“Apparently, spring heralds the arrival of the New Balance 650. This high-cut basketball model has been a prominent feature in NB’s brand strategy since it gained traction in 2021, and in recent weeks, we’ve seen a slew of fresh, clean-cut looks. Once again in the spotlight is the New Balance 650, emerging in a ‘White/Navy/University Blue’ color scheme that plays to its greatest strengths.
At the tail end of the colorway hierarchy, ‘University Blue’ may be the most eye-catching hue on display here (and a subtle nod to one of NB’s first athletes), but it serves a modest role functionally. It adorns only half of the outsole, the 650 branding towards the forefoot, and a slight accent on the heel. Nonetheless, its harmonious interplay with the navy accents elsewhere on the shoe contributes significantly to the overall palette.
Despite defying conventional fashion wisdom with the black and navy combination around the tongue, collar, and medial branding, the two darker shades complement each other remarkably well in this application. Overall, the 650 leans into the appeal it has consistently tapped into over the past few years; the blocky, retro design of the shoe effortlessly exudes vintage style in yet another white-dominated colorway.
