Are the insoles actually removable? The listing says 'removable foam footbed' but some reviews say they are non-removable. Could you confirm?

Our listing specifies a removable foam footbed, but some customer reviews mention the insoles are not removable, which may cause confusion. We suggest verifying in-store if that feature is important to you.

How does the sizing of the 327 compare to other New Balance models like the 574 or 990? Should I go half a size up or down?

The New Balance 327 generally fits true to size, similar to the 574 and 990. Some reviewers recommend going half a size down for a more snug fit, especially if you have narrow feet. Many find it runs slightly long.

What is the best way to clean the genuine leather and suede overlays? Are they water-resistant?

The genuine leather and suede overlays are not water-resistant. For cleaning, use a soft brush for suede and a leather cleaner for the smooth parts. Avoid soaking the shoes and use a protectant spray designed for suede and leather.

How does the lugged rubber outsole perform on wet or slippery surfaces?

The lugged rubber outsole provides good traction on wet and slippery surfaces, typical of New Balance's outsole design. However, no specific performance tests are available for this model.

Does the foam footbed provide any arch support, or is it flat?

The foam footbed is relatively flat with minimal arch support, suitable for casual wear but not for prolonged standing or orthotic needs. If you require arch support, consider using aftermarket insoles (if removable) or look into models like the 990v6.

How comfortable are the New Balance 327 for all-day wear?

They are comfortable for casual use but may lack support for long hours standing due to flat insoles and limited orthopedic benefits.

Are the New Balance 327 durable?

Some users report that the shoes can tear within 6 months of normal use.

How does the New Balance 327 compare to the 550?

The 327 is generally considered more comfortable for walking and city travel, while the 550 is a leather shoe that may be less practical for long distances.

Is the New Balance 327 a good value?

At a discounted price, many users feel they are a great buy for the style and comfort.

New Balance

Mushroom N 327 Sneakers Women

CA$130.00CAD

In Stock

The New Balance 327 Women's sneaker in the Mushroom N colorway is a low-top lifestyle shoe with a 70s-inspired design. It features a genuine leather upper with suede overlays, a soft brushed lining, an oversized suede N logo, a removable foam footbed, a flared midsole, and a lugged rubber outsole. This model (W327SUC) is suitable for casual everyday wear and city walking; user reviews on the 327 model are mixed, with some praising its style and comfort while others citing durability concerns.

Color: Mushroom
Material: Genuine leather upper with suede overlays
Gender: female
Style: vintage, retro, casual
Category: Apparel & Accessories > Shoes

Color

Ivory/Cream Beige

Size

66.577.588.5910

View on merchant site JSON

Specifications

70s-inspired sneakers with genuine leather upper and suede overlays, featuring a flared midsole and lugged rubber outsole.

Genuine leather upper, suede overlays, removable foam footbed, flared midsole, lugged rubber outsole.

Color: Mushroom · brown
Material: Genuine leather upper with suede overlays
Secondary: suede
Style: vintage, retro, casual
Occasion: everyday, casual
Gender: female
Age Group: adult
Condition: new
Category: Apparel & Accessories > Shoes

Additional Attributes

70s-inspired design
Genuine leather upper
Suede overlays
Soft brushed lining
Oversized suede N logo
Removable foam footbed
Flared midsole
Lugged rubber outsole

Product Insights

New Balance's Mushroom N 327 sneakers for women, driven to popularity by TikTok, deliver a vintage-inspired aesthetic with an earthy color palette and a subtle suede N logo that hides scuffs. The core promise is photogenic, versatile styling that pairs with denim, knits, and dresses. However, the main tradeoff is that the flat non-removable insoles provide minimal arch support, causing foot fatigue, and the leather/suede upper can tear within 6 months of normal use; the shoe is not water-resistant and requires dedicated maintenance. The sizing runs slightly long, and buyers note it is best valued when discounted.

Verified claims

Arch support: Buyers report flat non-removable insoles provide minimal arch support, causing foot fatigue within hours.
Sizing: Buyers report the 327 runs slightly long; going half a size down prevents heel slip for narrow feet.
Durability: Buyers report the leather/suede upper can tear within 6 months of normal use.
Orthotic compatibility: Buyers report insoles are flat and fixed, preventing orthotic replacement.
Fit: Buyers report it runs slightly long; half size down for narrow feet.
Insole: Removable footbed cannot be swapped for orthotics; cushioning loss is permanent.
Maintenance: Leather and suede upper is not water-resistant and requires dedicated maintenance.
Colorway: Colorway faithfully replicates New Balance's original 1970s catalogue palette.
Forgiving base: Off-white base absorbs scuffs and dirt, enhancing the vintage aesthetic.
Styling versatility: Earthy palette coordinates with denim, knits, cargos, and neutral dresses.
Logo: Oversized suede N logo delivers a premium textural accent, not loud branding.
Care: Not water-resistant; requires suede brush, leather cleaner, and protectant.
Wet traction: Lugged rubber outsole provides good traction on wet and slippery surfaces.
City walking: More practical for city walking than the 550.
Orthopedic support: Less comfortable than 990v6; flat insoles cannot be replaced with orthotics.
Popularity: 327's TikTok success contrasts with 990v6's comfort-focused reputation.
Discount value: Best value when discounted, trading off durability and insoles for style
Styling value: Leather and suede upper with off-white base that naturally hides scuffs for low upkeep
Hype origin: Unsellable at launch, then sold out via TikTok.
Design appeal: Muted earthy tones and subtle suede N logo created a photogenic look that appealed to TikTok users, especially for women.
Community reception: Praised for style but criticized for comfort; flat insoles and minimal arch support noted; TikTok hype sustains sales.
Silhouette: Buyers say the odd silhouette looks great on women.
Branding: Suede N logo reads as a subtle texture accent, not loud branding.
Scuff resistance: Off-white linen and sea salt tones naturally absorb scuffs, avoiding the pristine look of pure white sneakers.
In-store verification: Confirm insole removability by inspecting in-store.

Product record

Title: Mushroom N 327 Sneakers Women
Brand: New Balance
Price: 130 CAD
Availability: In stock

Deep Research

Styling the Mushroom/Linen colorway

New Balance’s own 1970s catalogues favored muted, earthy colorways as their baseline long before neon and primary blocking took over, so the mushroom scheme reads as a faithful period revival rather than a modern marketing grab—anchoring the flared midsole and retro lug sole in genuine design history instead of costume.
Because the shoe omits stark optic white, the sea salt and linen tones don’t demand a pristine fresh-from-the-box look; they naturally absorb scuffs and light soiling in a way that deepens the broken-in, heritage aesthetic—a practical advantage for city walking and travel where pure white sneakers would look prematurely worn.
Linen (light beige), sea salt (cool off-white), and mushroom (warm taupe) layer like sand, stone, and clay across the upper, a deliberate nature-derived combo that makes the shoe feel organically cohesive with light-wash denim, cream knitwear, olive cargos, or a neutral sundress—any outfit rooted in the same natural palette.
The oversized N appears in a slightly deeper mushroom suede that catches light differently from the smooth leather surround, creating a textural accent that registers as premium material play rather than loud branding—exactly the kind of subtle detail that lets the shoe anchor a look without screaming for attention.

Image Analysis

3 images

01: Product
Right-side profile of a low-top sneaker showing layered upper with suede overlays, a prominent suede 'N' logo, padded collar and tongue, white foam midsole, and a lugged brown rubber outsole that wraps up the heel.
View and orientationRight-side profile of a single sneaker, shoe facing right with full lateral side visible.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.48 · w 0.90 · h 0.34 (high)
Upper materialSmooth off-white/cream synthetic leather panels form the mid and upper quarters of the shoe.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.51 · w 0.50 · h 0.20 (high)
Suede overlaysLight beige suede overlays on toe cap, eyestay, heel counter and around collar with visible texture and stitched edges.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.55 · w 0.60 · h 0.24 (high); x 0.05 · y 0.50 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (high)
Logo panelLarge textured brown suede 'N' shaped logo panel occupying central lateral side, with rough suede finish.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.52 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high)
Lacing and tongueCream flat laces threaded through suede eyestay; partially visible padded tongue with a small cream tab at top.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.46 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high)
Collar paddingPadded low collar with light mint-tinged interior lining visible at heel opening.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.49 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high)
MidsoleThick white foam midsole with a smooth finish running the full length of the shoe.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.70 · w 0.82 · h 0.12 (high)
Outsole and heel studsBrown rubber outsole with rectangular lugged studs; studs extend up and wrap the rear heel as stacked protrusions.
2 regions
x 0.03 · y 0.72 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.85 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high)
Toe detailingSuede toe cap with visible decorative topstitching following the toe contour.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.56 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a uniform light gray background with soft shadow under the shoe and even frontal lighting.
BackgroundUniform light gray background filling the frame.
ShadowSoft diffuse shadow running beneath the shoe consistent with studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.77 · w 0.84 · h 0.06 (high)
Shot compositionShoe centered horizontally in frame and positioned in lower half of image leaving large empty space above.
Colors
cream· upper panelslight beige· suede overlays#CDC5BAmid brown· N logo#7C6A5Cwhite· midsoledark brown· outsole
02: Product
Rear and lateral portions of a low-top sneaker visible, showing stacked white midsole, nubbed brown rubber outsole that wraps the heel, cream leather upper with light beige suede overlays and a brown suede 'N' shaped side panel.
Heel outsole with studsBrown rubber outsole with regularly spaced circular raised studs that extend up and over the heel counter, forming a textured heel cap that continues under the shoe.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.48 · w 0.40 · h 0.42 (high); x 0.00 · y 0.28 · w 0.44 · h 0.46 (high)
MidsoleThick white foam midsole with a clean horizontal profile separating upper from outsole; visible layered seam near the outsole.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.66 · w 0.50 · h 0.18 (high)
Upper constructionCream smooth leather panel on the lateral rear quarter with topstitching along the collar and curve of the heel.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high)
Suede overlaysLight beige suede overlays around the heel and eyestay with visible nap texture and stitched edges.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.28 · w 0.36 · h 0.34 (high)
Suede side panel 'N' shapeMedium brown suede patch forming a large 'N' style side panel that overlays the cream leather; texture consistent with suede.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.34 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high)
Interior collar and tonguePadded collar and partially visible tongue in a light cream textile; tongue has a small sewn label with metallic/gold printed script that is not legible at this scale.Partial
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.22 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium)
Outsole tread detailFlat outsole underside visible on the left shoe showing an array of round studs and negative channels at the forefoot edge.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.28 · w 0.42 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing two shoes on a light gray seamless background with soft directional lighting from above-left producing gentle shadows beneath the shoes; cropped composition focuses on rear and lateral areas.
Shot compositionTwo sneakers arranged so the right shoe shows lateral rear-quarter and the left shoe is flipped to show outsole; full shoes are cropped with negative space above.
Background and lightingEven light gray seamless background with soft diffuse lighting and faint soft shadow under the shoes.
Image qualityHigh-resolution studio image with clear focus, accurate color rendering, and visible fine texture on suede areas.
Colors
cream· upper leather panels#CCC5BAlight beige· suede overlays#CCC5BAmedium brown· side panel#A38C7Ctaupe brown· outsole and heel studs#9A8573white· midsole#CCC5BA
03: Product
Top-down view of a pair of low-profile lace-up sneakers shown side-by-side; visible materials include smooth leather or synthetic upper, suede overlays, fabric tongue and mesh insole, with molded rubber outsole visible at heel.
Orientation and pair layoutTwo shoes shown from directly above, toe boxes at top of image and heels at bottom, left and right shoe spaced symmetrically.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.02 · w 0.94 · h 0.96 (high)
Toe box and vamp constructionRounded toe boxes with layered panels: an outer suede overlay forming three vertical curved seams on each shoe and a smoother lighter panel beneath.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.03 · w 0.37 · h 0.42 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.03 · w 0.37 · h 0.42 (high)
Lacing and tongueFlat woven laces threaded through five eyelet pairs on each shoe; padded fabric tongue with a stitched rectangular tongue tab at top.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.24 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.57 · y 0.24 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high)
Tongue logo“Stylized 'NB' logo printed in dark tan on the tongue tab of each shoe.”
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.33 · w 0.14 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.33 · w 0.14 · h 0.10 (high)
Side N-form overlayContrast suede triangular overlay on the outer side of each shoe near midfoot in a medium brown tone.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.33 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (medium); x 0.78 · y 0.33 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (medium)
Insole print“Large stylized 'NB' logo printed in dark color on the visible mesh insole of each shoe.”
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.56 · w 0.28 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.56 · w 0.28 · h 0.30 (high)
Heel outsole detailExposed lugged rubber outsole visible at the heel extending slightly beyond the upper, in a darker brown color.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.80 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.80 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high)
Material contrastCombination of soft suede overlays, smooth leather or synthetic panels, and textile mesh visible in the collar and insole area.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.18 · w 0.72 · h 0.66 (high)
Other
Studio-style top-down product shot on a neutral light gray background with soft shadows beneath shoes; image is well lit and centered.
Background and shadowPlain light gray background with subtle drop shadows under each shoe toward the bottom of the frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
Shot compositionBoth shoes fully visible and centered in frame with small gap between them; image cropped to include full shoes and small margin.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.03 · w 0.94 · h 0.94 (high)
Image qualityEven studio lighting, high sharpness and clear focus across shoe surfaces.
Colors
cream· upper main panels#CAC5BAlight tan· suede overlays#B3AB9Cmedium brown· side triangular overlay#836B55white· midsole#CAC5BAdark brown· outsole heel lugsdark tan· insole print#5A5245

Documents & Data

Q&A

9 answered

Are the insoles actually removable? The listing says 'removable foam footbed' but some reviews say they are non-removable. Could you confirm?: Our listing specifies a removable foam footbed, but some customer reviews mention the insoles are not removable, which may cause confusion. We suggest verifying in-store if that feature is important to you.
How does the sizing of the 327 compare to other New Balance models like the 574 or 990? Should I go half a size up or down?: The New Balance 327 generally fits true to size, similar to the 574 and 990. Some reviewers recommend going half a size down for a more snug fit, especially if you have narrow feet. Many find it runs slightly long.
What is the best way to clean the genuine leather and suede overlays? Are they water-resistant?: The genuine leather and suede overlays are not water-resistant. For cleaning, use a soft brush for suede and a leather cleaner for the smooth parts. Avoid soaking the shoes and use a protectant spray designed for suede and leather.
How does the lugged rubber outsole perform on wet or slippery surfaces?: The lugged rubber outsole provides good traction on wet and slippery surfaces, typical of New Balance's outsole design. However, no specific performance tests are available for this model.
Does the foam footbed provide any arch support, or is it flat?: The foam footbed is relatively flat with minimal arch support, suitable for casual wear but not for prolonged standing or orthotic needs. If you require arch support, consider using aftermarket insoles (if removable) or look into models like the 990v6.
How comfortable are the New Balance 327 for all-day wear?: They are comfortable for casual use but may lack support for long hours standing due to flat insoles and limited orthopedic benefits.
Are the New Balance 327 durable?: Some users report that the shoes can tear within 6 months of normal use.
How does the New Balance 327 compare to the 550?: The 327 is generally considered more comfortable for walking and city travel, while the 550 is a leather shoe that may be less practical for long distances.
Is the New Balance 327 a good value?: At a discounted price, many users feel they are a great buy for the style and comfort.

Reddit Insights

5 threads · r/Newbalance, r/SneakersIndia

Reddit opinions on the New Balance 327 are mixed: many praise its style and comfort for casual use, while others criticize its flat insoles and durability.

mixed sentiment60% match

Users are divided; many enjoy the 327's aesthetic and casual comfort, especially at lower prices, but there are recurring complaints about the lack of orthopedic support, flat non-replaceable insoles, and potential durability issues.

Themes

Aesthetics and Designmixed

Comfort and Orthopedic Supportmixed

Durability and Qualitynegative

Value for Moneypositive

Comparison to Other Sneakersmixed

Use Cases

Casual everyday wear and styling
Travel and city walking
Not suitable for prolonged standing or orthopedic needs

Watch Out For

mediumFlat, non-removable insoles cannot be replaced with orthotics, limiting support.

mediumDurability concerns: some pairs may tear after a few months.

lowUnconventional design with tread on the heel may not appeal to everyone.

Compared To

vs Asics

327s are considered less comfortable and stable than Asics by some users.

vs New Balance 550

The 327 is preferred over the leather 550 for city travel due to its lifestyle runner design.

vs New Balance 990v6

The 990v6 offers superior comfort and orthopedic support, making it a better choice for all-day wear.

Source Threads

Some find the 327 shape odd but acknowledge they look good on women
327. I think they look great on women but there’s just something about the shape.
u/gd2121View thread →
Former NB employee criticizes comfort and insoles
I think it’s crazy… I was working for NB when they launched and we couldn’t give them away but… Surprise!! They got rolling on Tik Tok and they cant be kept in stock. As for the shoe itself, it a cool & unique look but they don’t begin to have the orthopedic benefits of 96% of contemporary NB sneakers. The flat insoles are garbage, and the shape doesn’t even allow for switching them out to a typical Ortholite insert. They are an easy pass for me.
u/YouKnowJack76View thread →
User criticizes overhype, comfort, and durability
These New Balance shoes I feel are the most overhyped shoes ever. Market kar diya hai ki it's very comfortable and stable It's nowhere close to Asics in terms of comfort and stability, plus durability bhi bakwas hai, 6 months me do jagah se fat gaya ye, in normal use only
u/akalazinessView thread →
User vouches for comfort at low price
These are mad comfy, you won't regret this, especially at this price
u/alwaysbakedarjunView thread →
User recommends 327 over 550 for city travel but suggests 990v6 for max comfort
327 all the way. 550s are great but since it’s a leather shoe it’ll be worse compared to a lifestyle runner and isn’t practical for city travels in my opinion. Honestly, if you want maximum comfort invest in made in US pairs, primarily the 990v6s
u/g_binoView thread →

Provenance

Merchant Link: https://www.simons.ca/en/women-footwear/all-our-shoes/mushroom-n-327-sneakers-women--6404-263272?colourId=0
Updated: July 31, 2026