New Balance 550 vs Nike Air Force 1 '07
Get the Air Force 1. Unless you want the 90s New Balance look — then the 550.
New Balance 550
The clean 90s basketball look, well built and grippy. Firm, stiff, heavy and warm.
Nike Air Force 1 '07
The classic white leather sneaker. Roomy and cushioned, but heavy and stiff until broken in.
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Both are heavy, stiff leather basketball classics. The Air Force 1 has more cushioning and room at the toes and scored higher in RunRepeat's lab; the 550 is a little lighter, grips well and costs a little less.
- —You walk on wet pavements a lot.
- —You want the 90s New Balance look.
- —You like a higher heel.
- —You want more cushioning.
- —You have wider feet.
- —You want the classic all-white look.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Clean, retro leather look
- +Grips on wet and dry streets
- +Durable and easy to clean
- −Stiff and firm underfoot, with a dull, flat ride.
- −452 g per shoe — heavier than most.
- −Runs warm; the leather barely breathes.
- −Runs true to size.
- +Roomy fit for wider feet
- +Well cushioned once broken in
- +Goes with almost anything
- −60% stiffer than average; the break-in can be painful.
- −Leather creases at the toe quickly.
- −Most owners say it runs true to size.
- Is the NB 550 worth it?
- Is the Air Force 1 worth it?
- Air Force 1 vs Club C 85
- Gel-1130 vs NB 9060
- Samba OG vs Club C 85
- Samba OG vs Air Force 1
- Best sneakers
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, manufacturer specifications.