Plaiditude

Sep 28, 2007 @ 10:38am

In high school, people used to call New Balances "Nerds," because they have a big "N" on them and because, well, they were generally worn by nerds.

But with the surge in popularity of glasses, the ubiquity of high-waisted jeans, and the revival of Mr. Rogers-style cardigans, we think it's safe to say that the classic nerd look is in full effect right now.

So, does that mean that New Balances are cool?

Well - they've released this new update on the classic style - it comes in green or red plaid, and the nerdy "N" is now a mildly tough-looking painted on letter.

Would you wear these New Balances? They would definitely match your plaid flannel shirt, whether it's from The Row or L.L. Bean.

--ALISON COOL

posted by mkm

Sep 28, 2007 11:04AM

new balances are awesome. they're super comfortable and they have a very strict policy about country of manufacture labeling. i'd rather buy new balance than nike any day.
of course i'd rather go shoeless than wear nikes, so that's really not saying much.

posted by erin

Sep 28, 2007 12:01PM

i know when i started college (Fall 98) all the track girls were wearing NBs with ankle socks everywhere, and I even remeber a cute guy in ninth grade wearing them, so I think they've been more chic than geek for a while now, at least down south, anyway. but the plaid ones are a bit much. i actually prefer Sauconys, but that's because I actually run in my running shoes...

posted by WD

Sep 28, 2007 3:14PM

Well, now, this is a thorny historical issue. Certainly NB has been pursuing coolness for a while now. Thus the endless color combos of classic NBs you'll find on various shopping websites--including their own--and stores like Training Camp. In fact, it sometimes seems as if eighth street is one big NB bazaar. When did this start? Well, probably about the time their mid-eighties provenance started to wane from the mind--let's call it mid to late 90s. Though I would say that this is one of those rare trends that emerged not from the runway or the street, but from liberal arts colleges--much like wearing dresses over pants.

So, are New Balances cool? Not anymore! But they were when you were in high school, sucker.

posted by rollergirl

Sep 28, 2007 5:09PM

I like the nerdiness of them. I still love my khaki green ones with reflective silver 'N's, even though I can't wear them any more (have you seen what they look like with skinny jeans?). Wes Anderson has the same ones. See, I told you I was a nerd.

posted by Courtney

Sep 30, 2007 12:11AM

I prefer not to wear the same shoes as my 60 year old male professor. Plus they tear up my feet worse than stilettos.

posted by bolina

Sep 30, 2007 10:22AM

grossss