New Balance Early Access is Back

New Balance just wants to be fair. In a world of EQL raffles, constant backdoor accusations, and a return to in-person drops, it can be hard to know if you actually have a shot at a coveted shoe or if you’re pitching pennies into an ocean. New Balance is done with the queued-up waiting games, reintroducing its Early Access program to all New Balance account holders.

What is New Balance Early Access

New Balance early access is the Boston-based brand giving everyone with a New Balance e-store account the chance to buy limited or hyped releases.

Early Access labels will be added to pairs on the New Balance website, and once logged in, New Balance account holders will be able to enter a non-binding Early Access raffle for a chance to cop early. For example, the upcoming New Balance 204L Sherbert drops April 1, 2026, but will open for a one-day Early Access draw on March 31st. Winners of the Early Draw will be notified by email within 24 hours.

Selection and Notification

Unlike SNKRS, winners of the Early Access draw will still have to choose to purchase the shoe or not, with a first-come, first-served timetable after winning notifications go out.

Chosen in limited numbers, the Early Access release rules state that only 150 early winners will be selected for each pair. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing. To stay up on all the latest methods for copping the latest New Balance drops, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com