New Balance 740 Ireland: Where to Buy, Colors, Review

Few sneakers capture the early 2000s running aesthetic quite like the New Balance 740 — and now Irish buyers can pick up a pair without breaking the bank. This guide covers where to buy the 740 in Ireland, the colours available, and how it stacks up against pricier retro models like the 990.

Release year: 2024 ·
Price range (EUR): 100–130 ·
Retail availability: New Balance, schuh, Foot Locker, JD Sports ·
Upper material: Mesh with synthetic overlays ·
Colorways available: Black/White, Blue, Brown/Beige

The table below aggregates key specifications verified through retailer listings and independent lab tests.

What is the New Balance 740?

The New Balance 740 is a retro-inspired lifestyle sneaker that takes its silhouette from early-2000s running shoes. Unlike modern performance trainers, it’s designed for everyday casual wear with a mix of mesh, synthetic overlays, and suede accents — all wrapped around an ABZORB midsole for cushioning (Sneakerjagers sneaker guide). The result is a “throwback 2000s running shoe vibe,” as described by review lab RunRepeat – a more affordable dad shoe alternative to the ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 or Nike Vomero 5.

Key design features of the New Balance 740

• Breathable open-knit mesh upper (JD Sports Ireland (retailer description))
• Synthetic leather overlays for structure and durability (Sneakerjagers)
• ABZORB midsole compression resistance (same source)
• Woven N logo on side panels (New Balance Ireland official product page)
• Rubber outsole with hardness rating of 82.4 HC (RunRepeat lab test)

New Balance 740 vs. New Balance 990

One question that surfaces often is how the 740 compares to the iconic NB 990. The short answer: the 740 is a budget-friendly alternative with a similar chunky silhouette but less premium materials and no Made-in-USA tag. Here’s the contrast:

Where can I buy the New Balance 740 in Ireland?

Irish shoppers have several reliable options, each with distinct colourway selections and delivery speeds.

New Balance 740 at schuh Ireland

Schuh carries the 740 in White/Silver, Grey, and Black — all priced around €110–€120. Delivery includes next-day shipping within Ireland (Schuh Ireland product listings).

New Balance 740 at Foot Locker Ireland

Foot Locker Ireland stocks grade-school sizes in White-White and Black Cement colourways, with adult sizes expected to follow (Foot Locker Ireland collection page). Prices hover around €100–€130.

New Balance 740 at JD Sports Ireland

JD Sports lists the 740 with a breathable open-knit mesh upper and multiple colour options; prices align with other retailers (JD Sports Ireland collection).

New Balance 740 at New Balance Ireland

The brand’s own official site has the widest size run and the most colour options, including exclusive launches. The 740 is listed under the “Lifestyle” category, reinforcing its non-running purpose (New Balance Ireland official product page).

The implication: each retailer serves a different buyer need — speed, selection, or exclusivity.

What colors does the New Balance 740 come in?

The 740 is available in over a dozen colourways globally, with a steady trickle of seasonal and collaborative additions (RunRepeat colour count).

New Balance 740 Black and White

The most versatile option — a clean black mesh base with white synthetic overlays and a crisp N logo. Available at all major Irish retailers.

New Balance 740 Blue

Two main blue variants exist: a ‘Marsh Green’ with metallic silver accents (Sneakerjagers) and an ‘Ice Blue & Sea Stone’ (U740LB2) listed at Sportshowroom.ie (Sportshowroom.ie listing).

New Balance 740 Brown Beige

A warm earth-tone option (U740SJ2) complements the black and white colourways, often sold at Schuh and New Balance Ireland.

The catch: Irish retailers carry only 3–5 core colourways at any given time. Collaborative editions (like the Aminé and Concepts pairs) are typically not stocked locally and require import.

Is the New Balance 740 a running shoe or a lifestyle shoe?

Clear answer: lifestyle sneaker. New Balance itself lists the 740 under “Lifestyle” on its official site (New Balance Ireland category), and independent reviewers confirm it is not suitable for running (RunRepeat: “casual wear only”).

Performance vs. style

• The ABZORB midsole provides moderate shock absorption — fine for walking, inadequate for serious running (RunRepeat lab data).
• Traction is rated as moderate, with outsole rubber durometer of 82.5 HC (hard) — durable for pavement but not trail-ready.
• Breathability is a strong point: the open-knit mesh and synthetic overlays allow airflow (JD Sports description).

Who should buy the New Balance 740?

Anyone in Ireland after an affordable retro sneaker for daily wear — walking to work, weekend errands, college campus, or casual social outings. Runners, hikers, and athletes should look at proper performance models.

What this means: the 740 is a style-first sneaker that borrows performance cues without delivering performance.

Pros and cons

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed

• New Balance 740 is a lifestyle shoe, not a running shoe (New Balance Ireland)
• Price range €100–130 (Sneakerjagers price mention)
• Fits true to size (GOAT)
• Weighs approximately 319g per shoe (RunRepeat)

What remains unclear

• Exact release date in 2024 (revival) — retailers only list “new for 2024”
• Whether wide sizes (2E/4E) will be available in Ireland
• Long-term sole durability beyond initial reviews
• When the next collaboration colourway will land in Irish stores
• If core colourways such as Black/White, Blue, Brown/Beige remain consistently stocked across all retailers
• Whether New Balance Ireland, Schuh, Foot Locker, and JD Sports all maintain full size runs at all times

The pattern: confirmed facts centre on the shoe’s classification and pricing, while unknowns revolve around availability and durability.

What buyers in Ireland are saying

“The New Balance 740 gives off a throwback 2000s running shoe vibe. It’s a more affordable dad shoe alternative.”

— RunRepeat (sneaker testing lab)

“The 740 has a breathable open-knit mesh upper with synthetic overlays for structure — ideal for everyday comfort.”

— JD Sports Ireland (product description)

For Irish buyers eyeing the dad-shoe trend without the price tag, the 740 is a sensible pick. The choice is clear: if you want the 990 look for half the money and don’t need premium materials or running performance, the New Balance 740 delivers. If you value cushioning luxury or US craftsmanship, you’ll need to budget for the 990 or consider ASICS Gel-Kayano 14.

For those who prefer a classic silhouette, the New Balance 574 Ireland guide offers a timeless alternative with similar comfort and style.

Frequently asked questions