Introducing the New Balance 471, A Modern Lifestyle Sneaker Rooted in 1970s Running Heritage

New Balance has been having a busy 2025.

Its marquee 990 series continues to move units (inline and otherwise), while athletes like Cameron Brink continue to cement the brand's basketball offerings at the highest level. Ahead of spring, the North American institution has introduced the New Balance 471, a lifestyle silhouette that draws inspiration from running shoes of the 1970s.

Offered in unisex sizing and colorways, the silhouette seems like an intentional effort to appeal to women, a segment of the market that's been responsible for the success of the company's 550, 530, 9060, and 327 silhouettes. The modern-take on old school heritage features a sleek, low-profile design donning era-specific materials (suede, mesh, wedge-shaped EVA foam). The result is a classic style that enables a number of different makeovers given its series of panels and retro attitude. A "fang" design has been added to the toe box, setting the shoe apart from similar running models from the '70s. Underfoot, the herringbone-patterned tread harkens back to the Boston-based institution's history on the performance front.

The New Balance 471 debuts in a clean 'Timberwolf/Angora/Dusk Shower' color scheme on Wednesday, March 26. The shoe is priced at a budget-friendly $100 and available via NewBalance.com. More vintage-inspired colorways are set to arrive throughout summer.

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