When asked about New Balance's iconic models, the answer is probably usually classic running shoes. Whether it's the 577 and 1500 *Made in Flimby* or the 99X family, New Balance's biggest name recognition and heritage is in running shoes. However, the fact that retro basketball shoes from New Balance are more in the spotlight at the moment than ever before is a new development and is primarily due to one silhouette: the BB550
NEW BALANCE BB550HL1 & BB550HG1
TEDDY SANTIS GIVES NEW LIFE INTO THE 550
Originally launched as P550 in 1989, the shoe was then a low-top basketball shoe with leather, mesh and nylon on the upper. Characteristic features were the rounded N logos on the side of the shoe and the mostly white colorway with contrasting details. In 1989, however, the P550 did not lead to the hoped-for success and in the 1990s it was generally quieter for New Balance in basketball, even if James Worthy (1982-1994 with the LA Lakers) might have been remembered by those in the know for his lanky figure and eye-catching sports glasses. Along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, he was one of the most important players of the so-called "Showtime Lakers" of the 1980s. Worthy was on the court in New Balance his entire career and even had his own signature models like the BB900. Still, the P550 disappeared into the archives in Boston.
It remained there until it was unearthed again in the late 2010s by Teddy Santis - founder of New York streetwear brand Aimé Leon Dore. Santis immediately fell in love with the vintage look of the P550 and made sure a retro model was on the way. In 2020, the first "International Friendship through Basketball" drop appeared, putting the 550 back boldly on the sneaker map. Meanwhile, the 550 is not only one of the hottest New Balance models, but one of the most sought-after newcomers in recent years, selling out in minutes - whether as a collaboration with ALD, Auralee or Rich Paul, or as a general release!
Now the two newest colorways of the 550 have arrived at Asphaltgold arrived and prove with their clean colorways that the silhouette has found its permanent place in the streetwear sector and advanced to the unisex "Future Classic". Both colorways use white as the main color on the upper, the BB550HG1vwith contrasting details in orange and black, the BB550HL1 with (you know it from UNC colorways) light blue and black.
More info on the release will follow on Monday on our social media channels!