New Balance
Core 574 Sneakers Women
The New Balance Core 574 is a women's low-top lace-up sneaker with a hybrid design for road and trail use, featuring a wider last for a comfortable fit. It has an upper of 100% recycled polyester mesh and LWG-certified suede, a removable foam footbed, an ENCAP midsole with soft foam and a durable PU rim, and a non-skid rubber outsole with 5% recycled rubber (model WL574). Commonly used for everyday casual wear and all-day walking, it is praised as an affordable classic, though comfort is subjective and some users find it less cushioned than premium New Balance models.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- Upper: Suede, polyester; Lining and sock: Textile and synthetic; Outer sole: Rubber; Footbed: Foam
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
The 574, born as a cost-saving hybrid that never advertised, became an icon across hip-hop to luxury fashion, offering a sleeker modern dad-shoe aesthetic with genuine suede that develops patina. Its promise: enduring style and durability (lab-tested score 90) for low cost-per-wear, backed by dual-density ENCAP cushioning and recycled materials. The tradeoff: women should size up half a size, the firm midsole and arch support polarize comfort opinions, break-in is inconsistent, and the removable foam footbed often gets swapped for orthotics—making it a stable, planted beater for everyday wear, not technical trails.
Verified claims
- Sizing
- Runs half-size short for women; size up half a size.
- Fit
- Firm ENCAP midsole and arch support divide comfort opinions.
- Break-in
- Comfort out of box is inconsistent; some need break-in, others don't.
- Insole customization
- Removable foam footbed is moderate; many swap for orthotics for all-day comfort.
- Cushioning
- Dual-density ENCAP midsole provides immediate shock absorption and resists midsole collapse for years.
- Heel wedge
- The ENCAP foam wedge is concentrated under the heel for a stable, planted feel.
- Arch support
- ENCAP delivers moderate to firm arch support, often eliminating the need for aftermarket insoles.
- Care
- Apply suede protectant, avoid machine washing, rotate with other shoes.
- Cultural impact
- The 574 became the iconic lifestyle shoe without advertising, adopted by hip-hop to luxury fashion.
- Materials
- The 574 was among the first models to carry New Balance's green leaf standard, using recycled polyester and bio-based midsole foam.
- Heritage
- Began as a cost-saving hybrid and became New Balance's most iconic model without ever advertising.
- Fashion credibility
- Adopted across hip-hop, Harajuku, punk, and grunge, and reimagined by Miu Miu; worn by Pharrell, Affleck, and Bieber.
- Design evolution
- 2018 toebox revision made the silhouette sleeker; its unpretentious shape defines the modern dad-shoe aesthetic.
- Style
- Widely used as a beater for gym and rain, with iconic style; avoid technical trails.
- Quality
- Upper uses 100% recycled polyester and LWG-certified suede, and withstands over 10,000 steps without wear.
- Durability
- Lab-tested durability score of 90 and frequent clearance pricing deliver low cost-per-wear.
- Patina
- Genuine suede develops a unique patina that enhances the vintage look over time.
Product record
- Title
- Core 574 Sneakers Women
- Brand
- New Balance
- Price
- 130 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Clean side-profile view of a low-top lace-up sneaker showing suede and mesh upper, molded TPU heel counter, layered foam midsole, and textured rubber outsole.
- View and orientationLateral side profile of a right-facing sneaker showing the outer side of the shoe.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.42 · w 0.92 · h 0.45 (high) - Upper materialsCombination upper with smooth suede panels covering toe box, mudguard, and heel counter area and a tightly woven mesh at the toe vamp and ankle collar area.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.56 · w 0.67 · h 0.29 (high) - Logo appliqueLarge stitched 'N' logo applique on the midfoot consisting of a white leather outer shape with a raised stitched border.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.57 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Heel counterMolded TPU heel counter in medium grey with horizontal ribbing and an embossed logo mark.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.64 · w 0.24 · h 0.18 (high) - Midsole constructionTwo-tone layered foam midsole with a thin darker grey strip above a white foam layer.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.72 · w 0.88 · h 0.08 (high) - OutsoleBlack rubber outsole with triangular lugs visible along the tread edge.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.78 · w 0.90 · h 0.12 (high) - Lacing and eyeletsFlat white laces threaded through stitched suede eyelet panels; topmost eyelets show small metal-reinforced holes.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.51 · w 0.24 · h 0.20 (high) - Tongue and collarPadded mesh tongue and low padded collar with visible knit lining at the opening.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.45 · w 0.26 · h 0.20 (high) - Stitching detailMultiple rows of visible stitching outlining panels and reinforcing seams across mudguard, quarter, and heel.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.56 · w 0.70 · h 0.30 (high) - Legible embossed mark“NB”
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.66 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Legible midsole text“ENCAP”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.73 · w 0.18 · h 0.04 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot with neutral light grey background, even front lighting, and a soft shadow beneath the shoe.
- Background and stagingPlain light grey background with the shoe centered horizontally and placed near the lower third of the frame.
- ShadowSoft drop shadow directly beneath the shoe indicating diffuse studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.78 · w 0.88 · h 0.10 (high) - Shot framingHorizontal crop showing entire shoe laterally with generous empty space above.
Colors
light beige grey suede· suede upper#CAC5CBoff-white mesh· mesh panels and tongue#CBC4C3clean white· logo applique and laces#CAC5CAmedium grey· heel TPU counter#A29D9Amid grey strip· midsole#C3BCBBblack· outsole- View and orientationLateral side profile of a right-facing sneaker showing the outer side of the shoe.
- 02
Product
Top-down view of a pair of lace-up low-top sneakers showing mesh toe boxes, suede overlays, padded collars, visible insoles, and midsole/outsole edges.
- Overall orientationPair of sneakers shown from directly above with toes at the top edge and heels toward the bottom edge of the frame.
- Toe box materialCentral toe panels are a fine knit/mesh fabric with visible small perforated texture.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high) - Suede overlaysSuede panels surround the mesh toe and extend along eyestay and heel areas; suede has a slightly nap texture and appears in a pale beige/pink tone.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.04 · w 0.44 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.04 · w 0.44 · h 0.40 (high) - Lacing and tongueFlat white laces threaded through fabric eyelets over a padded tongue; tongue has stitched label at its top.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.24 · w 0.36 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.24 · w 0.36 · h 0.36 (high) - Padded collar and heel cupHigh, padded collar with smooth white textile lining forming a rounded heel opening; heel cup area has stacked midsole visible behind collar.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.56 · w 0.44 · h 0.38 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.56 · w 0.44 · h 0.38 (high) - Insole surfaceDark textured insoles with visible vertical brand text printed along the length.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.55 · w 0.28 · h 0.34 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.55 · w 0.28 · h 0.34 (high) - Midsole and outsole edgeVisible midsole is a light color with a thin darker outsole edge visible at the toe and outer perimeter.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.96 (medium); x 0.51 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.96 (medium) - Stitching and seam linesMultiple visible stitched seams define panels around toe, eyestay, and heel with contrast created by panel edges.
- Side 'N' logo (partial)Raised/outlined N-shaped logo visible on outer side panels in white with darker outline contrast.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.28 · w 0.10 · h 0.22 (medium); x 0.73 · y 0.28 · w 0.10 · h 0.22 (medium) - Tongue label text“574”
2 regions
x 0.38 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high) - Insole brand text“newbalance”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.62 · w 0.20 · h 0.24 (high)
Other
Studio-style top-down product shot on a neutral light gray background with even, diffuse lighting and minimal shadows. Both shoes are fully visible and centered; image is cropped close to outer edges of soles.
- Background and lightingNeutral light gray background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadowing beneath shoes.
- Shot compositionShoes arranged symmetrically side-by-side pointing upward; entire pair is within frame and aligned vertically.
- Image qualitySharp, high-resolution image with clear texture detail on mesh and suede.
Colors
pale beige· suede overlays#CCC4C2off-white· mesh panels#CCC4C2bright white· laces and tongue label background#CCC4C2dark charcoal· insole#2D2D31black· outsole edgewhite with dark outline· N logo outline#CCC4C3- 03
Product
Rear-quarter view of a low-top sneaker showing the padded leather heel tab with printed branding, a textured suede upper around the heel, a ribbed plastic heel clip, stacked two-tone midsole, and a segmented rubber outsole of the paired shoe visible behind.
- Heel-tab branding“Rounded padded leather heel tab on the right shoe with a lowercase printed mark 'new balance' in a light grey ink.”
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.27 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Suede heel panelTonal suede wrap around the lower heel area with visible nap and single-row stitching along the top edge where it meets the heel tab leather.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.40 · w 0.32 · h 0.30 (high) - Ribbed heel clipHorizontal ribbed plastic heel clip sitting above the midsole with an embossed NB monogram on the lateral side.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.57 · w 0.26 · h 0.16 (high) - Two-tone midsoleStacked midsole with a light grey upper band and a white foam layer above a dark rubber outsole edge.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.67 · w 0.40 · h 0.20 (high) - Outsole tread and logoBlack segmented rubber outsole visible on the left shoe showing deep tread grooves and a small raised NB logo in the center of the sole.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.45 · w 0.42 · h 0.33 (high) - Mesh collar liningLight-coloured mesh fabric visible at the ankle collar and interior tongue, showing a fine knit texture and padding.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.25 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot with neutral light background, soft even lighting, shallow perspective showing two shoes (rear of right shoe in foreground, sole and outer side of left shoe in background), and minimal shadows on a flat surface.
- Shot compositionRight shoe rear-quarter in foreground with left shoe laid on its side behind, both placed on a light neutral surface with generous negative space above.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, diffused studio lighting producing gentle shadows beneath the shoes and little specular glare on leather and plastic surfaces.
- Image qualityHigh resolution with clear fine texture detail on suede and mesh; no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
light beige· suede heel panel#CCC4C2white· heel tab leather#C4C3CClight grey· plastic heel clip#BCB4B2white· midsole bandblack· outsole#1C1B1Cvery light grey· mesh collar and upper trim#C3C3CD- Heel-tab branding“Rounded padded leather heel tab on the right shoe with a lowercase printed mark 'new balance' in a light grey ink.”
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
41 total41 reviews · out of 5
La taille et la couleur
La taille et la couleur sont parfaites, en plus elles sont extrêmement confortables et elles vont avec tous mes vêtements.
So comfortable!
I jog in New Balance, and decided to purchase a pair of walking shoes for an upcoming trip. These Core 574 are a surprise due to their great fit and style. Didn't realize until I unboxed them that the "N" and top of heel accent pieces are silver. Added bonus! Looks fantastic.
Mes baskets !
Très très confortable pour mon pied 🦶 avec beaucoup d’arche, pied large, bout arrondis avec un bas de sport de coton c’est porté une chaussure quasi faite sur mesure 📐 Besucoup de compliments sur la couleur et le modèle… vraiment !
Souliers de course New Balance
Service rapide et sans problème
Parfaite
À la hauteur de mes attentes. Toujours d’une grande qualité. Je porte .5 plus petit que ma grandeur habituelle.
Love!!!!
Love!!!!
Très beau mais fait petit.
Très beau mais fait petit.
Confort
Confortable et léger, beau style
Je les adore!!!
Je les adore!!!
confortable
beau et Congo
Speaker NB
Fait petit, prendre demi point de plus
🤩
👍🏼
Très confortables
Très confortables
Excellentes chaussures
Très confortable
Jolie
Beau
Sneaker 574 Core femme
Confortable. Look parfait.
Joli et confortable
Ils sont jolis, avec de belles textures de matériaux et super confortables. Taille bien aussi!
New balance 574
Très confortable
Parfait
Très confortable, en plus la grandeur est parfaite
Avis
Fait un peu petit
Un très bon achat
J’adore les souliers. Très confortable. Par contre , la couleur est plus beige que grise comme indiqué mais vraiment contente de mon achat
Superbe tenue et confort souple pour la marche.
Satisfaite .
Confortables
Confortables
Great everyday casual sneaker
True to size. Very comfy and easy to style!
New Balance sneakers
Very comfortable, practical style, good colour.
Confo!!
Super heureuse de mes nouvelles chaussures!! Beaux et vraiment confortables!!!😍
Toujours fidèles à leur marque!
Toujours fidèles à leur marque!
Très satisfaite très bel achat
Je les aime beaucoup . Ils sont très confortables. Livraison très rapide 3jours.
Look!!
Belles chaussures et très confortables Très contente de mon achat!
Très satisfaite
C’est à quoi je m’attendais comme produit.
Il est parfait, bonne grandeur
Il est parfait, bonne grandeur réelle ! Livraison super vite, 2 jours et j’avais ma commande
Comfort for wide feet
Great shoe for wide feet without sacrificing style or comfort. It’s more sneaker style than “lifestyle” shoe. Returned first pair as they were too small for my regular shoe size. Sized up 1/2 size larger than my regular size.
Inconfort
Talon plus haut qu'attendu.
Parfait pour pied étroit
Parfait pour pied étroit
Satisfaite
Comme je m’attendais
Super
Super qualité. Super confo.
sneaker NB
Très confortable et fait sa taille
Comfy sneaks!
I was shopping for some comfortable sneakers with arch support. These are great! They are wider than I thought they’d be but they look great!
Fait plus grand prendre un
Fait plus grand prendre un demi point que d’habitude peut se porter avec des jeans ou pantalons habillés j’adore!
Parfaites
Très belles et confortables
confortable et compatible avec orhtèses
confortable et compatible avec orhtèses plantaires
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/Newbalance, r/fashionwomens35Reddit opinions on the New Balance 574 Core are mixed: many praise its classic style, affordability, and versatility as an everyday shoe, while comfort is highly subjective—some find it perfect out of the box, others deem it lacking compared to premium NB models, with women particularly divided on its all-day wearability.
The 574 enjoys strong brand loyalty for its iconic look and value, but comfort reviews range from 'most comfortable ever' to 'horribly uncomfortable', with many suggesting it's a gateway to more cushioned models.
Themes
Use Cases
- Casual daily walking
- Gym and leg day workouts
- Rainy or messy weather beater
- Travel and city exploration
Watch Out For
Community Q&A
- Are New Balance 574 comfortable for walking long distances?
- Opinions are split: some say they can walk miles immediately, while others find them lacking cushioning for all-day wear. Using aftermarket insoles may help.
- What does 'Core' mean in 574 Core?
- It refers to the classic, always-available colorways like gray, navy, black, maroon, and nimbus cloud.
- How do 574s stack up against other New Balance sneakers?
- They are an iconic entry-level model with decent comfort, but higher-end models like the 990 or 2002r offer superior cushioning and support.
- Are 574s suitable for the gym?
- Yes, many use them for leg days and light gym activities due to their minimal cushioning, which some prefer for stability.
Compared To
vs Other New Balance models (e.g., 990, 9060, 2002r)
Many users view the 574 as a gateway shoe; they note that premium NB models offer significantly better cushioning and support, making the 574 feel less comfortable in comparison.
vs Gola sneakers
One female user found Gola sneakers too narrow, while the 574 provided unmatched comfort for all-day city walking, solidifying her loyalty despite the lack of an all-white colorway.
Source Threads
574s as favorite affordable beaters with decent comfort and color variety
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 →
Positive women's experience: wife finds them the most comfortable shoes ever
My wife says hers the most comfortable shoes shes ever had. Loves them.
u/spottie_ottier/NewbalanceView thread →
574s as classic beaters for gym and bad weather, with less cushioning than other NB models
Classic. I like to wear them on the not so pretty days and dont mind beating them. I also like wearing them on leg days at the gym since theyre not as cushioned as other silhouettes.
u/ELeetFishingr/NewbalanceView thread →
574 as iconic gateway shoe that pales in comfort compared to higher-end NB models
Your NB journey is only going to get better. 574 is the iconic gateway shoe and it’s not even that comfortable.
u/Flaky_Value6753r/NewbalanceView thread →
Long-time women's loyalty to 574 for unmatched comfort despite trying alternatives like Gola
I had a similar experience with Gola sneakers, they are so narrow I can't imagine who can comfortably wear them if they are even too narrow for me. Though they are a different style (Torpedo) than the ones recommended to you here. The grandslam ones do look like they may be cut wider. This all being said, I understand the love for the NB 574. I have 1 pair and they are without a doubt the comfiest casual sneaker I've ever owned. I can walk indefinitely in these all around the city and still be comfortable.
u/pockolater/fashionwomens35View thread →
Definition of '574 Core' as permanent classic colorways
‘574 Core’ is just simply referring to the color ways that are available at all times. Gray, navy, black, maroon, nimbus cloud. These are the classic, “core” color ways of the model; all other colors are seasonal or limited offerings. You can always buy a core color way, they don’t go away.
u/RancidCloysterr/NewbalanceView thread →