Accessories

These are the sneakers coveted by Scandi tastemakers this season

By Josefin Forsberg
New Balance 550s

Photo: Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek)

One thing's clear: This sneaker style is one to watch when planning your autumnal wardrobe

Originally released in 1989 under the moniker of 'P550', the low-top silhouette has become a New Balance cult classic. Although a favourite among sartorially-savvy sneaker savants, the 550s haven't experienced the same attention, historically, as other styles – that is until now.

Advertisement

Re-released in a January 2021 collaboration with NYC based label Aimé Leon Dore, the hyper-exclusive drop sold out within minutes. The sudden surge in popularity gave us a new wave of 550s that hit on a big themes in fashion this year; retro silhouettes and primary colour palettes.

Although available in a myriad of colour-ways, it is specifically the muted iterations that have made a severe sartorial impact on our Instagram feeds. The retro-inspired lifestyle sneaker – originally designed for men – was worn paired with chunky white socks all around in what seemed a homage to the shoes 1990’s origins.

Elsa Hosk wearing 550s in Sea Salt Black

Pernille Teisbaek wearing 550s in Sea Salt Black

Fanny Ekstrand in New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 550s in Grey and White

Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk (a famous fan of the American brand’s sneakers) wore her chunky shoes with a loosely tailored pink suit jacket and Chanel tote. Copenhagen-based Pernille Teisbaek opted for a casual combination of denim shorts and a tank top topped off with a trucker hat. At the same time, Hobnob co-founder Fanny Ekstrand got a head start on autumn dressing in knit leggings and a loose blue shirt matching her 550s with a white Prada handbag.

Below we've gathered standout styles to shop now:


New Balance 550's

x Aimé Leon Dore 550 sneakers

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 841
Purple 550

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 510
Green 550

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 256
Red 550

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 293
x Aimé Leon Dore red 550 sneakers

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 1011
x Aimé Leon Dore blue and red 550 sneakers

New Balance

SHOP NOWEUR 753