One of the best pairings in the history of pairings is New Balance and grey. It’s right up there with French bread and olive oil. Hummus and carrots. Ice cold Dr Pepper and Chinese food. We can’t exactly put our finger on why, but the synergy between New Balance and the colour grey is outstanding. That ‘N’ logo slapped atop an upper of dark grey suedes and light grey mesh is one of the most iconic duos of all time. This isn’t new information either – everyone knows that all the best New Balance colourways are predominantly grey. It’s no wonder that Steve Jobs, a bloke with an IQ of 160, strictly wears grey New Balance’s.
New Balance aren’t naïve about their harmony with grey either, they actually celebrate the colour with an annual event called ‘Grey Days‘ that just so happens to be taking place this month. Now, we’re well aware this month is almost over, but better late than never, right?
So, to celebrate one of the best pairings of all time, and ‘Grey Days‘ generally, we’ve put together a belated list of Six of the Best pairs of grey New Balance. We’ll be honest, it’s maybe one of the easiest lists we’ve ever put together. There actually isn’t a pair of grey New Balance that look bad.
Kicking off the list, we’ve got a new Grey Days release, and what a release it is. In our mind, the only way you can further improve a pair of grey New Balance is by putting an off-white sole on the bottom of them. Top top marks here.
Pretty crazy that the 990 is now in its sixth iteration, and in our opinion, it’s ageing like fine wine. We’ll always have a soft spot for v4, but this version comes very, very close. Big fan of the chunky sole.
The 574 is a no-nonsense shoe. There’s nothing you don’t need, and everything you do. It’s not changed much at all since it was first introduced in 1988, and that’s because it hasn’t had to. A pair of grey 574 will do you well, and have you look good doing it. Whatever ‘it‘ is.
There’s something pretty special about New Balance’s Made in UK line. We’ve not actually made it to the hallowed ground in Flimby yet, but everyone who goes says it’s mega. Anyway, judging by this pair of 991, they clearly know what they’re doing over there. Bonus points for the pops of Tiffany blue on the sole here.
In our mind, the 1500 is the dark horse of the New Balance line-up. Mysterious but quietly considered. Sort of like SAAB, if SAAB’s looked really good in grey. If you know someone that has a pair of 1500, chances are that they’re really, really into them. Borderline obsessed.
Closing out the list is one of our all-time favourites, the grey 992. These will literally go with anything. Joggers, jeans, shorts. Whatever your legwear preference, the 992 is sure to complement it effortlessly. An assured classic.
