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New Balance’s Iconic 574 Gets a Subtle Military Reissue with Refined Materials

The beloved brand’s retro sneaker gets a camo-inspired monochromatic makeover with a first-ever all-over suede treatment.

Close-up of a pair of black suede sneakers with black laces, featuring a circular emblem with a compass design on the tongue. The shoes have a textured "N" logo on the side. The background is dark, highlighting the shoes.Stone Island
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By Sean Tirman

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In 1988, New Balance released its first 574 model sneaker. Designed as a solid all-arounder, the sneaker became a major hit and is still among the brand’s most iconic and popular offerings.

Now, that shoe has been given a military-inspired reissue with a first-ever material treatment. The Stone Island x New Balance 574 Ghost could go down as one of the best versions of this classic sneaker ever made.

A pair of gray suede New Balance sneakers with the signature "N" logo on the side, displayed against a black background. The shoes have a textured, soft appearance with matching gray laces and a cushioned sole.
The upper boasts a suede construction “inspired by the concept of camouflage.”
Stone Island

Suede all over

The 574 Ghost boasts a stunning suede upper in three distinct colorways: black, gray and brown. All three are fully-monochromatic; even the labels, logos and laces match.

Interestingly, the suede also features uneven coloration that the brand says is “inspired by the concept of camouflage.” That means, even though they’re one solid color, the texture of the material gives the shoe additional depth and character.

A pair of dark brown suede sneakers held by a person wearing a matching dark brown suede jacket with a shearling lining. The sneakers have laces and a subtle embossed logo on the tongue. The jacket features ribbed cuffs and a zipper. The lighting highlights the texture of the suede material on both the shoes and the jacket.
This is the first time ever the silhouette has gotten an all-over suede treatment, including the midsole.
Stone Island

One of the most interesting details is the midsole. This is the first-ever time the 574 features a complete, all-over suede wrap. Even the midsole is covered in the same suede as the upper.

That detail completes the wholly monochromatic look, and it’s likely to be the detail that makes this sneaker an instant classic when compared to other 574s.

Pair of black suede sneakers with textured "N" logos on the sides, black laces, and a circular emblem on the tongue, set against a dark background.
This may be one of the best-looking 574s ever released.
Stone Island

New treatment, same great shoe

Despite the novel upper, the sneaker retains much of what was so interesting and beloved about the original shoe. For those not familiar, the 574 is a hybrid road-to-trail design.

While this version is clearly more on the fashion side of the spectrum, it still has the lugged wraparound sole that the original, sport, retro sneaker always had. While not a true hiker, it’s plenty capable of handling easy-to-moderate treks.

A man with long dark hair and a beard is sitting with his knees bent, wearing a dark jacket, gray pants with zippers near the ankles, and gray New Balance sneakers. The background features a blurred, warm-toned projection of a landscape with hills and a road, creating a layered, reflective effect over the man's profile.
The shoe retains its iconic styling that dates back to 1988.
Stone Island

That said, if you were interested in wearing these outside of casual situations, you might want to consider adding some weatherproofing to the upper, as suede can be pretty delicate and easy to ruin without enough care.

The bigger issue, however, might be getting your hands on this release. They’re limited — you can only get them via Stone Island through a lottery — and they’re likely to be extremely popular.

A pair of dark brown suede sneakers with matching brown laces, featuring a textured "N" logo on the side and a stitched patch with a circular emblem on the tongue, set against a black background.
This take on the 574 is available in gray, brown and black colorways.
Stone Island

Pricing and availability

The Stone Island x New Balance 574 Ghost launches on September 23, 2025. To get a pair, you’ll have to register for a My Stone Island account and sign up for the launch event — follow the steps here.

Pricing is not yet available.

Black suede New Balance sneaker with matching black laces, set against a dark background featuring a black jacket with a Stone Island patch.Stone Island

Stone Island x New Balance 574 Ghost

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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