tests.
- Toebox shape
- The 2018 redesign reverted the toebox to sleeker 1988 proportions.
- Traction
- Rubber lug outsole has high traction and good durability, derived from BMX treads.
- Styling
- Pairs with cuffed denim, chinos, tonal layers, and accent colors.
- Fit
- Fits half a size smaller than Air Force 1 and Vans Old Skool.
- Suede care
- Brush, erase scuffs, and spray for moisture; do not machine wash or soak.
- Stretching
- Suede upper stretches slightly with wear, improving fit.
Product record
- Title
- Arctic Grey 574 Sneaker Men
- Brand
- New Balance
- Price
- 130 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
How the 574 became an icon
- The 574 is frequently labelled 'the most New Balance shoe' because its grey suede-and-mesh build, ENCAP cushioning, and unpretentious silhouette distill the brand's identity into a single affordable package — and its 2022 Miu Miu collab proved it can walk the highest fashion runways without changing that essence.
- Designer Steven Smith created the 574 in 1988 by marrying a stripped-down 576 upper to the sole of the yet-unreleased 577 — a cost-cutting workaround that inadvertently produced New Balance's most long-lived silhouette, one that has since eclipsed both donor shoes in cultural weight.
- Smith infused the 574 with subtle automotive and BMX influences: the eye-row underlay acts as a sway bar to lock down the midfoot, and the rubber lug outsole pattern was taken from BMX tire treads — details that connect the casual look back to the shoe's original off-road trail-running intent.
- As New Balance's first true lifestyle sneaker, the 574 broke free of running catalogs by the mid-1990s when the brand launched a colorway revolution that turned it into a creative palette — a pivot that made it a canvas for general releases and later collaborations, and explains why the 574 you're holding shares lineage with shoes worn by Rihanna and reinterpreted by Miu Miu.
- The 574 was conceived as a value version of the 500 series, with production shifted to Asia and performance internals simplified to hit a lower price tier; that cost-conscious DNA is why the model has remained one of the most affordable ways to access New Balance design heritage, typically priced under $100 USD even today.
- In 2018, New Balance corrected the 574's toebox, pulling back the bulkier, upturned shape that had accumulated over decades to restore sleeker, more original proportions — the current production run benefits from that retooling, delivering a shape closer to the 1988 debut that collectors and purists prefer.
Outsole grip for daily wear
- The outsole is made of non-marking rubber, meaning the same grip that works on wet pavement won't leave scuff marks on gym floors or kitchen tiles — a small detail that broadens its all-day, every-situation wearability.
- The outsole's raised lugs are arranged in a multi-directional pattern, giving the shoe stable footing during lateral movements and quick pivots on uneven city sidewalks — not just when walking in a straight line.
- Originally created in 1988 as a road and light off-road hybrid, the 574 carries a lugged rubber outsole designed for mixed surfaces — a heritage that gives it a traction advantage on wet pavement and gravel over typical flat-soled fashion sneakers.
- RunRepeat's cut-in-half lab evaluation rated the 574's outsole durability as 'Good', indicating that the rubber compound resists abrasion well and retains its grippiness long after the initial wear-in, unlike softer-compound alternatives that lose bite with heavy use.
- In independently conducted lab and field tests, the 574 earned a 'High' traction rating from RunRepeat and was called 'exceptional' by OutdoorGearLab, with both specifically noting its reliable grip on wet surfaces — making it a confident pick for rainy day wear.
How to style the Arctic Grey 574
- Cuffing slim or straight-cut jeans one or two rolls above the shoe's tongue puts the Arctic Grey suede paneling and the 574's iconic 'N' logo on display, creating a clean ankle line that avoids the bulky fabric pile-up of uncuffed hems — a small adjustment that makes the sneaker the deliberate focal point of the outfit.
- A slim-fit chino with an oxford cloth button-down, sleeves rolled once, echoes the 574's 1988 origins while injecting the Arctic Grey into a modern smart-casual uniform; the chino's structure plays against the suede's softness, making the sneaker read as a deliberate textural choice rather than an afterthought.
- Layering an open grey overshirt over a black tee and pant base creates a tonal bracket that lets the Arctic Grey 574 anchor the fit without demanding an exact color match — a formula that works for transition months and dinner-casual settings, pulling the whole look together through shared grey tones rather than rigid coordination.
- Arctic Grey's cool underbase makes a small injection of burgundy, sky blue, or similarly saturated colour — through a sock, cap, or lightweight sweater — feel purposeful and cohesive, pulling the eye to the sneaker without overwhelming the neutral palette, a move directly recommended for matching the 574's palette.
- The 574's suede and mesh upper pops when you lean into texture play: rigid raw denim, soft wool trousers, or technical nylon create a friction that elevates the shoe from basic neutral to an intentional surface element — a styling principle that fashion guides underscore for grey suede New Balances specifically because the nubuck read benefits from fabric opposition.
Fit compared to other sneakers
- The Vans Old Skool also fits roughly half a size larger than the 574, so a 10 in the Old Skool translates to a 10.5 in the 574 — useful for anyone accustomed to Vans’ classic flat-soled fit.
- The 574 shares its exact size number with the Air Max 90 — if you already know your Air Max 90 size, order that same number in the 574 without adjustment, a match that holds across the entire Air Max running-inspired family.
- Owner-reported data from 819 pairs confirms the 574 fits about a half size smaller than the Air Force 1 — a US 10 in AF1 equates to a 10.5 in the 574, and ordering the same number risks the toe pinch that is the most common sizing complaint.
- The Stan Smith runs about half a size larger than the 574 — if your Stan Smith size is 9.5, your correct 574 is a 10, preventing the heel slip that occurs when buyers mistakenly carry the same number over.
- The 990 series uses a different last that makes the midfoot slightly snugger than the 574, but they share the same length — a size 10 in a 990v5 is a size 10 in the 574, with the 574 providing marginally more volume through the forefoot and heel.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Studio side view of a low-top sneaker showing the lateral (outer) side of the shoe with layered upper materials, an applied 'N' logo, textured heel counter, plastic heel clip, midsole with embossed text, and a gum rubber outsole.
- View and orientationLateral side profile of the left shoe, toe pointing right, full shoe visible from sole to collar.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.46 · w 0.86 · h 0.40 (high) - Upper constructionMulti-panel upper combining smooth nubuck or suede panels, a perforated or mesh toe box panel, and a textured suede heel overlay; panels are stitched together with visible topstitching.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.55 · w 0.66 · h 0.28 (high) - Applied 'N' logoRaised N-shaped logo patch on the midfoot composed of a textured inner fill with a contrasting stitched border.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.57 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Heel clipMolded plastic heel clip at the rear midsole with horizontal ribbing and a recessed stylized 'NB' mark.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.66 · w 0.20 · h 0.15 (high) - Midsole profileLayered midsole with a slightly raised heel, smooth finish, and an embossed word on the lateral side near the heel.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.72 · w 0.68 · h 0.14 (high) - OutsoleGum-rubber lugged outsole with tooth-like tread visible along the bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.82 · w 0.80 · h 0.12 (high) - Collar and liningPadded collar with a contrasting softer fabric lining in a darker taupe color and a mustard-yellow textile heel tab.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.53 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high) - Lacing and eyeletsFlat laces threaded through stitched eyelet panels with two metal-reinforced top eyelets near the collar.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.50 · w 0.24 · h 0.20 (high) - Embossed midsole text“ENCAP®”
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.75 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Plastic heel mark text“NB”
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.68 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (high)
Other
Studio product photograph on a light neutral background with soft shadow below the shoe; even diffuse lighting and no props.
- BackgroundUniform light gray backdrop filling the frame.
- ShadowSoft, narrow shadow directly beneath the shoe following the sole outline.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.84 · w 0.80 · h 0.06 (high) - Shot compositionShoe centered horizontally in frame with substantial empty space above; entire shoe sits near the lower half of the image.
Colors
light beige· upper main panels#D3C4B5cream suede· textured heel overlaymustard yellow· heel tab#CCA354taupe brown· heel clip and midfoot accent#7C624Clight warm beige· midsolegum brown· outsoletaupe· inner collar lining- View and orientationLateral side profile of the left shoe, toe pointing right, full shoe visible from sole to collar.
- 02
Product
Rear/side view of a pair of low-top sneakers showing the heel, midsole, outsole, and lateral side 'N' logo; materials visible include smooth upper, textured suede heel panel, woven heel tab, and rubber midsole/outsole components.
- Overall viewPair of low-top sneakers shown from a rear/three-quarter lateral angle with the right shoe in foreground and left shoe rotated to show outsole.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.45 · w 0.90 · h 0.50 (high) - Upper materialSmooth light cream/off-white upper panels visible on lateral side and heel collar.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.52 · w 0.45 · h 0.28 (high) - Suede heel panelTextured off-white suede panel wrapping the lower heel area with visible stitching along its top edge.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.56 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Woven heel tabMustard/golden yellow woven heel tab at the collar with embroidered white text.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.49 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Lateral 'N' logoRaised stitched 'N' logo patch on the lateral side in a light cream shade with a slightly darker stitched border.
1 region
x 0.76 · y 0.58 · w 0.14 · h 0.16 (high) - Heel counterReinforced horizontal ribbed heel counter in a taupe/brown rubber wrapping the back of the midsole with an embossed 'NB' mark.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.63 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high) - Midsole markingRaised marking 'ENCAP' visible on the lateral midsole area near the heel.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.72 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Outsole treadGum rubber outsole visible on the left shoe showing deep horizontal and block treads and an embossed 'NB' logo in the forefoot area.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.62 · w 0.44 · h 0.28 (high) - Heel embroidery text“new balance”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.50 · w 0.13 · h 0.07 (high) - Outsole logo text“NB”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Midsole text“ENCAP”
1 region
x 0.65 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.04 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft even lighting; image is cropped to show lower portion containing the shoes.
- BackgroundUniform light grey studio background with no visible props.
- Shot compositionLow-angle close crop focusing on the shoe heels and outsoles; upper part of the frame is empty background.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 0.45 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft diffuse lighting with mild shadow under shoes consistent with studio illumination.
Colors
cream· upper panelsoff-white suede· suede heel panelmustard yellow· heel tab#D2A453taupe brown· heel counter/midsole trim#957964gum brown· outsole#84522C- Overall viewPair of low-top sneakers shown from a rear/three-quarter lateral angle with the right shoe in foreground and left shoe rotated to show outsole.
- 03
Product
A top-down view of a pair of lace-up sneakers placed side-by-side showing the uppers, tongues, heel collars, insoles, and outsole edges.
- Overall orientationPair of sneakers viewed from directly above, both shoes aligned with toes at top and heels at bottom; tongues partially visible and laces tied flat.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.03 · w 0.90 · h 0.94 (high) - Toe box material and textureRounded toe boxes with a ribbed or corduroy-like textile panel framed by smooth suede overlays that follow the toe contour.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.03 · w 0.36 · h 0.24 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.03 · w 0.36 · h 0.24 (high) - Lacing and tongue constructionFlat fabric laces threaded through five pairs of eyelets; padded tongues extend toward the ankle with a rectangular woven tongue tag showing printed text and a logo.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.28 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.22 · w 0.28 · h 0.26 (high) - Side N-shaped accentContrasting N-shaped side accent in a lighter, slightly reflective material visible on the lateral side of each shoe, stitched onto the suede overlay.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.32 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.32 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Heel collar and liningPadded heel collars with a light brown/beige inner lining and an exterior heel tab in a mustard yellow fabric wrapping the back of each shoe.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.68 · w 0.32 · h 0.24 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.68 · w 0.32 · h 0.24 (high) - Insole appearanceVisible insoles are a pale mint green color with a printed logo near the heel area of each insole.
2 regions
x 0.26 · y 0.56 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.56 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high) - Midsole and outsole edgeThin visible midsole edge in an off-white/cream tone with a gum-brown outsole visible around the toe and heel perimeters.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 1.00 (medium) - Tongue tag text blockRectangular tongue tags display stacked text and a logo; individual characters are legible in parts.Partial
2 regions
x 0.34 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.54 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Tongue tag transcription: upper line“new balance”Partial
2 regions
x 0.34 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.54 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Tongue tag transcription: numeric“574”Partial
2 regions
x 0.34 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.54 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Insole logo transcription“NB”
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.66 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.66 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Neutral light-gray background with soft top lighting and minor drop shadows; image is tightly cropped around the shoes showing full top views and both shoe outlines.
- Background and lightingEven neutral light-gray backdrop with soft, diffuse overhead lighting producing faint shadowing beneath the shoes.
- Shot compositionCenter-composed top-down studio shot with both shoes fully visible and some outer-edge cropping of the outermost outsole edges.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution, color-balanced photo with clear texture detail and no visible motion blur.
Colors
cream· upper textile panels (ribbed)#CCC4BBlight beige· suede overlays#CCC4BBmustard yellow· heel tab#BAA38Dpale mint green· insole#A2ABA5gum brown· outsole edge#7C7C7C- Overall orientationPair of sneakers viewed from directly above, both shoes aligned with toes at top and heels at bottom; tongues partially visible and laces tied flat.
Documents & Data
Q&A
7 answered- Does this sneaker come in wide (2E or 4E) width options?
- The New Balance 574 model is available in wide widths (2E, 4E) from New Balance, but this specific listing only offers standard (D) width.
- How does the cushioning of the ENCAP midsole compare to New Balance's ABZORB or FuelCell cushioning used in premium models like the 990 or 2002r?
- The ENCAP midsole uses a traditional EVA/polyurethane combination that provides reliable, long-lasting cushioning, but it is less plush and responsive than the ABZORB or FuelCell foams found in premium models like the 990 or 2002r. Community discussions note that premium NB models offer superior cushioning and support for extended wear.
- What is the recommended method for cleaning and maintaining the suede upper?
- For the suede upper, we recommend using a suede brush to gently remove surface dirt, a suede eraser for scuffs, and a protective spray to guard against moisture. Avoid machine washing or soaking, as suede can be damaged by excess water.
- Does the suede upper stretch over time, potentially improving the fit after a break-in period?
- Suede does stretch slightly with wear, which may help improve fit over time. The 574 has a break-in period noted in community feedback, so some initial snugness may relax, but the stretch is typically minimal compared to full-grain leather.
- Are New Balance 574s comfortable for all-day wear?
- Comfort is mixed; some find them fine for casual use, but many recommend trying them for extended periods or adding aftermarket insoles due to limited cushioning.
- Is there a difference between US-made and Asian-made 574s?
- Yes, US-made 574s are generally higher quality with better materials and shape, but they are less common than Asian-made versions.
- Has the quality of the 574 changed over time?
- Some users report a noticeable decline in recent years, with thinner materials and less support compared to older pairs.
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/Newbalance, r/mensfashionReddit views the New Balance 574 as a timeless, versatile sneaker, but comfort and quality are frequently debated, with many users recommending premium NB alternatives for superior cushioning.
The 574 receives praise for its classic design and everyday usability, but comfort complaints and reports of declining quality temper overall enthusiasm.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily beater / casual wear
- Casual classic style outfit pairing
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Premium New Balance models (990, 2002r, 9060, 920, 992, 1906R, 991v2)
These models offer superior cushioning and support, making them more comfortable for extended wear, but the 574 retains appeal for its iconic look and lower price.
Source Threads
Good beater shoe with many colorways and decent comfort
One of my favorite beater shoes. You pretty much can always find a nice colorway on clearance somewhere for dirt cheap. No shortage in variety. Comfort is decent enough for what it is.
u/storeboughtanxietyr/NewbalanceView thread →
Lack of support and cushion; prefers other NB models for comfort
TBF they don’t have much support or cushion, depending on her age and various health factors. And this is why I try to order a cheap new or used pair and do a long-term try—5 minutes in the store isn’t enough. I had 574’s for a sec and didn’t care for them. Now I’m rocking all kinds of comfy shit like 9060, 920, 992, 1906R, 2002R, 990V6.
u/Robotman1001r/NewbalanceView thread →
US-made 574 superior to Asian-made in quality and comfort
The US made 574 is great and pretty comfortable. The Asian one isn't as good. Asian made pairs don't use the same quality and are not hand made. They used to be terrible and have horrible shapes but recently years the Asian made pairs have been better so that's good. Most people reference Asian made pairs when speaking of the 574 as they haven't really been in production in the USA since the NB1 custome program left. I still have a few made in USA 574 and they are dope
u/Malaka_202r/NewbalanceView thread →
Grey 574s pair well with casual/classic style
I agree. I don't even get all of those colors, though I have been tempted by a few. I get grey, or cloud that's more white. I'm a 49 y/o female, who is active, with a casual/classic style. The 574s pair well with whatever I'm wearing.
u/abearz75r/mensfashionView thread →
574s are comfy considering; loves the core greys colorway
I agree, super comfy considering. I have plenty of 990s v2-6, 991v2 etc and yes they’re a notch above, but I still totally agree that they’re a comfy pair. I have the core greys and love them!
u/sneakerscomicsgamesr/NewbalanceView thread →
Quality declined in recent 574 models; older ones much better
I have bought multiple models of the 574 from about 2016 onward, I bought a pair in 2022 and the quality was noticeably cheaper. The tongue was thin, the heels felt thin and loose, the laces were skinny and thin, the overall shoe looked about the same but lacks the support of the older models. Am I alone on this? I was buying them off the website in the 2E model. The older one were the most comfortable shoes I have ever had, now they feel like cheap walmart shoes.
u/RobertRoyal82r/NewbalanceView thread →