New Balance 574 Mens: Shoes, Colors, Sale & Ireland Guide

Few sneakers have clocked the mileage that New Balance 574s have — four decades of pavement, trails, and everything in between. Whether you’re after something for weekend walks or a shoe that doesn’t look out of place at the office, the 574 has a habit of showing up where you least expect it. This guide covers what you’re actually getting, where to find the best deals in Ireland, and which colourways deliver.

Original Release: 1988 · Key Feature: ENCAP midsole · Price Range: €90–€133 · Retailers in IE: New Balance, Sports Direct, Schuh

Five key numbers tell you what the 574 actually delivers under the hood:

What are New Balance 574 mens shoes?

The 574 started life as a trail and road running shoe back in 1988, designed to offer solid performance without the premium price tag. It never quite made it as a serious race shoe, but that turned out to be beside the point — the silhouette clicked with a generation of buyers who wanted something that worked on the pavement and looked right in most casual settings. Four decades on, it remains one of the most recognisable sneaker shapes in the game.

Core features

The 574 family shares a set of features that have stayed remarkably consistent over the years. The suede and mesh upper balances breathability with durability, while the lace closure lets you dial in the fit without any special technique. RunRepeat lab testing recorded a 92 SA impact absorption score — above average for shoes in this price bracket — and a forefoot width of 88.7 mm gives the toe box enough room for wider feet without looking boxy.

ENCAP midsole details

ENCAP is New Balance’s name for a combination of EVA foam and a urethane rim that wraps around the heel. The idea is to absorb shock under the heel while keeping the rim stable enough that the shoe doesn’t roll under load. Real-world reviews bear this out: one buyer on the New Balance Ireland site described them as “very comfortable” for a first sneaker purchase, while another on Very Ireland noted “great fit and comfort for wider feet,” though the suede upper can be “a bit of a pain to keep clean.”

The 574 in broader context

Compared to competitors priced at $130–$150, the 574 delivers above-average cushioning at roughly $100, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice core performance features.

Classic vs Sport models

New Balance still produces the 574 in multiple variants — the Core version is the closest to the original silhouette, while Sport editions often swap materials or add more contrast colourways. All share the ENCAP midsole and the same size run (typically 6–12 in mens), so the choice comes down to aesthetics rather than technical differences.

Where to find New Balance 574 mens sale?

Getting a deal on the 574 depends largely on where you shop and how patient you are. Standard retail pricing in Ireland sits in a fairly tight range, but outlet channels and seasonal clearance can bring the cost down meaningfully.

Current deals

At the time of writing, standard pricing on New Balance Ireland sits at €120 for Core models. Next IE lists Red/White and Navy Blue colourways at €126–€133. These are full retail prices — not sales. For actual discounts, you typically need to look at outlet retailers or wait for seasonal clearance events.

Discount retailers

Joe’s New Balance Outlet in the US has been reported selling 574s for $52 (approximately €48 at current rates), though that price reflects US outlet pricing and isn’t available directly in Ireland. The practical takeaway is that international outlet channels can offer significant savings if you’re willing to navigate shipping or proxy purchasing — but factor in delivery costs before celebrating.

Price examples

The cheapest confirmed entry point in Irish retail at present is around €89.95, with savings of up to 25% reported at some outlets. Schuh and Sports Direct have both featured sales on 574 stock, making them worth checking if you’re budget-conscious.

For Irish buyers watching the market, this price gap between domestic retail and international outlets signals that patience often pays off — but only if you can manage shipping logistics.

Where can I buy New Balance 574 mens shoes?

Finding the 574 in Ireland is not difficult — the shoe is widely stocked across both specialist sneaker retailers and general fashion retailers. The main variable is whether you want to buy from the official brand store or a third-party retailer.

Local stockists

Major stockists include Foot Locker Ireland, Schuh, Very, and Zalando — all of which carry the 574 in multiple colourways with free or subsidised delivery options. Next IE also stocks the model with home delivery available across the Republic. Each retailer maintains its own colour selection, so if one shop is out of your preferred shade, another likely has it.

Official site

The New Balance Ireland site (newbalance.ie) lists Core models at €120 and carries customer reviews alongside the product listing. Buying direct gives you the most complete sizing information and access to any brand-exclusive colourways, though price is at standard retail rather than discounted.

Sports Direct and others

Sports Direct stocks the 574 in black, blue, and green colourways, positioned alongside other mens trainers in the New Balance range. Given the chain’s high street presence, it remains a practical option for those who prefer to try before buying — though stock varies by location.

What colors are available for New Balance 574 mens?

New Balance has expanded the 574 colour palette significantly over the years, though core colourways remain the most consistently stocked across retailers. The options split roughly into neutral workhorses and bolder seasonal releases.

Core neutral colourways

The black, white, grey, and navy colourways form the backbone of the 574 range. These are the shades you’ll find year-round at most stockists and they tend to be the most versatile for everyday wear. Black and grey are especially practical if you want something that works across different outfit types without drawing attention.

Seasonal and limited drops

Beyond the core palette, New Balance periodically releases limited colourways that appear at specific retailers or for limited windows. New colour drops are expected seasonally, which means checking retailer sites regularly if you have a specific shade in mind. These seasonal drops often appear first at New Balance direct or at lifestyle retailers like Foot Locker before spreading to generalist stores.

How to track specific colours

Since stock varies by retailer, the most reliable approach is to check the New Balance Ireland site first for a full colour listing, then cross-reference availability at your preferred retailers. If one store is out of a specific colourway, Zalando and Schuh often have overlapping ranges that catch items the others have sold through.

New Balance 574 mens black options?

The black colourway is arguably the workhorse of the 574 range — it matches most wardrobes, hides scuffs reasonably well, and reads as genuinely versatile rather than boring. New Balance produces several black variants across the Classic and Sport lines, with subtle differences in materials and accent colours.

Design details

Black 574s typically use a black suede or leather upper with either a white or tonal midsole. The Classic model leans toward the original colour blocking, while Sport variants may add contrast stitching or heel overlays. Most black colourways share the same ENCAP midsole and standard sizing as other 574 models.

Availability

Sports Direct carries black NB 574s in mens sizing, and the New Balance Ireland site lists black Core models at €120. Schuh and Zalando also stock black variants, with Zalando offering free shipping on orders. If a specific retailer is out of your size, cross-checking another stockist is usually worth the effort.

Pairing tips

Black 574s work with jeans, chinos, and dark trousers without much thought — the tonal palette means they don’t fight with the rest of the outfit. For smarter casual looks, they hold their own against button-down shirts or lightweight knitwear. The one thing to watch is that black suede variants can show lighter scratches if you catch them on something rough.

How much do New Balance 574 mens white cost?

White 574s are a different proposition — they read cleaner and brighter but show dirt faster, particularly on the suede upper. That trade-off matters if you’re planning to wear them daily rather than for occasional use.

White-grey variants

The most common white option is the white-grey colourway (often listed as WH-GRY or WH-Grey), which pairs a white upper with grey accents on the logo, laces, and midsole. This combination gives the shoe a softer look than a stark white-on-white approach while keeping things clean enough for most casual settings.

Lifestyle Sports

Lifestyle Sports (lifestylesports.ie) stocks the WH-Grey colourway at standard retail pricing. Like other Irish retailers, they offer home delivery and carry multiple sizes in the mens run. If Lifestyle Sports doesn’t have your size in stock, Zalando and Schuh typically have overlapping ranges.

Comfort features

Comfort on the white variants is identical to other 574 colourways — the ENCAP midsole, EVA foam, and standard fit apply regardless of upper colour. Customer reviews consistently highlight all-day comfort on the 574 platform, with the caveat that suede uppers (white included) require more maintenance to keep looking fresh.

If you prioritise clean aesthetics over low maintenance, the white-grey is worth the extra upkeep — but factor in the care routine before committing to daily wear.

“These sneakers are very comfortable. These are the first pair of men’s sneakers which I ever purchased, and they fit very well.”

— Verified buyer, New Balance Ireland site

“Great fit and comfort for wider feet! Suede can be a bit of a pain to keep clean.”

— Verified buyer, Very Ireland

Related reading: New Balance 327 sizing guide

Frequently asked questions