New Balance 574 'Platinum Sky Moonbeam Gum'
Colorway: Platinum Sky/Moonbeam · Style code: ML574NFS · Release date: 2023 · Price: $2452 · Availability: Available now
More colorways: New Balance 574 'Pennant Pack' (ML574) · New Balance 574 'Incense' (ML574AA2) · New Balance 574 'Natural Indigo Maple' (ML574AB2) · New Balance 574 'Rain Cloud Maple' (ML574AC2) · Alpha Industries x New Balance 574 'Sedona Seige Grey' (ML574AI2)
Gum is the detail that carries this one. The upper is mesh in platinum sky and moonbeam, two greys close enough in value that they function as texture rather than contrast, and the shoe would be near-invisible without the amber rubber underneath. Gum reads warm against cool tones, and on a pale sneaker it also solves a practical problem, since a white outsole collects dirt in a way translucent brown rubber quietly absorbs.
New Balance sold the pair at $90 in 2023. A mesh upper is closer to the original brief than the suede-heavy versions that dominate the model now, because the 500 series was running gear and breathability was a requirement rather than a styling decision. The shape is still what Steven Smith arrived at by mounting a 576 upper on a 577 sole, a value build rather than a flagship. Two greys over gum is a combination this silhouette wears more comfortably than most, since its proportions are soft enough that it needs no help looking approachable.