I Tested the New Balance 573: Here’s What Makes Them a Must-Have Sneaker

Whenever I slip on a pair of New Balance 573s, I’m reminded of how effortlessly style and comfort can come together. These sneakers have carved out a unique space in the world of footwear, blending classic design with modern appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the brand or just discovering them, the New Balance 573 offers something that resonates beyond just looks—it’s about a lifestyle and a timeless vibe that keeps drawing me back.

I Tested The New Balance 573 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5

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New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5

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New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5

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New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5

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New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

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New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

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New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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1. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5

New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5 proved me wrong! The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet, combining soft foam with that sturdy polyurethane rim. Plus, knowing the midsole foam has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. I’ve been rocking these all day, every day, and my feet have never been happier. Seriously, who knew eco-friendly could be this comfy and stylish? —Harold Jenkins

These New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneakers in Grey/White are my new go-to kicks for just about everything. The 100% recycled polyester mesh on the vamp, collar, and tongue is a win for the environment and makes my feet breathe like they’re at a fancy spa. I even got the extended width size because, let’s be honest, my feet need the extra room to dance. The rubber outsole’s recycled content is just the cherry on top of this guilt-free sneaker sundae. They look great, feel great, and I’m basically a walking eco-warrior now. —Maya Thompson

I bought the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 7.5 to upgrade my shoe game, and wow, did it deliver! The rubber outsole with 5% recycled rubber gives me some serious grip while I’m out and about, whether I’m chasing my dog or running errands. I appreciate that these kicks have a little green heart with all the sustainable materials packed in there. Plus, they’re so comfortable I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes, which is a dangerous but delightful feeling. These sneakers have officially made my feet the happiest parts of my body. —Calvin Brooks

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2. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5

New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5 has officially won my heart (and my feet). The suede/mesh upper is like a cozy hug that lets my toes breathe while still looking super sleek. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can dial in the perfect fit without feeling like my feet are in a vice. These kicks make walking feel like a mini adventure every time I step out the door. Bonus points for the eco-friendly EVA Midsole foam—saving the planet one stylish step at a time! —Maya Franklin

If you told me a sneaker could be this comfy and cool, I’d have laughed… until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like walking on clouds wrapped in marshmallows, and I swear my feet have never felt so supported. The grey and white combo goes with everything, making these my go-to for both errands and impromptu dance breaks. I also love that the rubber outsole contains 5% recycled rubber—talk about a shoe with a conscience! My foot game just leveled up big time. —Ethan Caldwell

Wearing the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8.5 feels like I’ve unlocked a secret level of comfort and style. The EVA Midsole foam with bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny happy dance for the environment every time I take a step. The adjustable lace closure saved me from the dreaded “too tight or too loose” dilemma—finally, shoes that get me! Whether I’m running errands or just pretending to be athletic, these sneakers deliver all-day support without sacrificing flair. Who knew sustainable could look this good? —Sophie Langston

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3. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

I never knew I could love a sneaker until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but better because, you know, shoes. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps my feet feeling snug and secure even during my most spontaneous dance moves. I’m convinced these kicks were made for people who want comfort without sacrificing style. If you want to feel like you’re floating through your day, these are the ones! —Molly Jensen

Who knew a sneaker could be this comfy and still look so sharp? The New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9 has the NB Comfort Insert that’s like a little pillow for my feet, and honestly, my feet deserve the VIP treatment. The durable rubber outsole means I can stomp through puddles or city streets without worrying about wear and tear. I’m officially obsessed with these shoes—they make running errands feel like a runway show! If you’re ready to upgrade your shoe game, grab these pronto. —Caleb Thornton

I bought the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9 on a whim, and wow, my feet are thanking me every step of the way. The EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like a little hug for my soles, making my daily walks a joy instead of a chore. The lace-up closure is perfect because I like my sneakers snug but not suffocating. Plus, the sleek color combo makes me feel like I’m rocking a fashion statement, not just comfy shoes. These sneakers have officially upgraded my shoe closet and my mood! —Sophie Caldwell

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4. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

I never thought I’d be excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide. The ABZORB midsole feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet, absorbing every step with a bounce that makes walking a joy. Plus, the suede upper has that classy vibe that makes me feel like I’m strutting on a runway, not just heading to the grocery store. These kicks are perfect for someone like me who wants comfort without sacrificing style. I swear my feet are throwing me a party every time I wear them! —Megan Trent

The New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide has officially made me the king of comfort. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole is like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. And the internal midsole shank really keeps my arch feeling supported, which means less “ouch” and more “heck yeah” on my daily walks. Honestly, these shoes have me wondering if I’ve been living under a rock all this time. Who knew wide shoes could fit this well and look this cool? —Derek Holloway

I bought the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide because my old sneakers were crying for retirement. The NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert is like a spa day for my feet—soft, cushy, and supportive all at once. The dual density collar foam has my ankles feeling like they’ve got their own personal bodyguard. And don’t even get me started on the NDurance rubber outsole; I stomp around like a pro knowing these shoes can take it. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, these are the ones! —Lena Crawford

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Why New Balance 573 Is Necessary

I’ve found the New Balance 573 to be an essential part of my sneaker collection because it perfectly balances style and comfort. When I wear them, my feet feel supported throughout the day, whether I’m running errands or taking a casual stroll. The cushioning is just right, providing comfort without sacrificing the classic look I love.

For me, the 573 isn’t just about function—it’s also a versatile fashion statement. Its timeless design fits effortlessly with almost any outfit, making it easy to transition from casual outings to more polished looks. I appreciate how this shoe gives me confidence in both comfort and style, which is why I believe the New Balance 573 is necessary for anyone seeking dependable and stylish footwear.

My Buying Guide on New Balance 573

When I decided to buy the New Balance 573, I wanted to make sure I was choosing the right pair for my needs. Here’s what I learned and considered throughout my buying journey, which might help you too.

Understanding the New Balance 573

The New Balance 573 is a classic sneaker that combines retro style with modern comfort. I appreciated its versatile design that works well for casual wear and light activities. Knowing this helped me set realistic expectations about its performance and style.

Choosing the Right Size and Fit

Sizing was one of the first things I focused on. The 573 tends to run true to size, but I recommend trying them on if possible because some people find the toe box a bit narrow. I also checked for width options since New Balance often offers standard and wide fits, which was perfect for my feet.

Material and Build Quality

I paid close attention to the materials used. The upper is usually a mix of suede and mesh, providing durability and breathability. The midsole features ENCAP technology for cushioning, which made a noticeable difference in comfort during my daily walks.

Color and Style Options

One of the fun parts was exploring the colorways. The 573 comes in a variety of colors, from classic neutrals to bold shades. I chose a pair that matched most of my wardrobe, but there’s definitely something for everyone’s taste.

Price and Value for Money

Price was a consideration for me. The New Balance 573 is generally affordable compared to other sneakers with similar features. I found that the durability and comfort provided great value, making it worth the investment.

Where to Buy

I looked at several options—official New Balance stores, online retailers, and local shoe shops. Buying from authorized sellers ensured I got authentic products and access to return policies, which gave me peace of mind.

Care and Maintenance Tips

To keep my 573s looking fresh, I learned to clean the suede gently with a brush and avoid soaking the shoes. Regular maintenance helped prolong their life and maintain comfort.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 573 has been great. It’s a reliable, stylish sneaker that fits well into my everyday routine. If you’re looking for a balance of classic looks and comfort, I’d recommend giving these a try.

Author Profile

Erica Bruss
Erica Bruss
I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.

In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.