It's everywhere. On Instagram, in the streets, in stores. The New Balance 327 has become one of the brand's most recognizable silhouettes. But behind its retro look and sleek lines lies a rich history, made of archives, reinterpretation, and audacity.

A sneaker with deep roots

The 327 wasn't born from an isolated sketch. It is the result of an intelligent assembly of three historical New Balance models, all released in the 70s.

• NB 320 (1976): the first New Balance running shoe to feature the famous "N." Designed for both beginner joggers and Olympic athletes, it quickly became a must-have model. Its reissue in 2016 confirmed its iconic status.

• NB 355 (1977): designed for off-road running, it stood out with its lugged sole designed to tackle grass, mud, or asphalt. At the time, a real technical feat.

• SuperComp (1977): combining comfort and performance, this model surprised with its vibrant and unexpected colors for the era. A pioneer in integrating style to serve performance.

The 327 draws from these three models to create a contemporary sneaker that respects its past.

Charlotte Lee: a fresh perspective on the New Balance heritage

Behind this now-cult model is a designer who was not destined for the sneaker world: Charlotte Lee.
At the time of the 327's design, she didn't even wear sneakers daily. This detachment allowed her to offer a different vision, free from dominant trends.

Her objective? To revisit New Balance's archives with a fresh eye. By leafing through old catalogs, she discovered forgotten lines, experimental soles, and unique design details.

"There are some pretty strange and at the same time incredible things in the archives, and I was just getting started," she confides.

A unisex, sleek, and avant-garde silhouette

Launched in 2020, the 327 is immediately recognizable:

• A large, oversized "N" logo on the side;

• A lugged sole that extends up the back of the heel;

• Dynamic and angular lines, which contrast with the brand's more classic silhouettes.

Available in a wide range of colors, it embodies both vintage spirit and minimalist modernity.
A pair designed for everyone, blurring genres and crossing styles — from techwear to casual chic.

A model that inspired others

Charlotte Lee's research for the 327 didn't stop there. Thanks to this in-depth archival work, she also gave birth to two other hybrid models:

• New Balance 237, cleaner, softer, just as retro;

• New Balance XC-72, more futuristic, more technical, very popular in current sneaker culture.

New Balance 327 – An instant classic

In just a few seasons, the 327 has risen to the rank of cult sneaker. It perfectly illustrates New Balance's ability to reinterpret its heritage without ever going in circles.
A design born from a fresh perspective, a love for archives, and a refusal of conformity.