New Balance’s best-selling basketball shoe is getting a worthy revamp. Shortly after Nike announced it would renew its partnership with late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, New Balance’s 550 sneakers are set to arrive in a recognizable purple and gold color scheme. The retro kicks, while not an official collaboration, make their tribute clear with signature basketball graphics and yellow details.
Since being reintroduced in 2020, the 550 has become one of the most coveted shoes in New Balance’s arsenal. Collaborators including Aimé Leon Dore and Rich Paul have helped build hype for the sneaker, and there’s no doubt the two upcoming “Lakers” color schemes will drive up demand even further. After all, New Balance was prominently endorsed by former Lakers player James Worthy in 1989 when the 550 first debuted.
