A Review Of The New Balance 530 Sneakers

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The first time I really took notice of New Balance as a brand dates back to the mid 2000s when more and more often I began to see their running shoes on my peers' feet in school. With their prominent N logo, a mostly mesh upper, and largely pedestrian colorways, I just couldn't wrap my head around why anyone would willingly wear shoes that looked like that. They were always known for premium comfort, for being the best running shoes, but not much more.

Looking back, the shoe that I kept seeing was more than likely the 530 model, which has been a staple in New Balance's lineup since 1992. Though I always felt that it was somewhat unattractive, in hindsight it wasn't necessarily the shoe itself that was the problem. Rather, it was presumably the unfortunate style trends of the times that dampened its true appeal.

Yes, the New Balance 530 is the epitome of a dad shoe, but this aesthetic has had a strong comeback in recent years. It's no longer considered only for those who are looking for the sneaker equivalent to socks and sandals comfort. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at what makes this retro sneaker a compelling option today.

Comfort & Performance

New Balance states that the 530 model fits a 0.5 size down from your regular shoe size, and I found that to be quite accurate in my case. I intentionally sized down from my standard size 10 to 9.5, and I'm happy to report that it fits like a glove.

The New Balance 530 sports the incredible ABZORB technology that the esteemed running shoe company is famous for. Their sneakers that feature ABZORB utilize a specialized compound of foam cushioning and rubber for the superior protection and comfort that's required of a high performance running shoe. In other words, ABZORB quite literally absorbs the stress and impact of athletic movements that your feet would otherwise be subject to.

This is the same support system as the New Balance 2002R that I reviewed, but the New Balance 530 has the added advantage of being featherlight in comparison. Without question, this is the lightest New Balance shoe I've ever tried and is easily one of the most agile running shoes on the market. What this adds up to is an uncompromising sneaker that you can wear all day long without pain or discomfort eventually setting in from prolonged use.

Materials & Construction

So how does the New Balance 530 achieve such a lightweight profile? The answer is that upper is comprised almost entirely of an airy mesh material which is complemented by a sporty synthetic overlay. In fact, the shoe is so light that some people might confuse this as a feeling of being cheaply made or somehow lacking in quality.

However, this misses the intention of the shoe's design, and the beauty of why it's so appealing in the first place. For practical reasons, the main incentive to choose this shoe over other offerings is because it's simply never a burden to wear.

The shoe's tongue is on the thinner side as it primarily consists of mesh. Fortunately, it's been equipped with just enough padding in order to provide adequate protection. Likewise, the outsole doesn't have the most grip I've ever encountered on a sneaker, but again, the tread pattern is more than satisfactory for most situations.

In terms of thoughtful little details, the New Balance 530 features a handy heel strap for easy slip-on action. This might seem minor and perhaps it is, but it makes the experience of routinely using the shoe that much more seamless.

Lastly, New Balance offers the 530 sneaker in plenty of colorways to choose from. There are now even some alternate materials such as suede in place of the synthetic overlay available on select colorways. This is a great option if you want to not only elevate, but also differentiate the shoe's aesthetic even further.

So this is a perfect sneaker then, right? Well, that lightweight mesh that the sneaker is wrapped in turns out to be a double edged sword. Unfortunately, having such a breathable mesh is a poor choice for rainy days, and your feet are guaranteed to get wet at the first sign of precipitation. Additionally, mesh inherently isn't as durable as other rugged materials such as leather or suede.

Pros

• Perfect for strenuous running, all day walking, or travelling
• Breathable mesh upper keeps feet feeling cool, dry, and refreshed
• Extremely lightweight
• Best in class ABZORB technology provides exceptional cushioning and support

Cons

• A poor choice for rainy days
• The mesh upper isn't as durable as other materials

Verdict

It may be considered retro today, but the New Balance 530 has long surpassed being pigeon-holed exclusively as an ironic dad shoe. Thanks in part to discerning fashion bloggers around the world, it is now a legitimate style choice with the added benefit of maximum comfort in a featherlight package. Everyone from celebrities, high profile athletes, normcore enthusiasts, and regular fathers like me who don't want to have to choose between looking good and feeling good can appreciate this sneakers's unique appeal.

One of the best aspects of the New Balance 530 is its unmatched flexibility in terms of how it can be worn. Pair it with shorts and high socks, skinny jeans, tapered sweatpants, wide leg trousers, skirts, and the list goes on. There's no shortage of ways you can tailor this sneaker to your outfit.

All told, the New Balance 530 a fantastic high performance running shoe and the ultimate sneaker for travelling or all day walking. Aside from wet activities or damp conditions, this shoe should be your first choice for any aerobic exercise. This is a shoe you need to try for yourself to truly understand it, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel.