The New Balance 471 is here. It might not quite be a ‘sneakerina’, but it is close

Sneakers with discreet profiles have been much in the news lately. And with the steady rise of the sneakerina, the age of the hulk of sneakers, such as those polarising ones by Balenciaga, is winding down, if not quite over. While brands rush to release the versions of the follow-up footwear trend, the loafer-sneaker (including very latecomer Nike), there are those who quietly release new silhouettes with unmistakable retro vibes, unmoved by the still-present tanker-trainers. New Balance is one of them and their latest, the 471, is a charming mix of old-school sensibility and Miu Miu-era attitude.

Although they do not look stunningly novel, the 471 is alluring precisely because of that. In this colour story (above, “nib navy with linen and true red), there is something vintage about the mix, and revolves around the ’70s sneaker trend that has been simmering since at least 2022. There is, of course, the mesh uppers and suede overlay, a combination that also evokes the running shoes of the past, worn to tracks and discotheques alike. Essentially, sneakers with discreet profiles, such as the 471, are a reflection of an evolving sneaker culture that values understated sophistication and obvious versatility over fleeting trends and overt branding. Cheers to the slimlined sneaks!

Photo: Zhao Xiangji