New Balance 327 Review

New Balance's 327 represents a bold fusion of 70s-inspired design and contemporary comfort, garnering significant attention in the lifestyle sneaker market. Based on extensive analysis of 390 customer reviews, this retro-modern sneaker delivers strong style credentials but presents some noteworthy considerations regarding fit and durability.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 based on 390 customer reviews
Best For: Fashion-conscious consumers seeking versatile daily wear sneakers
Key Strengths: Distinctive retro design, excellent versatility, immediate comfort
Notable Limitations: Narrow toe box, inconsistent sizing, quality control issues

What Makes the 327 Stand Out?

The 327 captures attention through its distinctive oversized 'N' logo and unique silhouette that pays homage to New Balance's 1970s running heritage. The combination of suede and nylon upper materials creates a premium look that sets it apart from conventional lifestyle sneakers.

What truly distinguishes the 327 is its ability to bridge the gap between retro sportswear and contemporary fashion. As one customer notes, "These are a great crossover option for athleisure and jeans plus they're super comfortable. Very happy with this choice!"

The shoe's design philosophy emphasizes versatility without sacrificing style, featuring an eye-catching outsole design that extends up the heel, creating a unique profile that garnered frequent compliments according to user reviews.

Real Customer Experiences

The overwhelming majority of users express high satisfaction, particularly regarding style and initial comfort. One reviewer shared, "I walked in only these shoes in Paris last week. We walked 100,105 steps while there and these shoes were perfect. I have never said that about any other shoe."

However, some users report significant concerns about quality issues and sizing inconsistencies. A particularly telling review notes: "Love the 327 in general. All of the styles, colors, materials are perfect. My only beef and it's a big beef is the quality control. I own 22 pairs of the 327's and 10 of those I have had to send back because they run extremely small."

Design and Build Quality

The 327 features a suede and nylon upper construction with animal-print accents and an oversized N logo. While the design receives universal praise, quality control appears inconsistent. Several users reported issues with color bleeding, particularly in suede versions, and material separation problems.

Comfort and Fit

Initial comfort is consistently praised, with many users reporting excellent out-of-box comfort. However, the narrow toe box emerges as a common complaint, particularly for those with wider feet. As one customer explains, "These shoes are cute and mostly comfy, but after wearing for a few hours, I was limping. The toe box area is just too narrow."

Style and Versatility

The 327's style versatility stands out as its strongest attribute. Users consistently praise its ability to pair with multiple outfit types, from casual to business casual. "They are stylish enough to turn heads but never compromise on support," notes one reviewer.

Quality and Durability

Quality experiences vary significantly. While some users report excellent longevity, others experience early wear issues and material problems. The most common durability concerns include color bleeding in suede versions and separation issues between materials.

Value for Money

At its mid-range price point, the 327 delivers strong value for those prioritizing style and casual wear. However, durability concerns affect the long-term value proposition for some users.