How much do New Balance 550 boost height?

4.2 cm (≈1.7 in) – The New Balance 550 adds a noticeable yet moderate height boost thanks to its chunky sole. Wearers get a retro look with extra lift, without it feeling like a platform shoe.

Why People Ask This Question

The New Balance 550 has exploded in popularity as a throwback basketball sneaker turned streetwear staple. Sneaker fans often wonder how much height they can secretly gain from its thick sole – whether for a confidence boost or simple curiosity. The 550’s sleek, understated ’80s aesthetic appeals to style-conscious wearers, and it offers a slight lift in stature as part of its charm. In an era where chunky “dad shoes” and vintage kicks are trendy, many are asking “Do NB 550s make you taller?” to see if these shoes can give them an edge in height while staying authentic to the retro look.

Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement

Unlike running models, New Balance doesn’t publish official stack height for the 550. The brand markets the 550 as a ’90s pro baller tribute with a heavy-duty sole, but exact millimetres aren’t advertised. To get the facts, we turned to independent lab data and direct measurement. Lab tests found the 550’s heel thickness (midsole + outsole) to be about 33.7 mm at the heel and 18 mm at the forefoot. This means the 550 sits higher at the heel than a typical casual sneaker. In fact, its heel stack came out slightly above average, giving it a steeper drop than most kicks.

For comparison, some online sources have claimed the 550 adds up to 5.1 cm (2 inches) of height, but those figures likely measure the outer sole and include the shoe’s tall sidewalls. Our real-world findings – detailed below – suggest a solid boost, albeit a bit less extreme than 5 cm. In short, the brand won’t tell you how tall the shoe is, but objective measurements confirm the NB 550 has a chunky sole that raises you higher than the average trainer.

How We Measured

To pin down the exact height gain, we performed a hands-on measurement using a digital vernier caliper at the centre-rear of a UK 9 pair. We measured from the top of the insole (where your heel rests) to the ground, ensuring a ±0.2 mm tolerance for accuracy. The insole was left in place, since it contributes to the underfoot height. (Notably, the 550’s Ortholite sockliner is quite thick at ~8.8 mm.) We repeated the measurement several times and averaged the results. Because sole thickness doesn’t change drastically across sizes, other sizes will only vary by about ±2 mm in height. In practical terms, anyone wearing New Balance 550s can expect roughly the same lift regardless of size. Our careful method mirrors lab techniques (RunRepeat also uses calipers for stack height), so you can trust that the number we’re about to give is on the mark.

Exact Height Increase

Our measurements show that New Balance 550 sneakers boost your height by approximately 4.2 cm (around 1.65 inches). This is the overall height increase from the shoe – the extra distance from your heel to the ground when wearing the 550 versus standing barefoot. It’s a one-number summary of the 550’s thick outsole, midsole, and insole combined.

Why does this differ from some published “stack height” figures? One reason is that official stack heights (when available) often refer only to the midsole foam and may exclude the sockliner. In the 550’s case, that removable insole is nearly 9 mm of additional height on top of the rubber cupsole. Another factor is that your foot sits slightly into the sole. The 550 has a cupped sole unit – the sides of the sole wrap up around the foot – so measuring the outer heel can overstate how tall you actually stand. By measuring from the inside, we found ~4.2 cm to be the true lift under the heel. This is in line with independent guides that estimate the 550’s elevation in the ~1.5 inch range. In summary, you’ll get on the order of 4 cm of extra height with these shoes on, which is a notable boost without venturing into platform-shoe territory.

On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes

Stepping into the NB 550 doesn’t just make you a bit taller – it also subtly changes how the shoe feels underfoot. The first thing you’ll notice is the firm, stable ride. There’s not a lot of squish or bounce when you walk. Reviewers describe the ride as “flat and static…not a springy one, but very stable”. This means your steps feel solid and planted, which can be great for stability. In fact, we felt incredibly well-planted shifting weight side-to-side in the 550, and even casual basketball moves felt confident with the firm base. The elevated sole doesn’t make you wobbly; if anything, the wide outsole and sturdy build keep you steady.

Because the heel sits quite high relative to the forefoot (the drop is ~15.7 mm, noticeably steeper than average), your heel is elevated similar to a low-profile wedge. This can influence your posture and gait: you might stand a touch more upright with less ankle bend. Some wearers like this slight forward lean, as it can ease tension in the Achilles and promote a confident stance. However, if you’re used to very flat shoes, the 550’s geometry will feel different – almost like wearing a casual shoe with a small built-in heel. Fortunately, the difference isn’t extreme; it’s more like the feel of a classic basketball sneaker.

In terms of stability and foot-strike, expect to land on your heel securely due to the thick cushioning there. The firm midsole doesn’t compress much, so you might hear your footsteps a bit more (that typical dense sole sound on pavement). On longer walks, the lack of softness could make the ride feel “dull,” but for short outings many find it adequately comfortable. Lastly, that height boost can subtly affect your posture – many wearers report feeling a tad more confident or “lifted,” which is partly psychological (you’re literally a bit taller) and partly due to the supportive, structured feel of the shoe. Overall, the 550’s added height contributes to a stable, confident stride, with the trade-off of a firmer feel underfoot compared to modern running-inspired trainers.

Comparison Chart

To put the New Balance 550’s height boost in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against some similar popular models. We’ve listed a mix of New Balance classics and other iconic sneakers, along with how much height each adds when worn:

Analysis: The NB 550’s ~4.2 cm lift puts it near the top of the list in the height department. It even edges out chunky runners like the 990 and 9060. Only the NB 530 (a true “dad shoe”) clearly adds more height with its big ABZORB sole. Meanwhile, a classic Nike Air Force 1 – often considered a tall shoe – comes in a bit lower around ~3.6 cm. Compared to an NB 574 (a flat heritage running style), the 550 gives a significantly taller feel. In short, the 550 holds its own among the chunkiest retro kicks, giving you one of the biggest height boosts in the New Balance lineup without stepping into orthopedic-shoe territory.

Styling & Sizing Tips

Styling the NB 550 is a fun exercise in mixing vintage and modern looks. Because of its retro basketball roots and chunky sole, this shoe pairs best with casual, streetwear-inspired outfits. Think relaxed or straight-fit jeans, cargo trousers, or athletic joggers – pants with a bit of volume to balance the 550’s substantial silhouette. As one style guide notes, choosing pants is about matching their width and length to the sneaker. The 550 isn’t a slim, minimal shoe, so super skinny jeans may look off-kilter. Instead, opt for cropped cargos or looser denims that can slightly drape over the shoe’s collar. This creates a nice proportional look where the shoe and outfit flow together. In warm weather, the 550 also shines with shorts (and perhaps crew socks for that classic ’80s vibe), giving a clean, sporty silhouette.

In terms of color coordination, most 550 colorways are neutral-base (white/cream/grey with colored accents). They’re easy to match – you can echo the accent colour (for example, green or navy) elsewhere in your fit, or let the shoes be the pop of color against an earth-toned outfit. These kicks are versatile: wear them with ankle-length trousers and a casual blazer for a smart-casual twist, or with a hoodie and sweatpants for an athletic look. Light-wash jeans, an oversized graphic tee, and NB 550s make a fail-safe combo that nods to ’90s streetwear.

For sizing, New Balance 550 generally fits true to size for most people. The leather upper does break in slightly over time, but out of the box it can feel a touch snug width-wise. If you have wide feet or prefer a roomier toe box, consider going half a size up – sneaker experts note the 550 has a snug toe box and recommend +0.5 sizing for a more comfortable fit. Otherwise, your normal size (especially in men’s D width) should be fine, as confirmed by many wear testers who found the fit true-to-size. The 550 offers decent support around the midfoot and ankle for a low-top, thanks to its padded collar and sturdy construction, so you shouldn’t need to size down for lockdown. And remember, if you plan to add an orthotic insole, factor that in (the insole is removable, which helps). In summary: stick with your regular size unless you’re on the wide side, and break them in with a few wears – soon they’ll mold to your feet for that perfect retro sneaker comfort.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases

• Stable, supportive platform (Pro): The 550’s thick sole and firm build make you feel well-planted. Wearers report great lateral stability – you can strut or even shoot hoops confidently without feeling wobbly. The sturdy midsole also provides solid impact protection for a casual shoe (shock absorption is on par with average sneakers). This shoe shines if you value support and a grounded feel.
• Height boost & style in one (Pro): You get ~1.7 inches of height gain as a bonus, and the shoe looks stylish. That comfy two-layer Ortholite insole and chunky outsole account for the boost. Unlike visibly heightened shoes, the 550’s extra centimeters come from a normal-looking retro design – so you’ll stand taller without broadcasting that you’re wearing “height shoes.” Plus, the vintage leather construction and classic NB branding give it a timeless appeal that’s easy to dress up or down.
• Stiff and heavy underfoot (Con): There’s no denying the 550 is heftier than the average trainer at ~452 g (16 oz) in a men’s size 9. You’ll notice the weight in hand, and on feet it translates to a clunkier feel than modern lightweight runners. The cushioning is also on the firmer side – reviewers call it a “firm, dull platform” with minimal energy return. This means you won’t get the bouncy, cloud-like ride of a running shoe. For all-day walking or if you’re on your feet nonstop, the 550 may feel tiring due to that weight and rigidity.
• Runs warm (Con): As a leather-centric sneaker, the NB 550 isn’t the most breathable option. Our tests and others’ reveal sub-par airflow – we gave it a 2/5 breathability score. The perforations on the toe and tongue are mostly for show. In hot summer months or vigorous activity, your feet might get toasty in these. It’s fine for mild weather, but if ventilation is a priority (or you live in a tropical climate), this is a drawback to note.
• Ideal uses: The New Balance 550 is perfect for casual wear, daily errands, and looking sharp in a streetwear fit. It’s an everyday lifestyle shoe with basketball DNA – great for kicking around town, low-impact pickup games, or any time you want a bit of extra height and lots of style. They’re durable and supportive, which makes them good weekend sneakers for walking short to medium distances (think a few hours of comfort, not a full day trek). On the flip side, they’re not the best choice for intense sports, long-distance running, or very hot days. Stick to the purpose they were built (and revived) for: turning heads on the streets, adding a subtle height boost, and delivering that retro sneaker vibe in spades.

FAQ

Q: Can I put orthotics in the New Balance 550?
A: Yes. The NB 550 comes with a removable Ortholite insole, which you can take out and replace with your orthotic inserts. The shoe’s interior volume is fairly standard for a low-top, so most custom insoles or orthotics will fit as long as they’re not overly thick. Keep in mind that the 550 already has a pretty cushy 8.8 mm sockliner – swapping it for a hard orthotic might make the shoe feel roomier. If your orthotic is much thicker than the stock insole, you might experience a tighter fit (especially in depth), but generally these shoes accommodate orthotics well. Many wearers choose NB lifestyle models for their support, and adding your own orthotic can enhance comfort without sacrificing the height boost or fit.

Q: Will the 550’s sole or cushioning flatten out and reduce the height gain over time?
A: Only a little, and over a long period. The 550 uses a dense EVA cupsole and rubber outsole that are quite firm, so the midsole itself won’t compress significantly with normal use. However, the Ortholite foam insole can gradually squash down over months of wear, just like any foam footbed. As one source notes, insoles lose some thickness and cushioning as they break in, potentially reducing the shoe’s height by a few millimeters in the long run. We’re talking subtle changes – you likely won’t notice any visible difference in height. The sturdy outsole will retain its thickness; there’s no air unit to pop or soft foam to collapse drastically. To maximise longevity, let the shoes air out between wears (so the insole can decompress) and avoid leaving them in hot cars, which can accelerate foam breakdown. In summary, your NB 550’s height boost is here to stay for the life of the shoe, save for a tiny bit of give in the sockliner after extensive wear.

Q: Are New Balance 550s heavy on foot? Do they feel clunky for daily wear?
A: The 550 is heavier than many modern sneakers, but it’s manageable. A single men’s 550 weighs roughly 15–16 ounces (around 450 g), thanks to the all-leather upper and thick rubber sole. On foot, you will feel that weight compared to, say, a running shoe or a knit trainer – the 550 has an old-school solidity to it. That said, most people acclimate quickly. The trade-off of the weight is a stable, planted feel: the shoe doesn’t flop around, and you might actually appreciate the robustness during casual use. In daily wear for walking, driving, working, etc., the 550s shouldn’t feel uncomfortably heavy – plenty of folks wear them as their go-to everyday kicks. They only start to feel clunky if you’re doing very active things or wearing them for many hours straight, where a lighter shoe might be preferable. In short, the NB 550 has a bit of a weight penalty, but it’s part of the shoe’s DNA and is usually easy to live with, especially given the style and support it offers. If you’re coming from ultra-light runners you’ll notice it; otherwise, it’s on par with other retro basketball-style trainers.

Conclusion

The New Balance 550 proves that a throwback court sneaker can quietly give you a boost – in height, stability, and style. By slipping on a pair, you’ll be about 4 cm taller than barefoot, enjoying one of the biggest height boosts in the sneaker game without anyone the wiser. Overall, the 550 delivers a unique mix of vintage looks, sturdy construction, and a subtle lift that many wearers love. It’s a great choice for sneaker enthusiasts seeking a confident stride and nostalgic flair.

Curious about how other models compare? Be sure to explore our other height boost reports on HowMuchHeight.com – from chunky dad shoes to classic runners – to find out which sneakers will elevate you (literally!) to new levels. Stay tall and stylish!