New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora: reviews, sizing and how to style the softest 574

What if the best-selling sneaker in New Balance history came in a version for anyone tired of the same old grey? That's exactly what the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora delivers: the same 1988 design, but in a greyish blue with cream that looks perfect in outfit photos and goes with almost everything already in your closet.

The New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora (style code U5747LO) is a unisex take on the classic 574 with a Heron Blue suede upper, Angora cream mesh and an ENCAP cushioned midsole. It's an everyday retro model that swaps the usual grey for a soft, easy-to-style shade.

Side view of the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora with greyish blue suede panels and cream mesh — Side profile: Heron Blue suede, Angora mesh and the contrasting N.

What is the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora?

The 574 was born in 1988 with a very practical idea: instead of starting from scratch, combine the best of the 575 and the 576, two models that already worked. That simple formula ended up making it the brand's best-selling model and a streetwear staple.

The Heron Blue/Angora version keeps the classic silhouette but changes the mood. The greyish blue (almost a powder blue) sits on the suede panels, while Angora cream shows up on the mesh, midsole and trims. The result looks less sporty and more made for everyday wear, perfect if you want color without drawing too much attention.

New Balance 574 materials and technology

On the outside it looks like a simple retro sneaker, but there's real tech inside. The key points:

Upper: Heron Blue suede combined with breathable Angora-toned mesh, with a contrasting N on the side.
Interior: textile lining, padded collar and removable insole (handy if you use your own insoles).
ENCAP midsole: a soft EVA core surrounded by a firmer polyurethane rim, hidden from view, that adds stability and durability.
Outsole: rubber, built for everyday pavement.

ENCAP technology is the reason the 574 is more than just a look. The EVA cushions each step and the PU rim keeps the foam from flattening out too quickly with wear.

Close-up of the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora showing the cream midsole and the blue suede texture — The Angora cream midsole hides the ENCAP unit.

New Balance 574 reviews: what wearers say

Comfort is what comes up most in reviews and forums. Plenty of people coming from other brands say they were surprised by how comfortable they are for walking all day. It's real cushioning, not just a design detail.

That said, it's worth knowing what to expect: within the New Balance lineup, the 574 is entry-level comfort. Those who have tried the 990 series say that one is still softer and more supportive. The 574 is seen as a great first New Balance, not the peak of the brand's comfort.

The other big plus? How easy it is to wear. As a low-top silhouette with a classic profile and no exaggerated bulk, the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora works with a casual look just as well as with something a bit dressier.

How does the New Balance 574 fit? Sizing guide

The most common opinion is that the 574 runs a little snug, especially in the toe box. Some wearers find it true to size, but many recommend going half a size up depending on your foot type:

Regular feet: your usual size generally works; half a size up gives your toes extra room.
Wide feet or high instep: go half a size up.
With thick socks: half a size up so you don't lose room in the toe box.

Since the insole is removable, you can compare it with the sole of your foot to check the length. If you're unsure, you can check the available sizes for this model before deciding.

How to style blue New Balance 574s

Soft blue with cream is one of those color combos that looks great in any photo. A few ideas to make the most of it:

Light denim: washed straight-leg jeans and a white tee. The blue of the sneaker ties in with the jeans without looking like a matching set.
Beige and cream: chinos or linen pants in sand tones; the Angora midsole acts as the bridge.
Heather grey: grey sweats or a sweatshirt for an athleisure look that's very on-brand.
All white: with white pieces, the Heron Blue becomes the only pop of color in the outfit.

A tip: white or cream socks visually extend the sneaker's Angora line. If you want to see other colorways, check out our New Balance 574 collection.

Another angle of the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora with the side N and cream trims — A powder blue that's easy to pair with light denim, beige or grey.

Where to buy authentic New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora

At Next Step we have them 100% new and authentic, with 14-day returns (calendar days from delivery) and fast shipping to Spain and the rest of Europe. If the fit isn't right, you can exchange them hassle-free.

Already sold on the blue? Grab your New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora at Next Step and add a soft touch of color to your daily rotation.

FAQ

Does the New Balance 574 run big or small?+

The New Balance 574 tends to fit a little snug, especially in the toe box. With regular feet, your usual size normally works, but if you have wide feet, a high instep or wear thick socks, going half a size up is the best call.

Is the New Balance 574 comfortable for all-day wear?+

Yes, the New Balance 574 is comfortable for everyday wear thanks to the ENCAP midsole, which combines a soft EVA core with a polyurethane rim for stability. Still, it doesn't match the cushioning of the brand's higher-end models, like the 990 series.

What color exactly is the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora?+

Heron Blue is a soft greyish blue covering the suede panels, and Angora is a cream tone that appears on the mesh, midsole and trims. Together they create a calm, bright combination that's quite different from the classic grey 574.

Is the New Balance 574 Heron Blue Angora unisex?+

Yes, style code U5747LO belongs to the unisex 574 line, which New Balance marks with the U prefix. So it works for both men and women; just pick your size keeping in mind that the toe box fits a little snug.

What clothes go with blue New Balance 574s?+

Soft blue New Balance 574s work best with light denim, beige, white and grey. They look great with straight-leg jeans and a white tee, sand-colored chinos or heather grey sweats, and white or cream socks finish the look.