Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the New Balance 574 worth it?
Yes — a comfy everyday classic.
It's roomy at the toes, with a deep heel and decent cushioning, so it suits long days and wider feet, and it comes in wide fittings too. The suede and mesh upper wears well. It's stiff out of the box, doesn't breathe much, and grip on wet ground is only average. Many owners say it runs a little small.
88%of 421 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Roomy toe box, wide fittings available
- Cushioned, stable heel
- Classic look that goes with anything
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What owners say
Most verified owners like the look and comfort; the main complaint is that it runs small, so many go half a size up.
Good to know
- Stiff for the first weeks.
- Doesn't breathe much; warm on hot days.
- Many owners find it runs small: consider half a size up.
- The tongue edge is left unfinished, with the foam showing, which some owners don't like.
From 421 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- Looks greatMentioned a lot
- ComfortableMentioned a lot
- Well madeMentioned often
- True to sizeAlso mentioned
What they complain about
- Runs smallRare
- Unfinished tongue with foam showingVery rare
- Build quality below expectationsVery rare
Get it if…
- You want one comfy retro pair for every day.
- You have wider feet.
- You want a stable, grounded shoe.
Skip it if…
- You want a light, breathable summer shoe — get the 530.
- You want it to feel soft from day one.
More on the NB 574
How we reached this verdict
RunRepeat's lab rated it 90/100: roomy (74.1 mm at the big toe), stable and well cushioned at the heel, but stiff and not very breathable. Captain Creps also found it roomy and comfortable, and notes the wide fittings. Otto's verified buyers are mostly happy; the main complaint is that it runs small.
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: New Balance 574, Captain Creps: New Balance 574 sizing, New Balance (specs), 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, RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide