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New Balance’s Best New Sneaker of the Year Is Even More Affordable Right Now

Some of the best 471 models are available for under $100.

Pair of olive green suede sneakers with white laces and white side stripes on a light background.New Balance
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By Brad Lanphear

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I’m not the only Gear Patrol editor who has gushed about the 471, New Balance’s perfect daily wearing sneaker, which debuted this past spring at a remarkably affordable price.

But I’m the one spreading the news that now is the best time to pick up what is arguably the best new casual sneaker of the year. That’s because New Balance is currently offering six of the best 471 models for under $100.

Blue and light blue New Balance sneaker with white laces and black sole.
The tonal blue model has a nylon upper with overlaid suede panels and a padded tongue.
New Balance

In less than nine months, New Balance has released over a dozen iterations of the 471, including some collaborations. Most options stick to neutral colors, maximizing the versatility of the low-profile, retro runner.

The current promotion includes six models that have been around for a few months, including one of the two offered at launch — a chalky off-white mesh with suede panels and a muted green “N” logo.

Pair of beige and cream New Balance sneakers with blue logo on the tongue and insole.
The full suede 471 has a nylon tongue and leather accents, seen here in khaki.
New Balance

Three others are made with full hairy suede uppers, complete with white leather detailing and a nylon tongue. There is a tonal green, a black with charcoal gray and a solid khaki.

The remaining two maximize the retro appearance with a nylon base, topped with soft suede panels and leather accents. This style is available in tonal blue and tonal pink.

Off-white and light gray suede and mesh New Balance sneaker with gum sole, side view.
The chalk white 471 with a muted green “N” logo was one of the two original options.
New Balance

Whats old is new

The 471 is based on a historically significant but largely forgotten model from New Balance’s archive. The low ankle, wedge foam midsole, wrap-around gum outsole and — most notably — the fang-shaped suede toe panels are all derived from the 320.

Black and gray suede New Balance sneaker with cream laces and gum sole.
The 471 has fang-shaped toe panels modeled after the 320.
New Balance

Introduced in 1975, the 320 was designed for casual runners and geared toward the growing popularity of running as a hobby. More importantly, it was the first New Balance sneaker to feature the “N” logo on the side.

Now standard practice, the 471 has an italicized capital “N” stitched prominently on each side. Also like the 320, the upper is built with a base layer reinforced by overlaid panels at the toe box, heel cup and bracketing the tongue.

Pair of olive green suede sneakers with white leather heel tabs and brown rubber soles, viewed from the back.
The 471 has a shaped heel cup to assist with balance.
New Balance

Running shoe engineering has come a long way since 1975, and I wouldn’t recommend attempting a marathon in a pair of 471s, but the lightweight EVA midsole is remarkably comfortable for walking around all day. A herringbone rubber outsole offers ample traction, and the low-cut ankle is easy to style.

Availability and price

New Balance is currently offering $20 off all six models of the 471, dropping the price to $90.

From a styling perspective, I would go with the khaki for sheer versatility, but the tonal green offers a subtle pop of color that won’t clash with much. Either way, the hairy suede is a great look that is typically found on the much pricier Made-in-USA models.

About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.

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