The Rise of the New Balance 530 in Kigali with Insights from Ndindabo Nelly
BY WIIIiWALK
march 29, 2025
Fashion trends come and go, but some make a strong comeback, reshaping the style landscape in the process. One such trend taking over Kigali is the resurgence of the New Balance 530 sneaker. This retro running shoe, originally launched in the early 1990s, has found its way back onto the streets, becoming a must-have for both men and women. To understand this shift, we spoke to professional model and stylist Ndindabo Nelly, who, as a trendsetter herself, shared her insights into why the 530 is now at the forefront of Kigali’s fashion scene.
“The New Balance 530 is everywhere,” Nelly notes with a smile. “If you don’t own a pair, it almost feels like you’re missing out on one of the biggest fashion trends right now. It’s no longer just a sneaker—it’s a wardrobe staple.”
Fashion has been leaning towards an effortless, ‘anti-fashion’ aesthetic, where comfort is just as important as style. As someone who embraces individuality and nostalgic fashion, Nelly acknowledges how her generation, Gen Z, has played a huge role in bringing back the 530. “We Gen Z love Y2K-inspired looks,” she says. “We know how to turn practical items into fashion statements. The 530 fits perfectly into that mix—it’s stylish, gender-neutral, and incredibly easy to wear.”
Designed for performance and comfort, the original 530 featured New Balance’s signature ABZORB cushioning, providing excellent shock absorption and a soft, comfortable feel. Today, those same features are being appreciated in a whole new way. “People want sneakers that don’t just look good but also feel great to wear,” Nelly points out. “That’s why the 530 is thriving right now.”
Influencers and celebrities have played a significant role in boosting the sneaker’s popularity, styling it with everything from baggy pants to satin skirts. What was once seen as a simple running shoe is now a high-fashion essential. Even here in Rwanda, we trendsetters are making the New Balance 530 part of our everyday looks. “It’s the perfect shoe for an ‘off-duty’ aesthetic,” Nelly adds. “Whether you’re going for a casual day out or mixing it with more elevated pieces, the 530 just works.”
Kigali has always been in tune with global fashion trends. Not too long ago, the Adidas Samba was the most talked-about shoe in the city—and globally. Ask any shoe seller in Downtown Mall about the best-selling sneaker of late 2024, and they would have likely pointed to the Samba. But things are changing. The New Balance 530 is now the new favorite, alongside other models from the brand.
“Fashion is always evolving,” Nelly observes. “The Samba had its moment, but now, the 530 is taking over. It’s versatile, comfortable, and fits right into today’s style landscape.”
Another reason for its rising popularity is the brand’s strategic collaborations with designers and influencers. The 530’s gender-neutral design and adaptable look make it an ideal fit for today’s fashion-forward crowd. “When we stylists and influencers put our own spin on a sneaker, it inspires people to try it for themselves,” Nelly says. “And that’s exactly what’s happening with the 530.”
Whether you’re a longtime sneaker fan or just getting into the trend, the New Balance 530 is more than just a comeback—it’s a symbol of how fashion is evolving. And as Kigali continues to embrace global trends, it’s clear that this sneaker isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
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