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The best fashion trainers are up to personal interpretation – but there is absolutely no denying the universal appeal of New Balance trainers. Whether you’re a low-profile kind of person (sneakerinas, I'm looking at you) or a chunky white trainer stan, New Balance is a name you know. And if you don't, you will after this.
I don’t know about you, but I’m at a point where new shoes need to tick two boxes: on-trend and seriously comfortable (yes, I'm talking the best walking shoes level comfort). New Balance not only checks off the latter requirement but it's latest reimagined silhouette, the 204L, comes Rosalía approved. The ultimate fashion hun and NB Brand Ambassador.
Outside of the Grammy-winning musician? Taylor Swift, Em Rata, Jennifer Lawrence and Zoe Kravitz (to name a few) are also huge fans. And when the ‘It’ girls are out in full force with the latest NB on their feet, I know I'm on the right side of being influenced.
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Granted, other brands like adidas, Nike and Puma are equally as well known now, but New Balance is the one that's been doing it the longest. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the Boston-based label quickly became one of the best sportswear brands, with baseball players and track and field athletes seeking the company out for its speciality footwear.
In 1976, the now legendary 320, which was the first New Balance shoe stamped with the ‘N’ logo on the side, was awarded as the best running shoe by Runner’s World. Then, in 1988, the brand introduced the 574 trainers. The silhouette began as a hybrid road/trail shoe thanks to its durable suede, breathable mesh, and aggressive outsoles that are able to handle different terrain, but they've since become a favourite in the wardrobes of fashion's favourite ‘It’ girls.
Emily Ratajkowski is constantly papped wearing hers, favouring the neutral colourways and pairing them with trench coats, wide-leg trousers and some wired earphones.
And the shape both Fashion Week-goers and Taylor Swift can't stop wearing? New Balance 530s. Inspired by your classic dad trainer, the chunky silhouette oozes retro appeal – they're definitely something Monica Geller from Friends would rep' – which matches everyone's favourite fashion aesthetic at the moment; the 90s.
Taylor wears hers with cycling shorts and a baggy logo t-shirt (Princess Diana would be proud), but they go with everything from summer dresses and boho-trend skirts, to the best barrel leg jeans and the best gym leggings.
Aside from their list of bestsellers, New Balance has remained on the fashion crowd's hit list for another reason; yep, I'm talking about their ongoing designer collaboration with Miu Miu.
Grabbing everyone's attention thanks to the mismatched double laces and various fabrications (leather, suede and corduroy to name a few) last spring/summer, the collection has continued and now also leans into the sporty-yet-feminine aesthetic seen on various SS26 runways – making them a dream buy for multiple reasons.
Don't just take a few A-listers' word for it, New Balance really are ‘that’ trainer brand. I asked my fellow Glamour colleagues and contributors to share their thoughts alongside mine. See how we all rate the 7 best New Balance trainers below.
1. New Balance 204L
“I'm yet to try these on my own two feet, but after seeing them on Rosalía I can't wait to. Appearing just as comfortable as New Balance's other designs, this style offers a slightly more girly and less chunky profile – spot on for 2026 – with scalloped trims and ribbon laces bringing a romantic edge to the original foundation.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“What drew me to the 204L is its balance of legacy and progression,” says Rosalía. “It’s polished but disruptive. From the beginning, debuting the 204L alongside the announcement of my ambassadorship with New Balance felt like a natural extension of our shared vision.”
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2. New Balance 530
“When I say I've lived in my New Balance 530s for the past 18 months, you best believe I can count on one hand the number of outings I've been on without them. I've got them in two colours – the silver/navy colour-way and the powder blue – and I find they go with everything. Jeans, my go-to tailored trousers and waistcoats combo, leggings. I even wear them to the gym when I'm doing weights or upper body work.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
3. New Balance 574
“No wonder Em Rata is a fan. I wore these 24/7 while on a city break in Barcelona, and they didn't let me down in the slightest – no pinching, breaking-in, rubbing, or slipping – so I've waxed lyrical about them to everyone since. They're a nice in-between shape of all the chunky and plimsole trainers that are trending at the moment, too, so you can't go wrong.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
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4. New Balance 9060
“These have been on my wishlist for quite some time now. They have all the design features of the 530s that I love, i.e. the oversized shape and wearable colours, but they're just that little bit more fashionable. They remind me of some of my favourite designer trainers but nowhere near as pricey, even despite the fact they're some of the more expensive pairs New Balance does.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“High on my radar right now are the New Balance 9060 in chocolate brown. The versatile colourway leans into a rich mix of mesh and suede, giving the bold, sculptural silhouette a surprisingly wearable edge. A welcome change from my usual sea of neutral white trainers." – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
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5. New Balance 1906R
“Admittedly, putting this into the universe feels like I'm cheating on my New Balance 530s (I've got two pairs and wear them to death, ICYMI) – but New Balance 1906Rs are the next trainer on my wishlist. A metallic pair only. The obsession began when I met a friend earlier this month who was wearing a silver and pink pair with Adidas Firebird trackpants. I fell in love. They feel a bit cooler, a bit fresher and a bit sportier than the other pairs I own, but – IMO – are still smart enough to wear to the office.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
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6. New Balance 327
“These were sold out at the start of last year because Meghan Markle stepped out in a pair. The perfect mix of fashion and function – the sloped soles assist your legs with each stride – they're easy to slip on and go, and require little to no thought when it comes to the outfit you pair them with. I'm yet to try them myself, but the popular burgundy pair would be where I'd set my sights.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“Top of my New Year wishlist: the New Balance 327. They’ve been everywhere for good reason – that retro silhouette paired with a lightweight, easy-to-wear feel makes them the definition of throw-on-and-go. I can't believe I haven’t added them to my rotation yet, but this is the year — ideally in a rich neutral or classic colourway that works with absolutely everything.” – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
7. New Balance 740
“I’d been on the hunt for a new pair of trainers for some time, and the 740s were exactly what I was looking for. They’re honestly one of the most versatile designs I’ve found — the minimalist hue makes them perfect for both office wear and casual looks – and although they look chunky, they're actually super lightweight. No achy ankles here.” – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
“A slightly more elevated version of the New Balance 530 trainers, the 740 are the perfect alternative. If you’re after a trainer that can handle serious mileage and slot seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe, these trainers are a standout in mine. With its subtly retro silhouette and cushioned midsole, I wore these for a city break to New York recently and racked up more than 20,000 steps a day. They kept my feet supported, bouncy and blister-free. I loved styling them with wide-leg trousers, leggings or an oversized coat; they deliver the kind of understated, street-style polish that never tries too hard.” - Georgia Brown, Glamour Freelance Commerce Writer.
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