You’ve seen them. Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through a street-style mood board or walking through a trendy neighborhood lately, you’ve definitely seen them. The New Balance 574 pink and blue colorway is having a serious moment. It’s weird because the 574 itself isn’t new. Not even close. It’s been around since 1988. But this specific mashup of soft pastels and retro athletic vibes is hitting a sweet spot that feels both nostalgic and somehow totally fresh for 2026.
Sneaker culture is fickle. Trends move fast. One day everyone is wearing chunky "dad" shoes that look like they belong on a construction site, and the next, it's all about slim-profile terrace trainers. The 574 sits right in the middle. It’s the "un-sneaker" sneaker. It doesn't try too hard. When you throw a palette like pink and blue onto a silhouette that was originally designed as a "go-anywhere" hybrid trail and road runner, something clicks. It softens the utilitarian edges. It makes a rugged shoe feel lighthearted.
The unexpected history behind the 574
Let’s get one thing straight: New Balance didn't design the 574 to be a fashion icon. It was actually a bit of a happy accident. Back in the late 80s, the brand combined the best parts of the 575 and 576 models. They wanted a shoe that could handle a dirt path but wouldn’t look insane on a sidewalk. It was the original "SUV" of footwear.
The early versions were mostly gray. Lots of gray. New Balance is basically the king of gray. But as the brand moved from being a niche runner's choice to a global lifestyle staple, the color team started experimenting. The introduction of the New Balance 574 pink and blue variants—often referred to as "Cotton Candy" or "South Beach" vibes depending on the exact saturation—marked a shift. It took a shoe known for its stiff, technical ENCAP midsole and turned it into a canvas for self-expression.
ENCAP, by the way, is that little wedge of EVA foam in the heel wrapped in a tough polyurethane rim. It’s why these shoes don't bottom out after a month of heavy walking. Even in these "prettier" colorways, the tech remains the same. You're getting the same support a marathoner in 1989 would have appreciated, just in a package that looks better with vintage denim.
Why this specific color combo works
Pink and blue shouldn’t work this well on a shoe with this much suede. Usually, those colors can lean a bit "nursery," right? But New Balance usually plays with the tones to keep it sophisticated. Sometimes it’s a dusty, "sea salt" blue paired with a muted "rosewater" pink. Other times, it’s a vibrant electric blue heel counter against a bubblegum suede upper.
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It’s all about the contrast
The beauty of the New Balance 574 pink and blue is the visual balance. Blue is cool. Pink is warm. They occupy opposite sides of the color wheel's emotional spectrum. When you mix them on a shoe that has a lot of "layers"—like the 574 with its various overlays and "N" logo—you get a lot of depth. It makes the shoe look expensive.
I’ve noticed that people who usually hate "bright" shoes find themselves gravitating toward these. Maybe it’s because the blue anchors the pink. It makes the shoe feel grounded. It’s a very easy way to add color to an outfit without feeling like you’re wearing neon signs on your feet. Plus, the 574 often uses a mix of mesh and pigskin suede. Those materials take dye differently. The mesh might look slightly more vibrant, while the suede looks soft and matted. That texture variation is what separates a high-quality sneaker from a cheap mall knockoff.
Sizing and the "574 Fit" struggle
Buying sneakers online is a gamble. We’ve all been there. You order your size, they arrive, and suddenly you feel like your toes are in a vice. The 574 is famous for having a wider toe box than something like the 997 or the 327. It’s a "roomy" shoe.
If you have narrow feet, you might find the New Balance 574 pink and blue feels a bit "clunky" if you don't lace them up tight. But for the average person? It’s arguably the most comfortable "classic" sneaker out there. Most experts—and I'm talking about people who spend their lives in the New Balance subreddit—suggest staying true to size. If you're a 9, buy a 9. If you’re between sizes, maybe go up half a size just because the padding inside is quite plush and can take up a little more room than a thin canvas shoe.
The materials matter here too. Suede stretches. Mesh doesn't. Since the pink and blue models are usually heavy on the suede, they’ll actually mold to your foot over the first week or two of wear. They get better with age. That’s a rare thing in a world of "disposable" fast fashion.
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How to style them without looking like a 90s windbreaker
There is a danger here. If you wear these with a matching pink and blue tracksuit, you're going to look like an extra from a retro workout video. Unless that’s the vibe you’re going for—in which case, go for it. But for most of us, less is more.
- The Neutral Base: Wear them with charcoal gray sweatpants or black chinos. Let the shoes be the only "loud" thing about the outfit.
- The Denim Route: Light wash jeans are the natural partner for the New Balance 574 pink and blue. It plays into that 80s/90s aesthetic without being over the top.
- Summer Style: These are perfect with 5-inch inseam shorts and a plain white tee. It’s the ultimate "weekend at the brewery" or "walk in the park" look.
One thing I see people get wrong is the socks. Don't wear "no-show" socks with 574s. The shoe is too bulky. It looks weird to have a big chunky sneaker and then a naked ankle. A clean white crew sock—maybe with a little ribbing—is the way to go. It bridges the gap between the shoe and your leg.
Is the 574 actually "cool" or just popular?
This is a valid question. Sometimes things are popular just because they're available. But the 574 has survived every trend cycle of the last 30 years. It’s survived the minimalist era, the "ugly shoe" era, and the high-tech futuristic era.
The New Balance 574 pink and blue specifically appeals to a cross-section of people. You have the "sneakerheads" who appreciate the history of the ENCAP sole and the quality of the materials. Then you have the "lifestyle" crowd who just wants a shoe that looks cute with leggings or jeans. And finally, you have the "comfort" crowd—the people who actually have to stand on their feet for 8 hours a day. It’s rare to find a product that satisfies all three of those groups.
Honestly, the "uncool" nature of New Balance is what makes it cool. It’s a brand that doesn’t try to be edgy. It just makes good shoes. When they drop a colorway that’s as visually striking as the pink and blue, it feels like a treat. It’s like they’re saying, "We know we’re sensible, but we can have a little fun too."
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Real-world durability: Will they last?
If you're dropping $90 to $110 on a pair of shoes, you want them to last. The 574 is a tank. The rubber outsole (usually a carbon rubber blend) is incredibly hard-wearing. You won't wear through the tread in a few months.
However, we have to talk about the suede. Suede is the natural enemy of rain and mud. If you buy the New Balance 574 pink and blue, you absolutely must treat them with a water-repellent spray before you wear them. If you get blue mud on light pink suede, it’s a nightmare to get out.
I’ve seen people complain that the midsole "crumbles" over time. This is a real thing called hydrolysis, but it only happens if you leave the shoes in a box for 10 years without wearing them. The foam needs to be compressed to stay healthy. So, the best way to keep your 574s from falling apart is actually to wear them. Frequently.
The sustainability factor
New Balance has been making strides in their "Green Leaf" standard. While not every single 574 meets this, many of the newer releases use recycled content in the uppers and bio-based materials in the foam. It’s not a perfect "eco-shoe," but compared to many fast-fashion sneakers that are essentially 100% virgin plastic, the 574 uses a lot of natural pigskin suede and leather. This means the shoe is more biodegradable in the long run than a purely synthetic trainer.
Finding the "Hidden" 574s
Sometimes, the best pink and blue versions aren't the ones on the front page of the website. You have to look for the "History Class" packs or the "State Fair" collections. New Balance loves a themed pack. These often feature slightly higher-end materials—like "hairy" suede or reflective 3M accents—that you won't find on the standard core models.
If you see a pair of New Balance 574 pink and blue that looks a little "fuzzier" than usual, grab them. That high-pile suede usually ages much better and develops a cool patina that makes the colors look even more vintage.
Actionable steps for your next pair
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a pair of these, don't just click "buy" on the first site you see. Here is exactly how to handle it:
- Check the Model Number: Look for "ML574" (Men's/Unisex) or "WL574" (Women's). Sometimes the "pink and blue" you see in a photo is actually a "burgundy and teal" that just looks different under studio lights. Always verify the color code in the description.
- Size Up for Width: If you have wide feet (EE or 4E), New Balance often offers the 574 in specific wide widths. Most brands don't do this for lifestyle shoes. Check the drop-down menu for "Wide" options before settling for a standard fit.
- Invest in a Suede Brush: Since you’re dealing with light colors like pink and blue, a $10 suede brush and an eraser kit will double the life of your shoes. Use it once a week to knock off the dust.
- Verify the Seller: Because the 574 is so popular, there are fakes out there. Stick to reputable retailers like the official New Balance site, Foot Locker, or authorized boutique shops like Kith or Bodega. If the price is $40, it’s a fake.
- Swap the Laces: Most New Balance 574 pink and blue models come with standard white or gray laces. If you want to make them pop, try swapping in a cream or "sail" colored lace. It gives the shoe a much more "high-end" custom look for about five bucks.