Review of the New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
The New Balance 550 is a classic basketball-inspired cup-sole sneaker that released in the 80’s. It was originally designed as a high performance basketball shoe but recently transitioned into one of the most popular lifestyle and causal sneakers in today’s market. Released in November 2022, this specific version of the 550’s has a leather and suede combination upper, unique to the rest of the 550 color ways. We’ll review how the New Balance 550 fit and feel, see what they’re made of, and how they look on feet.
Jump To:
- How do New Balance 550 Natural Indigo Fit
- The New Balance 550 Natural Indigo materials
- Upper on New Balance 550 Natural Indigo
- Sole on New Balance 550 Natural Indigo
- How the New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” look on feet
- Why You Should Buy New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
- Why You Shouldn’t Buy New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
- Final Suggestions
- Where to buy New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
Featured Product:
- Size: Men’s 10.5
- Color: Natural Indigo / Sea Salt / White
- Materials: Suede and Leather upper, rubber outsole sole
How do New Balance 550 Natural Indigo Fit
Pros
- Adds a little extra height
- Plenty of support along the sides and toe box
- The ortholite comfort foam insoles are soft and squishy
- Soft and flexible suede upper
- Sturdy and durable
- True to size fit
Cons
- Heavier shoe
- Feels chunky
- Narrower shoe for a New Balance
- Thick midsole
- Feet can get very hot if worn all day
The New Balance 550 Natural Indigo materials
The Upper
The upper on the New Balance 550 in Natural Indigo is a soft suede material that makes this color-way and 550 variation really unique. New Balance has a history with suede uppers, specifically in the “dad shoe” era with the 993 Core’s and many others. This upper combines the classic New Balance suede look and feel with the ever popular 550 modern style.
The rubber “N” is centered on both the interior and exterior of the shoe with the 550 print towards the toe box.
There aren’t perforations on the toe box but there is a mesh “vent” towards the base of the tongue that helps with ventilation plus micro perforations on the overlays. However, since it is suede your feet can get warm if you wear them all day long. Because of that, not the best airport or travel shoe. Your feet will overheat.
The upper feels durable but like any suede material avoid the rain or wet conditions to keep the color and materials fresh.
The woven padded tongue stays in place and isn’t flimsy or airy like a foam tongue. Theres a mesh opening towards the base of the tongue that allows extra air to flow in and out.
Feels durable and very comfortable, going back to their original basketball purpose.
The cream laces break up and contrast the all blue upper nicely.
The Sole
The outsole on the New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” is a rubber cream non-marking sole with flex grooves. Built for better traction. The white midsole is thicker and chunkier but has great support and stability.
The heel showcases the updated NB logo in between the midsole and mesh collar. This back view highlights the thickness of the midsole and is supported with an exposed EVA wedge on the medial sidewall.
From certain angles the midsole can look too thick – the exterior profile and this back view.
On the interior, the 550’s come with removable Ortholite comfort insoles which offer awesome cushioning.
How the New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” look on feet
Why You Should Buy New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
- The 550’s are everywhere and are constantly being released with new color ways and collabs. The 550 Natural Indigo are a very unique release that stands out from the standard lighter color 550 versions
- Combination of an old school “dad new balance shoe” with a modern 550 design
- In need of a suede high quality sneaker
- Need a durable every day casual sneaker
Why You Shouldn’t Buy New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo”
- The price on the 550 Natural Indigo are all over the place. Right now they can go anywhere from $100-150 so its a little on the higher end for a typical MamboFits sneaker
- If you don’t want to take care of a suede sneaker and worry about wet conditions
- Want to mix it up and move away from the 550 trend and buy something different like the Cons AS-1 Pro, Nike Blazer Low, or asics EX89.
- Want a lighter shoe that isn’t as chunky
Final Suggestions
New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” for the Office: Highly Recommend. The 550 Natural Indigos can go great with khakis or jeans
New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” for Casual Outting: Recommend. The retro profile can be dressed up a bit and go well with skinny or baggier fitting pants.
New Balance 550 “Natural Indigo” for every day wear: Highly recommend. New Balance is known for durability and comfort so these are great for running around with every day tasks/errands.
