The New Balance 574 is a retro sneaker worn as an everyday casual shoe, available in standard, wide and extra-wide fits.
Sizing varies enough between versions that the Rugged model runs a full half size smaller than the Core, and some colorways deviate by another half size on top of that.
Arch support divides owners: most find the shoe comfortable all day, but a few report pressure that hurts one foot and not the other.
How the 574 Fits and Why Sizing Varies
The 574 fits true to size for most people, but not for everyone and not across all versions. I’ve seen enough reports of half-size differences that I’d recommend ordering from a retailer with free returns if you’re buying your first pair.
The Core model runs about a quarter size small: not enough to size up for most feet, but noticeable if you’re between sizes.
The Rugged version runs a full half size smaller, which means if you wear a 9 in the Core, you’re looking at a 9.5 in the Rugged.
Certain colorways also deviate: the light grey ran half a size small in multiple accounts I came across.
One buyer tried three different sizes before landing on the right fit, which tells you the variance is real. Width seems more consistent than length, but that consistency only holds within a single version of the shoe.
Comfort for Everyday Wear and the Arch Support Problem
Most reviews call the 574 comfortable enough to wear all day, though the insole wears thin over time and some swap in orthotics or drugstore replacements after the original flattens.
One reviewer noted that orthotics fit the footbed well, which matters if you rely on custom support.
The arch support divides people. A few find it aggressive enough to hurt, and the problem shows up inconsistently: one pair might press into the right foot, the next into the left.
The complaint has appeared more in recent years, suggesting production variation rather than a design flaw baked into every pair.
Most still rate comfort at four or five stars, but if you have sensitive arches, expect to test the fit rather than count on it working out of the box.
The Look That Works With Jeans and Shorts
The 574 lands where retro styling actually works for daily wear. Reviewers pair them with jeans and shorts without a second thought, and the silhouette reads as intentional rather than clunky even in a size 13.
One buyer mentioned wearing the same model 30 years ago, which tracks with the nostalgic pull several others called out.
The color range helps: one reviewer already owns four pairs in different finishes, rotating them through a regular wardrobe rather than treating them as occasional sneakers. Another picked up the burgundy option and had family asking about it.
The shape sits on trend right now, but the appeal seems to be less about chasing what’s current and more about a profile that has worked through multiple cycles.
They look deliberate with casual pieces, which matters more than whether they photograph well.
Wide and Extra-Wide Options Online
New Balance 574 models are stocked in 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide) widths online, though physical stores often don’t carry them. One reviewer in 4E reports the fit is actually wide enough (a win after struggling with other brands).
Another wearing 2E says the width works well with orthotics and eliminates the knee and leg pain that came from squeezing into standard width.
Try before you buy if you can, but if a store claims the 574 doesn’t come in wide sizes, order online.
Some franchised locations push what’s in stock rather than directing customers to the full width range available through New Balance’s site. Returns are accepted, so sizing at home beats settling for a narrow fit that hurts by midday.
Durability and Traction Concerns After 3 Months
A tear showed up in the upper material after 3 months of regular use for one owner: not catastrophic failure, but earlier wear than you expect from a shoe marketed as a casual workhorse.
The 574’s construction uses suede and mesh panels stitched together, and those seams seem to take stress unevenly depending on how your foot flexes.
Traction on wet pavement or polished floors is another limit. The rubber outsole pattern grips fine on dry sidewalks, but reviewers consistently note the shoe slides on slick surfaces where a deeper tread would bite.
If you walk through rain or across tile lobbies often, plan on slowing down or switching to something with more aggressive lugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the New Balance 574 run true to size?
The 574 fits true to size for most people, but sizing varies by version.
The Core model runs about a quarter size small, while the Rugged version runs a full half size smaller. Certain colorways also deviate, so ordering from a retailer with free returns is smart for your first pair.
Is the New Balance 574 comfortable for all day wear?
Most people find the 574 comfortable enough to wear all day, though the insole flattens over time and some swap in replacements.
Arch support divides opinion: a few find it aggressive enough to cause discomfort, but most still rate comfort at 4 or 5 stars.
Does the New Balance 574 come in wide sizes?
The 574 is stocked in 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide) widths online, though physical stores often don’t carry them. If a store claims wide sizes aren’t available, order directly from New Balance’s site where the full width range is offered.
How long do New Balance 574 shoes last?
A tear appeared in the upper material after 3 months of regular use in at least one case, earlier wear than expected for a casual shoe.
The suede and mesh construction takes stress unevenly at the seams depending on how your foot flexes.
Is the New Balance 574 good for wet weather?
The 574 slides on wet pavement and polished floors where deeper tread would grip better.
The rubber outsole handles dry sidewalks fine, but plan to slow down on slick surfaces or switch to a shoe with more aggressive lugs if you walk through rain often.
