5 Best New Balance 740 Colorways So Far

The New Balance 740 originally debuted in the early 2000s as a reliable performance running shoe designed for long-distance pavement runs. Known for its segmented midsole, breathable mesh upper, and ABZORB cushioning, it quickly developed a loyal following among serious runners. In 2024, New Balance brought the model back from the archives –  reimagined as a retrofuturist lifestyle silhouette that honors its early 2000s tech-runner roots. The new version retains signature design elements like angular synthetic overlays, reflective detailing, and technical comfort, now wrapped in contemporary colorways that speak to a generation newly fascinated by Y2K aesthetics.

Pearl Grey

The “Pearl Grey” colorway is arguably the most accessible entry point into the updated 740. It retains a neutral foundation while showcasing the sneaker’s design intricacies through subtle contrast. The upper is dressed in light grey open-knit mesh, allowing breathability and textural depth. Synthetic leather overlays shimmer in a reflective silver finish, offering a visual anchor across the toe, midfoot, and heel.

This edition’s black trimming outlines the panels and overlays with precision, enhancing the structure without overwhelming the minimalistic color palette. The iconic “N” logo is molded in grey TPU, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, while additional reflective detailing on the heel and tongue offers visibility in low-light conditions. On-foot comfort is provided by an ABZORB midsole, which delivers effective shock absorption across urban surfaces. With its understated yet technical appeal, the Pearl Grey colorway exemplifies how the 740 can move between archival nostalgia and modern utility.

atmos pink Pink Vacation

Designed in collaboration with Japanese label atmos pink, the “Pink Vacation” edition reimagines the 740 through a travel-inspired lens. Drawing from the rare pink sands of Indonesia’s Komodo Island, the sneaker is drenched in varying pink hues that transition from soft pastels to saturated coral tones. The base is built from bubblegum pink mesh, layered with silver and fuchsia synthetic overlays that give the shoe its vacation-ready vibe.

Custom insoles feature imagery of a beach sunset, complete with pink water and sand visuals, anchoring the sneaker’s storytelling. The traditional flat laces are swapped for an additional ribbon-style set, adding a styling option that aligns with atmos pink’s emphasis on fashion-forward presentation. Underfoot, a tonal pink ABZORB midsole rests atop a semi-translucent rubber outsole for grip and visual dimension. Functionally sound yet visually playful, the atmos pink Pink Vacation speaks directly to those drawn to sneakers with layered aesthetics and purposeful references.

Black Silver Metallic

Among the most versatile options, the Black Silver Metallic version introduces a futuristic tone to the 740 series. Its upper is built from black open mesh, providing breathability and lightweight structure. The overlays come in silver synthetic leather, outlined in black piping that mirrors panel geometry across the shoe. This sleek contrast enhances the angular silhouette and evokes a design language common to early 2000s tech runners.

Functionality remains intact with a black ABZORB foam midsole, designed to absorb impact across daily activity. A segmented rubber outsole borrowed from the 530 series allows for dependable grip across both smooth and uneven surfaces. The TPU “N” logo in silver sits prominently on the quarter panel, while the heel and tongue branding is embossed with matching metallic ink. As the Y2K running shoe aesthetic becomes increasingly influential, the Black Silver Metallic 740 serves as a bridge between that resurgence and the legacy of 1980s basketball footwear.

Sea Salt Plum

For a softer interpretation of the 740, the Sea Salt / Plum edition layers subtle color choices with functional design. The primary tone, “Sea Salt,” acts as a muted base, allowing the deeper “Plum Brown” accents to punctuate the upper without overtaking it. This pairing results in a quietly luxurious visual identity that differs from the louder designs often associated with retro silhouettes.

The Sea Salt panels, crafted from breathable mesh and synthetic leather, form a lightweight shell, while the Plum overlays introduce warmth and contouring to the midfoot and heel areas. The TPU “N” logo appears in an understated plum shade, providing continuity without distraction. The outsole and midsole continue the neutral story, with ABZORB cushioning embedded for everyday comfort. Whether worn casually or as part of a fashion-forward look, this edition strikes a considered balance between form and function.

Anime Benson Tech

A departure from archival reinterpretation, the Aminé x New Balance 740v2 “Benson Tech” stands apart as a colorway rooted in personal narrative. Named after Aminé’s alma mater, Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, this version is part tribute, part experimentation. The upper features a loud orange mesh base, accented by bright blue synthetic overlays that wrap the toe, sides, and eyestay. The high-contrast palette is matched with orange laces and a translucent orange outsole.

The quarter panel’s “N” branding is delivered in textured orange TPU, while the heel boasts iridescent tabs marked with “CL” and “BN”—a nod to Aminé’s creative label, Club Banana. Inside, the tongue tag references the school’s student-run radio station, offering a direct callback to the artist’s formative years. In terms of construction, the 740v2 enhances the existing model’s specifications with a drawcord-style lace system, improved medial posting for support, and reinforced arch stability. This release blends performance elements with storytelling, resulting in a sneaker that is both expressive and technically refined.

SNEAKERS

Each of these five colorways offers a different perspective on the silhouette – ranging from heritage-inspired neutrals to artist-driven collaborations. Whether drawn to the refined minimalism of Pearl Grey or the maximalist flair of Anime Benson Tech, the 740 series showcases New Balance’s ability to rework archival design through the lens of current style preferences without sacrificing functionality or comfort.