New Balance Grade School 550

New Balance

New Balance began in Boston in 1906 making arch supports; running shoes came later. It is great at stability trainers and the dad-shoe revival that made the 990 a fashion object. The 1982 990 was a shocking $100 running shoe; the 550 and 2002R followed into street style. Fun fact: much of the 990 series is still associated with U.S. factory production, which is rare for a global sneaker brand.