What would happen if a sneaker could offer the ultimate best-of-both-worlds scenario—casual comfort and dress shoe elegance?
New Balance has just done it with the Allerdale, a stylish follow-up to the legendary 550. Now out in a sleek all-white colorway, this sneaker redefines what can be done with a “dad shoe,” marrying first-class materials with a refined, fashion-aware spin.
A Walking Shoe With Class? Believe It.
Walking shoes never quite used to be hip, but the Allerdale sets out to disprove them. Stunningly attired in beautifully textured leather, its fashionable top hovers comfortably beside New Balance’s trademarked clunky sole to create a sneaker that’s both practical and fashionable.
While the Allerdale maintains the sporting DNA of its forebears, its form is more prone to an adult aesthetic. The pebble-grain leather of smooth finish and sleek silhouette infuse it with subtle sophistication—something that ensures it is every bit as well-suited for a smart-casual look as it is for a casual weekend outfit.
The 550’s Style Successor
New Balance struck gold with the re-release of the 550’s in 2020, thanks in part to its partnership with Aimé Leon Dore. That shoe was an immediate success with sneakerheads and casual wearers everywhere. Now, the Allerdale is stepping in as the dressier, more understated counterpart.
It takes its core features from the 550—a rounded silhouette and supportive outsole—but puts a new spin on them. The use of high-quality textured leather on the upper lifts the sneaker and makes it become more of a luxury lifestyle shoe than a standard dad shoe.
The Evolution of the “Dad Shoe”
New Balance has long been the undisputed monarch of dad shoes, but the Allerdale takes the concept to the next level. It’s not another retro-inspired sneaker; it’s a new classic in the making.
With its style, ruggedness, and comfort combined, the Allerdale proves that dad shoes can be as beautiful as they are useful. Whether dressing down or dressing up, this shoe will become a workhorse in your closet.
So, is the New Balance Allerdale the future of style walking shoes? If its athletic look and high-end quality are any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.
