You see them everywhere. In the grocery store, at the local dive bar, on the feet of that guy who definitely knows way too much about craft beer. The new balance running 574 is a cultural icon. It’s the shoe that defined the "dad shoe" aesthetic before that was even a thing. But here’s the kicker: people keep asking if they can actually, you know, run in them.
It’s a fair question. The word "running" is right there in the heritage. The 574 was born in 1988 as a technical solution for trail and road running. But let's be real for a second. 1988 was a long time ago. Back then, we thought neon spandex was a great idea and we didn't have GPS watches to tell us our heart rate was spiking. The tech has moved on, even if our nostalgia hasn't.
The Identity Crisis of the 574
The new balance running 574 occupies a weird space in the sneaker world. It was originally created by combining two different New Balance models—the 575 and the 576. The result was a "mashup" shoe that was meant to be a rugged, go-anywhere runner. It wasn't built for speed; it was built for consistency.
Honestly, that’s why it survived.
Most performance running shoes from the late 80s are dead and buried. They were too ugly or too specific to live on as casual wear. But the 574 had that chunky, suede-and-mesh charm that just worked. It became the ultimate lifestyle sneaker. Today, New Balance themselves classifies it under "Classics" or "Lifestyle."
Yet, the "running" tag sticks.
If you look at the midsole, you’ll see the word "ENCAP." That’s New Balance’s old-school tech. It’s a core of soft EVA cushioning (the squishy stuff) wrapped in a tough polyurethane rim. In 1988, this was cutting-edge stability. It prevented your foot from rolling too much. In 2026, compared to the super-foams like FuelCell or Fresh Foam X, ENCAP feels kind of like standing on a brick. A comfortable brick, sure, but a brick nonetheless.
👉 See also: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
What Happens if You Actually Run in Them?
Let’s say you’re traveling. You packed light. You have your new balance running 574s on your feet and you decide to hit the hotel treadmill for three miles. Are your legs going to fall off?
Probably not.
But you’re going to notice a few things immediately. First, the weight. A modern running shoe usually weighs somewhere between 7 and 9 ounces. The 574 is significantly heavier because of the heavy-duty suede and that polyurethane midsole. It feels "clunky."
Second, the flexibility—or lack thereof. Modern shoes are designed with "rocker" geometries that help your foot roll from heel to toe. The 574 is flat. It’s stiff. It doesn't want to help you move forward. It just wants to sit there and look cool.
I’ve talked to track coaches who see kids show up to practice in 574s because they look "sporty." The consensus is always the same: if you’re doing anything over a mile, you’re asking for shin splints. The impact protection just isn't there for high-mileage road work. The 574 was designed for the "everyman" runner of the 80s who might do 10 miles a week at a 10-minute pace. It wasn't built for the high-intensity, high-impact world of modern pavement pounding.
The Construction Breakdown
The upper is usually a mix of suede and mesh. It's durable. Like, "survive a nuclear winter" durable. You can beat these shoes up for years and they’ll still hold together. That’s the beauty of the 574.
✨ Don't miss: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
The outsole features a lugged pattern. This is a callback to its trail roots. It actually has decent grip on grass or light gravel. If you’re taking a very casual stroll through a park and decide to jog for 30 seconds to catch up to your dog, the 574 is fine.
- Weight: Heavy (around 12oz+ depending on size)
- Drop: Roughly 12mm (very traditional, high heel)
- Midsole: ENCAP (Stability-focused, firm)
- Upper: Suede and Mesh (Not very breathable compared to modern knit)
The Modern Alternatives
If you love the "N" logo but actually want to run, New Balance has plenty of shoes that don't feel like relics. The Fresh Foam 880 or the 1080 are the spiritual successors to what the 574 was trying to be. They offer that same "neutral-to-stable" feel but with foams that actually return energy to your legs.
The new balance running 574 has become a victim of its own success as a fashion item. When a shoe becomes this popular in the "lifestyle" category, the brand stops updating the performance tech. Why would they? People aren't buying 574s to break their 5K PR. They’re buying them because they look great with jeans or chinos.
Interestingly, New Balance did release a "574 Performance" version a few years back, which tried to bridge the gap. It had a thinner sole and more modern materials. It flopped. People didn't want a "better" 574; they wanted the classic. They wanted the chunk.
Why the 574 Still Wins (Even if it Loses the Race)
Despite its flaws as a technical runner, the 574 is arguably the most important shoe in New Balance’s history. It’s the gateway drug.
Most people buy a 574 because it’s affordable and indestructible. Then they realize how much they like the brand. Then, when they actually decide to start a marathon training plan, they stick with the brand and buy a pair of 1080s.
🔗 Read more: Hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces: What your stylist isn't telling you
It’s also one of the most inclusive shoes ever made. You’ll see them on supermodels in Paris and grandpas in Ohio. There aren't many products that can claim that kind of reach. The 574 doesn't care who you are. It just wants to provide a stable platform for your day-to-day life.
Actually, there is one place where the 574 still technically "runs" well: the gym. If you’re lifting weights, you don't want a super squishy, unstable running shoe. You want something relatively flat and firm. The ENCAP midsole in the 574 is actually great for squats or overhead presses because it doesn't compress under load like a modern foam shoe would.
Final Verdict on the 574 as a Runner
Can you run in them? Yes.
Should you? Only if you have no other choice or you’re doing a very short, very slow "recovery" jog on a soft surface.
The new balance running 574 is a masterpiece of design, but it’s a design from a different era. Think of it like a vintage Land Rover. It’s "off-road" capable, but you wouldn't want to drive it across the country at 80 mph. You’d take the modern SUV for that. The 574 is for the vibe. The 1080 is for the miles.
Keep your 574s for the coffee shop, the office, and the casual weekend walk. Your knees and shins will thank you for not trying to turn a 1988 classic into a 2026 performance machine.
Actionable Insights for New Balance Fans:
- Check the label: If the shoe says "574 Core," it is strictly a lifestyle shoe. Don't use it for training.
- Gym use: If you need a "do-it-all" shoe for the gym that includes a 5-minute warm-up walk and then heavy lifting, the 574 is actually a solid choice due to the firm ENCAP heel.
- Sizing: The 574 tends to run a bit short and has a wide, boxy toe box. If you have narrow feet, you might feel a bit of "slop" inside the shoe.
- Maintenance: Since it’s mostly suede, buy a cheap suede brush. Avoid getting them soaking wet, as the suede will stiffen up and lose its texture.
- Real Running: If you want the New Balance look with actual performance, look for the "Fresh Foam" line. Specifically, the Fresh Foam X 880 V14 is the modern equivalent of what the 574 used to be.