New Balance
U740 Sneakers Men
The New Balance U740 is a men's low-top lifestyle sneaker with a retro-inspired design, featuring a synthetic mesh upper with molded overlays, reflective details, an ABZORB foam midsole, and a non-skid rubber outsole. It is intended for casual everyday wear, as community feedback indicates it is not suited for serious running due to firm cushioning. Sizing may run large, with some users reporting heel slip, so considering a half-size down is advisable.
- Material
- Synthetic mesh upper, rubber outer sole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- activewear, casual
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Specifications
Men's sneakers with synthetic mesh upper, ABZORB cushioning, and non-skid rubber sole.
Synthetic mesh upper, reflective details, removable foam footbed, ABZORB foam midsole, non-skid rubber outsole.
- Material
- Synthetic mesh upper, rubber outer sole
- Style
- activewear, casual
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- New Balance at Simons
- Synthetic mesh upper with inserts
- Moulded TPU logo
- Reflective details
- Removable foam footbed
- ABZORB foam midsole for maximum cushioning with every stride
- Non-skid rubber outer sole
- Model number: U740
Product Insights
The New Balance U740 sneakers revive a 2000s running cult-favorite as a lifestyle model, replacing the N-ergy heel with a firm ABZORB midsole that delivers 16% above-average shock absorption and swapping suede for synthetic overlays that simplify care and weather resistance. The shoe offers a lower platform, above-average cushioning, a roomier toe box, and a slim silhouette at 11.3 oz, lighter than the 1906R and comparable to the 530. Buyers often size down a half to avoid heel slip, while the removable foam footbed provides minimal arch support but allows custom orthotics. The mesh upper breathes well and conforms over time, though it may snag. With roughly 100 colorways and an affordable $140 CAD price, the 740 transitions wearers from dad-shoe skepticism to a daily default, blending Y2K style with modern comfort for all-day wear.
Verified claims
- Heritage
- Archive revival of 2000s running cult-favorite, now lifestyle at $110 USD (CAD$140).
- Design evolution
- Swapped the N-ergy heel for full-length ABZORB foam; the upper uses synthetic overlays rather than the real suede found on the 1906R and 2002R, while the Y2K look is retained.
- On-foot experience
- Lower platform, above-average cushioning, roomy fit, light 11.3 oz.
- Cushioning
- Firm ABZORB midsole provides lab-measured shock absorption 103 SA, 16% above the category average.
- Arch support
- Removable foam footbed provides minimal arch support.
- Fit
- Many reviewers recommend sizing down half a size to avoid heel slip.
- Sizing
- Sizing is inconsistent: many reviewers size down half a size to avoid heel slip, while some find true-to-size fit; the rounded toe box is more forgiving for wide feet.
- Weight
- 11.3 oz: lighter than 1906R (14.1 oz) and near 530 (10.9 oz)
- Last shape
- Roomier toe box than the 530, with a slimmer 530-inspired silhouette than the original 740's bulkier cut, for a more forgiving fit.
- Materials
- Synthetic overlays (not real suede) simplify care and weather resistance, with 2024 material updates
- Style
- Opinions on the 740's style are split: many enjoy the dad-shoe trend and find it fashionable, while others see it as unattractive or plain.
- Running suitability
- Not a running shoe; confirmed by community and design.
- Overlays
- Synthetic overlays avoid water stains and need no brushing.
- Mesh
- Mesh upper is durable for daily wear but prone to snagging.
- Footbed
- Removable foam footbed can be replaced with an orthotic for those needing more arch support.
- Midsole
- ABZORB midsole resists compression and absorbs impact above average.
- Comfort
- 11.3 oz with stable platform and firm cushioning for all-day wear without fatigue.
- V2 designation
- The reissued shoe is badged U740 V2 and positions the model as a lifestyle shoe in the Tech Runner collection.
- Collaboration
- Aminé x New Balance 740v2 'Benson Tech' launched right after the 2024 reissue.
- Value
- The 740 reissue costs $110 US (~$140 CAD), just above its $85 original, as an affordable NB heritage entry.
- Cushioning comparison
- ABZORB foam is firmer and less energy-returning than New Balance's Fresh Foam or RevLite, prioritizing durability and stability over cushioning softness.
- Cleaning
- Clean the synthetic mesh upper with a mild soap and water solution, then air dry; avoid machine washing or harsh chemicals.
- Entry point
- The 740 is an affordable entry point to New Balance with versatile retro style, though its comfort is firm and not as plush as higher-end models.
Product record
- Title
- U740 Sneakers Men
- Brand
- New Balance
- Price
- 140 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Side profile of a low-top athletic sneaker showing mesh upper, layered synthetic overlays in metallic silver, prominent N logo on the lateral side, molded midsole with ABZORB marking, and lace-up closure with black laces.
- View and orientationLateral side profile of a single sneaker facing right, shoe fully visible and centered horizontally near the lower third of the image.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.48 · w 0.88 · h 0.42 (high) - Upper materialKnitted/engineered mesh upper in black with visible open weave texture across toe box and quarter panels.
2 regions
x 0.42 · y 0.56 · w 0.46 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.12 · y 0.56 · w 0.26 · h 0.20 (high) - Synthetic overlaysLayered glossy metallic-silver synthetic overlays with thin white outlining that trace the shoe profile from toe to heel and form decorative stripe motifs.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.52 · w 0.46 · h 0.28 (high) - Logo badgeLarge stitched lateral 'N' logo with white border and internal black fill positioned on the midfoot quarter panel.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.58 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (high) - Lacing and tongueTraditional eyelet lacing with flat black laces and a padded mesh tongue topped by a small rectangular textile patch (text on patch not legible at this resolution).Partial
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.50 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (medium) - Collar and heel constructionPadded collar with mesh lining and stacked synthetic heel counter with layered panels and decorative silver striping.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.54 · w 0.20 · h 0.22 (high) - Midsole designThick molded black midsole with sculpted grooves and textured panels; visible recessed oval panel on the lateral heel with embossed marking.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.70 · w 0.66 · h 0.18 (high) - Text on midsole“ABZORB”
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Model marking near heel“740”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.60 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (high) - Outsole treadRubber outsole visible with segmented tread blocks and a slightly protruding heel edge.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.78 · w 0.76 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a uniform light gray background with soft shadow beneath the shoe; image is well lit with minimal reflections and no visible props.
- Background and stagingNeutral light gray seamless background filling the frame, shoe placed on a slightly darker shadowed surface area.
- Shadow and lightingSoft diffuse lighting from above-left producing a faint soft-edged shadow directly under and slightly to the right of the shoe.
- Image framingShoe centered horizontally with generous top padding and cropped close to the sole at the bottom; full shoe fits within image bounds.
Colors
deep black· mesh upper#0D0E0Cmetallic silver· synthetic overlays#838484matte black· midsole and outsole#0E0E0Cbright white· logo border and accents- View and orientationLateral side profile of a single sneaker facing right, shoe fully visible and centered horizontally near the lower third of the image.
- 02
Product
Rear / lateral view of a single athletic sneaker focusing on the heel, midsole and outsole of a black shoe with layered synthetic overlays and mesh upper.
- Heel counter shapeProminent rounded heel counter with layered synthetic panels converging at the back; the heel collar is padded and finished in a textured knit mesh.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.42 · w 0.38 · h 0.39 (high) - Midsole constructionThick molded midsole with horizontal sculpted grooves and an embedded oval insert on the lateral heel reading ABZORB.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.66 · w 0.40 · h 0.24 (high) - Outsole treadRubber outsole with multi-directional tread lugs and textured traction channels; one shoe is shown upside down exposing the sole pattern.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.44 · w 0.55 · h 0.46 (high) - Upper materialsOpen mesh fabric upper on the quarter and collar combined with glossy synthetic overlays printed with thin contrasting stripes.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.34 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high) - Small square badge“Small square badge on the heel panel containing the letters NB.”
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.46 · w 0.04 · h 0.06 (high) - Midsole oval text“ABZORB”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.74 · w 0.14 · h 0.07 (high) - Outsole brand text“new balance”
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.63 · w 0.20 · h 0.11 (medium) - Side model text (partial)“740”Partial
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.50 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot with neutral light gray background, soft shadows and even diffuse lighting; two shoes staged with one showing rear/lateral side and the other showing sole.
- Shot compositionTwo shoes placed on a flat surface; right shoe shows rear lateral side and left shoe is turned sole-up behind it.
- Background and lightingUniform light gray background with soft shadow under the shoes and diffuse top lighting producing minimal specular highlights.
- Image qualitySharp focus on shoes with clear texture detail; no visible packaging or props.
Colors
black· upper mesh#0E0E0Cdark charcoal· synthetic overlays#2B2C2Blight silver gray· accent stripesmatte black· midsole#0E0E0Droyal blue· outsole small accent- Heel counter shapeProminent rounded heel counter with layered synthetic panels converging at the back; the heel collar is padded and finished in a textured knit mesh.
- 03
Product
Pair of black athletic sneakers photographed from above showing mesh uppers, molded overlays, laces and visible insoles with printed logos.
- Overall viewTwo sneakers photographed from a top-down vantage, both shoes fully visible and laid flat with toes toward the top of the image.
- Upper materialBreathable open-weave mesh forms the toe box and central upper area on both shoes.
2 regions
x 0.09 · y 0.04 · w 0.36 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.04 · w 0.36 · h 0.25 (high) - Molded overlaysGlossy molded synthetic overlays trace the perimeter of the toe, eyelets and side panels, creating layered contours over the mesh.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.03 · w 0.43 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.03 · w 0.43 · h 0.40 (high) - Lacing and tongueBlack round laces threaded through reinforced eyelets over a padded tongue that has a vertical fabric strip with printed characters and a small square logo near the lower tongue.
2 regions
x 0.21 · y 0.28 · w 0.24 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.28 · w 0.24 · h 0.30 (high) - Tongue vertical text“740”
2 regions
x 0.25 · y 0.36 · w 0.11 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.61 · y 0.36 · w 0.11 · h 0.22 (high) - Small square tongue logo“NB”
2 regions
x 0.25 · y 0.50 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.61 · y 0.50 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high) - Toe cap detailSmall horizontal strip near the top of each tongue with a single letter 'N' printed on it.
2 regions
x 0.37 · y 0.06 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (medium); x 0.51 · y 0.06 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (medium) - Insole printing left shoe“new balance”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.71 · w 0.22 · h 0.17 (high) - Insole printing left shoe extra“RUNNING”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.77 · w 0.22 · h 0.09 (high) - Insole printing right shoe“new balance”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.71 · w 0.22 · h 0.17 (high) - Insole printing right shoe extra“RUNNING”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.77 · w 0.22 · h 0.09 (high) - Heel collar and paddingPadded heel collar with a visible textured lining around the ankle opening.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.62 · w 0.23 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.63 · y 0.62 · w 0.23 · h 0.26 (high) - Midsole and outsole visible edgesDark-colored midsole and outsole are visible around the perimeter, forming a substantial base under each shoe.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.60 · w 0.43 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.60 · w 0.43 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio shot on a light gray background with even lighting; minimal shadows and centered composition showing both shoes symmetrically.
- BackgroundSolid light gray background filling the frame.
- Shot compositionTop-down studio photograph with both shoes centered and parallel, toes upward and heels downward.
- Lighting and shadowSoft even lighting with faint shadows beneath the shoes, minimal specular highlights on glossy overlays.
Colors
black· mesh upper#0E0E0Ddark gray· molded overlays#2D2D32silver· decorative piping and logo highlights#C3C3C3white· insole printing
Variants
9 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4490028 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 8 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490029 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 8.5 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490030 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 9 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490031 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 9.5 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490032 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 10 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490033 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 10.5 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490034 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 11 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490035 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 11.5 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
| 4490036 | U740 Sneakers Men - Black - 12 | CA$140.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/NewbalanceReddit's take on the New Balance 740 is mixed: it's a trendy retro dad shoe with decent value and breathability, but the firm cushioning and polarizing midsole turn some off, and it's not for running.
While many appreciate the 740's retro aesthetic, affordability, and breathability, others criticize its firm cushioning, sizing inconsistencies, and awkward midsole design. Overall sentiment is slightly positive but mixed.
Themes
Use Cases
- Casual everyday wear
- Lifestyle sneaker for fashion
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs NB 1906 and 530
The 740 is seen as a middle ground between the 530 and 1906 in terms of style; the 1906 is generally considered superior in comfort and quality.
Source Threads
Getting used to the dad shoe aesthetic
it’s apart of the conversion process. you go thru that “wow these look like dad shoes” and when they break in, it’s a default
u/PossiblyTorporr/NewbalanceView thread →
Comparison to 530 and 725
It's like a 530 and a 725 had a baby together. I don't dislike it but I doubt I'll buy them.
u/drfsrichr/NewbalanceView thread →
Sizing advice for wide feet
I got wide feet size 9 in Air Forces'' I bought size 9 in 530 and my toes were touching the tip and shoes were buldging Tried 9 in 740, tight, 9.5 fits better for me, heel slips a little but with lace tightened it was fine and i think they will adjust on your feet.
u/[deleted]r/NewbalanceView thread →
Praise for style and value
For me the 740 is one of the best looking NB models and there are about 100 colorways so you can’t go wrong. It has firm cushioning and I prefer that. It also has a great price and is frequently on sale. Some of these $150+ models aren’t for me.
u/dasheeshblahzenr/NewbalanceView thread →
Positive out-of-box experience
Just bought the 740 for the full price though. As OP said, the fit was perfect out of the box. Really like the comfort, fit and style. Very happy with the purchase!!
u/Bizarr0_r/NewbalanceView thread →
Not a running shoe
You certainly could run in them, they aren't going to hurt you, but they aren't a modern running shoe so they won't be great.
u/Own_Broccoli_537r/NewbalanceView thread →