New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker - Recycled Mesh Comfort

Our review of the New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker finds it best suited for everyday wearers who want a dependable, retro-styled trainer with modern material updates. The single biggest reason to buy is the blend of comfort and conscious materials: the shoe pairs classic ENCAP cushioning with recycled mesh and a partly bio-based midsole for reduced environmental impact, making it a solid choice for commuters, casual walkers, and anyone who prioritizes long-wear comfort without flashy tech. Fit can vary slightly by foot shape, but overall the 574 Core is an easy everyday option.

Key Features

• ENCAP midsole: delivers stable, all-day support by combining soft foam with a durable polyurethane rim for consistent cushioning on pavement.
• Bio-based midsole foam: uses approximately 3% renewable content to help reduce carbon footprint while still offering responsive underfoot feel.
• Recycled mesh upper: vamp, collar and tongue are made from 100% recycled polyester to lower waste without sacrificing breathability.
• Recycled rubber outsole: includes 5% recycled rubber in the outsole for added durability and improved environmental credentials.
• Extended width options: available in wider sizes to accommodate broader feet and improve daylong comfort for more wearers.

Who It's For

The 574 Core is ideal for women seeking a versatile, retro-inspired sneaker that works for daily walking, errands, and casual office environments; its ENCAP cushioning and supportive design make it comfortable for multi-hour wear. It also appeals to buyers who care about incremental sustainability gains through recycled materials and a small share of bio-based foam.

Those who run long distances or need highly technical running shoes should look elsewhere, as this model emphasizes lifestyle comfort over high-performance running features. Also consider other New Balance running lines if you require advanced motion control or race-focused lightness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, stable cushioning that suits all-day wear and casual activity.
• Notable sustainable updates with 100% recycled mesh panels and partial bio-based foam.
• Available in extended widths to fit a wider range of foot shapes.
• Classic, versatile silhouette that pairs well with many outfits.

Cons

• Some customers report inconsistent sizing and occasional durability concerns, so fit and longevity may vary by wearer.

Specifications

Model	574 Core
Midsole	ENCAP with soft foam and polyurethane rim
Bio-based content	Approximately 3% midsole foam from renewable sources
Upper	Vamp, collar and tongue in 100% recycled polyester mesh
Outsole	Rubber with 5% recycled rubber
Widths	Includes extended width sizes

Our Verdict

The New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker is a sensible pick for anyone wanting a dependable, stylish everyday shoe with some sustainability improvements. Its stable ENCAP cushioning and recycled upper deliver comfort and reduced environmental impact, making it good value for those prioritizing versatility over performance running features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these true to size?
Many customers find the 574 Core fits true to size, but a notable minority report sizing variations, so trying them on or checking the brand size guide is recommended.

Do these have good arch support?
The shoes provide reliable arch support for everyday wear thanks to the ENCAP midsole, which many customers cite as comfortable for extended use.

How sustainable are they?
This model uses 100% recycled polyester in the mesh, about 3% bio-based midsole foam, and 5% recycled rubber in the outsole, representing modest but meaningful sustainability steps.