The New Balance 5740 M5740LB proves that a classic sneaker doesn’t need to remain unchanged to stay relevant. By combining running-shoe heritage, trail-inspired design, and an unexpected mix of colours, New Balance created a silhouette that feels familiar yet entirely different.
Originally featured by SNKRBOX in February 2021, the M5740LB takes a bold approach to one of the brand’s most recognizable design traditions.
Its oversized “N” logo, layered construction, and colourful heel detailing immediately attract attention. Meanwhile, premium suede, nubuck leather, and breathable mesh provide the textures that give the sneaker its distinctive appearance.
The result is an interesting experiment in contemporary sneaker design.
And for anyone who appreciates New Balance’s ability to balance heritage with innovation, the 5740 deserves a closer look.
What Is the New Balance 5740 M5740LB?
The New Balance 5740 M5740LB is a lifestyle sneaker that reinterprets the brand’s classic running-inspired footwear.
Its design draws from the idea of combining a road-running shoe with a trail-oriented silhouette.
That concept creates an interesting balance.
Road-running shoes typically emphasize efficient movement and everyday comfort. Meanwhile, trail-inspired footwear often incorporates rugged details and a more substantial appearance.
The 5740 brings those visual influences together.
However, the result isn’t a specialized performance shoe.
Instead, New Balance created a fashion-oriented sneaker designed for everyday versatility.
The M5740LB Black/Multi colourway makes that design especially noticeable.
Its contrasting materials and colourful details transform the familiar New Balance aesthetic into something much more expressive.
How the New Balance 5740 Reinvents a Classic
New Balance has a long history of developing running shoes that eventually become lifestyle staples.
The original 574 is one of the clearest examples.
Its recognizable shape, layered upper, and prominent side branding have helped it remain relevant across generations.
The 5740 takes that familiar design language and exaggerates it.
Rather than simply reproducing the proportions of a traditional running sneaker, New Balance introduced a more contemporary silhouette.
The result features a substantial sole, enlarged branding, and distinctive overlays.
These elements give the shoe a stronger visual presence.
Nevertheless, the connection to New Balance heritage remains clear.
That’s what makes the design successful.
It offers something new without completely abandoning the characteristics that made the original concept recognizable.
New Balance M5740LB: Premium Suede, Nubuck and Mesh
One of the most appealing aspects of the New Balance M5740LB is its combination of materials.
The original release features a mesh upper with nubuck leather and premium suede accents.
Each material contributes something different to the overall design.
Mesh introduces texture and helps create a lighter visual appearance.
Meanwhile, nubuck leather gives the sneaker a more structured finish.
Suede adds another layer of texture and reinforces the premium aesthetic.
Together, these materials create depth across the upper.
This is particularly noticeable when the sneaker is viewed from different angles.
The overlapping panels highlight the shoe’s construction, while the contrasting surfaces prevent the design from looking flat.
For sneaker enthusiasts who appreciate material quality, these details are an important part of the 5740’s appeal.
However, premium materials also require care.
Suede and nubuck can be sensitive to moisture and staining. Therefore, owners should consider appropriate cleaning products and protective treatments.
The Oversized New Balance “N” Logo
Branding plays an important role in the M5740LB’s appearance.
The sneaker features an enlarged New Balance “N” logo across its side panels.
Unlike the more restrained branding on some classic New Balance silhouettes, this version makes the logo a central design feature.
Reflective trim adds another visual detail.
The effect is especially noticeable against the sneaker’s layered materials.
However, the oversized logo does more than identify the brand.
It helps establish the 5740’s proportions.
Because the silhouette already features exaggerated elements, a smaller logo might feel visually disconnected from the rest of the design.
Instead, the larger “N” creates balance.
It’s a familiar New Balance detail presented in a different way.
And that’s consistent with the overall philosophy behind the sneaker.
Why the Colourful Heel Makes the M5740LB Stand Out
The most memorable feature of the New Balance 5740 M5740LB may be its heel.
The original Black/Multi release incorporates layered leather details that create a rainbow-like effect.
These colourful panels follow the contours of the shoe.
As a result, the heel becomes a focal point rather than a purely functional part of the construction.
This is an unusual approach for a sneaker rooted in traditional running design.
New Balance often uses neutral colours to emphasize materials and shape.
However, the M5740LB takes a more expressive direction.
The combination of black, contrasting accents, and multicoloured heel panels creates a playful appearance.
Nevertheless, the design remains connected to the sneaker’s layered construction.
The colours don’t simply sit on top of the shoe.
Instead, they emphasize the overlapping materials and distinctive shape.
For collectors who appreciate unusual colourways, this detail gives the M5740LB a personality of its own.
Is the New Balance 5740 Good for Everyday Wear?
The New Balance 5740 was designed around the idea of versatility.
Its running-inspired silhouette and lifestyle construction make it an appealing option for casual outfits.
However, everyday suitability depends on individual comfort, fit, and intended use.
The sneaker’s layered upper and substantial sole create a more pronounced appearance than a minimal running shoe.
For some wearers, that visual weight is part of the attraction.
Others may prefer a slimmer silhouette.
The 5740 works particularly well with relaxed clothing, including denim, joggers, and casual trousers.
Its combination of familiar running-shoe details and contemporary proportions makes it relatively easy to style.
However, it’s important to distinguish versatility from specialized performance.
Although the design borrows from road-running and trail footwear, the M5740LB should primarily be considered a lifestyle sneaker.
Its appearance alone doesn’t establish suitability for demanding trail conditions or serious running.
For everyday casual use, though, the design offers plenty of appeal.
How to Style the New Balance 5740 Black/Multi
The M5740LB Black/Multi offers several styling possibilities.
Because the sneaker incorporates multiple colours, the simplest approach is to let the footwear become the centrepiece of the outfit.
For example, pair it with black trousers and a neutral sweatshirt.
This creates a clean foundation that allows the colourful heel to stand out.
Alternatively, relaxed blue denim and a white T-shirt provide a classic casual combination.
The sneaker’s oversized proportions also work well with contemporary streetwear.
Cargo pants, loose-fitting trousers, and layered outerwear complement its substantial silhouette.
However, you don’t need to match every colour in the shoe.
In fact, too many competing colours can distract from its distinctive construction.
Instead, choose one accent colour from the heel and repeat it subtly through an accessory or clothing detail.
That approach creates a coordinated look without making the outfit feel overly deliberate.
Why the New Balance 5740 Represents a Successful Design Experiment
The most interesting aspect of the New Balance 5740 is its willingness to reinterpret familiar ideas.
Sneaker brands regularly revisit their archives.
Sometimes, they reproduce an original model with minor updates.
Other times, they introduce new materials or colour combinations.
The 5740 takes a more ambitious approach.
It exaggerates the proportions of a familiar running-inspired silhouette while introducing a contemporary design language.
The enlarged logo, layered upper, and substantial sole all contribute to that transformation.
Meanwhile, the M5740LB Black/Multi colourway adds another dimension through its colourful heel detailing.
The result is a sneaker that respects New Balance heritage without feeling restricted by it.
That’s an important distinction.
Successful design experiments don’t always require an entirely new concept.
Sometimes, they involve reconsidering the proportions, materials, and details of something people already recognize.
The 5740 demonstrates how that approach can create a distinctive lifestyle sneaker.
Where Can You Buy the New Balance M5740LB?
The original February 2021 SNKRBOX article highlighted Canadian sneaker retailer Livestock as a source for the M5740LB Black/Multi.
However, this is a historical release, so current availability may differ from the original launch.
Collectors searching for the specific colourway should check established sneaker retailers and reputable resale platforms.
Before purchasing, confirm the model code, size, and condition.
This is particularly important because the 5740 has appeared in multiple colour combinations.
The M5740LB’s layered heel and contrasting materials distinguish it from other versions.
Additionally, buyers should inspect suede and nubuck condition when considering pre-owned pairs.
These materials can show wear differently from synthetic or smooth leather uppers.
For collectors, finding a well-maintained pair may be more important than simply finding the lowest price.
SNKRBOX Verdict: New Balance Gets Experimental Design Right
The New Balance 5740 M5740LB demonstrates how an established footwear brand can revisit its heritage without repeating the past.
Its road-running and trail-inspired influences provide a recognizable foundation.
Meanwhile, the exaggerated proportions and enlarged branding create a more contemporary silhouette.
Premium suede, nubuck leather, and mesh add texture across the upper.
However, the colourful layered heel is what gives this particular release its strongest personality.
For SNKRBOX, the M5740LB represents a successful balance between familiarity and experimentation.
It isn’t trying to replace a specialized running shoe or redefine technical outdoor footwear.
Instead, it takes recognizable New Balance design elements and transforms them into something expressive, versatile, and distinctly modern.
That’s what makes this design experiment worth celebrating.
Explore more sneaker releases, collaborations, and design stories in the SNKRBOX New Balance archive.
