The History of the New Balance 327
The New Balance 327 was designed by Charlotte Lee, a sneaker designer from Manchester. She has worked for the brand since 2014 and was initially surprised by the rapid rise in popularity of the new silhouette:
"I don't think anything could have prepared me for the demand or the positive response [...] Because I used so many models from our old catalog, I almost expected an overwhelming amount of negativity."
Charlotte Lee
With a design inspired by the NB320, 335, and Super Comp, the NB327 combines a retro 70s vibe with a modern aesthetic. The oversized ‘N’ logo is the most striking and characteristic part of the design. The model is generally constructed from a breathable mesh base and complemented by light suede and leather accents.
"When creating this shoe, I wanted to make sure I was inspired by the past, but in a very different way than it has been done before."
Charlotte Lee
The NB327 debuted in April 2020 during Paris Fashion Week, in collaboration with Charaf Tajer’s French-Moroccan brand Casablanca. The response to the model was overwhelming.
First released in two colorways, ‘Orange’ and ‘Green’, the model has since received many colourful overhauls and exclusive collabs.
In 2021, the model was featured as part of New Balance’s annual ‘Grey Day’ pack, with the brand’s typical shades of grey combining for a sleek, streamlined look.
New Balance 327: Answering Your Questions
When did the New Balance 327 come onto the market?
The New Balance 327 was unveiled on the runway at Paris Fashion Week FW20, but the design process actually began at the end of 2018. The model was released in collaboration with the Casablanca brand.
Who designed the NB 327?
The NB 327 was designed by New Balance designer Charlotte Lee.
What was the New Balance 327 inspired by?
For the New Balance 327, Lee dived deep into the archives of the Boston sports brand. She was inspired by three models from the 70s: the New Balance 320, the 335 and the Super Comp. New Balance also introduced the now famous N logo on the 320s in 1976.
“When I was looking through our archives, I was looking for things that were iconic and things that stood out to me as being different. Layering those elements together, created a shoe that felt relatively recognisable to the consumer, but at the same time it was a little bit like, ‘Oh, I've not seen that before.’”
Charlotte Lee
Where is the New Balance 327 made?
Unlike the exclusive 'Made in' models, the NB 327 is made in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. This allows the 327 to have a more accessible price point.
How does the New Balance 327 fit?
The NB 327 fits true to size and is also suitable for wider feet.
Are New Balance 327 comfortable?
The 327 is designed with a thick, well-cushioned midsole to provide plenty of comfort and stability.
Are New Balance 327 good for walking?
Yes, in fact the New Balance 327 is designed for casual and everyday wear, including light walking. It is not intended for running or gym workouts, as the lightweight design and foam midsole aren't optimised for high-impact activity.
How do you clean New Balance 327?
A New Balance 327 is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
How much does the New Balance 327 cost?
The New Balance 327 model retails between €90-129, depending on the colorway and retailer.
Where can I buy New Balance 327?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the New Balance 327 at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on NB327 restocks and new releases!
Popular NB327 Colorways
New Balance have released many successful colorways on the NB327, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
New Balance 327 'Moonbeam' | MS327V1
The popular 'Moonbeam' colorway features a mix of leather, nylon, and suede for a stylish yet functional design.
Its white upper is complemented by a navy blue sole. The panels, mudguard, toebox, heel, and eyestay showcase a soft brownish Moonbeam hue, adding depth to the look. More navy blue details appear on the laces, while the signature "N" logo on the medial side completes the sneaker’s understated aesthetic.
Levi's X New Balance | MS327LVB
Released in 2020, this collaboration on the 327 between Levi's and New Balance was a standout piece from their overall collection.
With a grey denim base, black leather oversized 'N' logo, and grey suede overlays, the 'Levi's x New Balance 327' blends Levi's denim heritage with modern sneaker design. The white midsole and black rubber outside round off the sleek look.
New Balance 327 'White Leopard' | WS327PJ
The New Balance 327 'White Leopard' features an oversized 'N' logo in bold leopard print, adding a wild touch to the otherwise low-key design.
Complementing the animal print, soft cream tones dominate the colorway, while a gum outsole extending behind the heel enhances its retro-meets-contemporary aesthetic.
Todd Snyder X New Balance 327 'Pomegranate' | MS327TSA
The New Balance 327 'Pomegranate' is part of Todd Snyder's Farmer's Market collection in collaboration with New Balance. A 'Wheat' and 'Pineapple' colorway were also available.
The base of the upper is red with bright orange overlays. The oversized 'N' logo in white applies a welcome contrast to the strong colorway, with green laces adding another layer to the striking look. On the tongue is a label with an illustration of a pomegranate.
New Balance 327 'Caramel Brown' | U327WCI
The New Balance 327 'Caramel Brown' showcases a winter-inspired colorway with the signature distressed aesthetic of the Protection Pack series, which also includes the darker 'Magnet' colorway. First introduced in 2021 on the 2002R, this pack has expanded to include the 1906D and 327 models.
The sneaker features a corduroy upper, complemented by chunky caramel suede overlays for a rich, textured contrast. The design is completed with the model’s signature studded outsole, which extends over the heel, adding a rugged touch.
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