New Balance Blog

Bit late on this one but if you’re into customized kicks and want to read about, buy and sell custom sneakers, check out the somewhat-newly-relaunched Customsnkr.com. Let’s see some NB representation over there! ; )

Also in Aug 2008 look out for the Lfstl x NB 577 collaboration presented by Rotterdam’s Lijfstijl. Lfstl has chosen the 577 to remix because of its “timeless character” and sporty profile, making it a rare yet all-time favorite in Holland.

This release celebrates Lfstl’s new cockroach branding. The mighty roach is of course itself a symbol of adaptation and survival. Lfstl makes the connection here to the 577 style which has undergone many reinterpretations over time, as well as to Rotterdam itself which was painfully yet creatively reconstructed following controversial German WWII bombings in 1940.

The shoe features grey, black, white, petrol and purple colors, representing certain aspects of Rotterdam. “Grey, black and white are regularly used colours in all buildings. Petrol indicates the industry and harbour, but also the river that runs through Rotterdam and divides the city in two. Purple translates innovation in architecture and Rotterdam’s open-minded character.”

Materials include Lfstl’s favorites, drawn from their experience and passion for sneakers: gum sole, pigskin suede, black premium crocodile leather, white patent and perforated suede.

Hanon Shop over in Aberdeen, Scotland has collaborated with Ventile and New Balance to produce the Flying Club M670. Scheduled for the end of August 2008, production will be limited to 150 pair of each color: “Tornado” grey (M670GKY) and “Spitfire” red (M670BRY). Retail price is GBP 74.95

hanon Flying Club - NB M670GKY - Tornado

hanon Flying Club - NB M670BRY - Spitfire

Once again Hanon has done a great job of applying rare luxury and technical materials to a customized upper with classic style and old school details.

Features include:
- classic single-piece “N” in a 70’s/80’s style (gold/yellow as to be expected from hanon!)
- superior Wolverine leathers
- sueded pigskins
- vintage bound & unbagged mesh tongue
- Ventile smart fabric application
- 100% cotton old school laces
- aged EVA midsole unit
- custom propeller plane tongue label
- original polyurethane collar lining

Ventile is a British-made, densely-woven, 100% cotton, all-weather, breathable fabric. It was made popular in WWII by its application to flying suits worn by pilots who were required to bail into the ocean. Ventile is still used by tornado pilots with the RAF and NATO, as well as by Antarctic explorers and climbers of Mt. Everest.

hanon Flying Club - NB M670GKY - Tornado

hanon Flying Club - NB M670BRY - Spitfire

hanon Flying Club - NB M670GKY - Tornado

hanon Flying Club - NB M670BRY - Spitfire

New Balance and Nine West are set to announce a partnership to create a co-branded line of women’s shoes named New Balance for Nine West.

Nine West said the collection gives the consumer more performance options.

“It’s for a woman who wants to have some fashion with her technology,” said Andy Cohen, Nine West CEO of footwear, accessories and retail. “I don’t think we have had that in the market for her.”

Spring 2009 will see the launch of up to 20 new $79-and-up styles at selected Nine West, New Balance and boutique locations. NineWest.com will host a microsite dedicated to the line.

While the exact number of SKUs that will comprise the inaugural spring ’09 collection has yet to be finalized (the target is near 20), the lineup currently includes sneaker looks — many built on existing New Balance platforms, including the 410 running style — slip-ons, ballet flats and sandals.

All the shoes were built, Allard said, to emphasize a feeling of lightness and femininity. Materials include transparent shells, T-shirt-inspired jersey and premium leathers. In keeping with the styles’ athletic DNA, a premium was placed on breathability and comfort, with New Balance’s proprietary Abzorb cushioning and memory foam materials used in several styles.

via Footwear News

Available now at the UNDFTD shop in Red, Pesto and Fuschia for $188 a pop.

“New Balance is pleased to announce the introduction of the Elements 576 Collection, featuring a theme inspired by the basis of the universe according to Chinese Taoism: the elements. Three of the five elements in this age-old theory are realized in a collection of limited-edition shoes – Earth, Wood and Water.”

M576LET - Earth - available April 1, 2008

M576LEEW - Wood - available May 1, 2008

M576LEW - Water - available June 1, 2008

“The Elements 576 collection features design details that reflect each of the three elemental concepts. For instance, “Earth” features brown contrast stitching, a medial pattern reminiscent of layers of sediment and materials used to convey soil. “Wood” features a black and green design to signify tree bark and leaves, medial embroidery of trees and a unique “peel leather” to convey bark. “Water” embodies Zen-like serenity and tranquility, with a blue/white colorway, transparent rubber outsole and a recurring pattern of water bubbles.”

“Each shoe has a distinctive Chinese touch: the medial side of every Elements 576 shoe features the Chinese character that represents the shoe’s respective element.

The Elements 576 collection will be available in limited quantities and will retail for $100.00. The shoes will debut at retail spaced out over the spring: “Earth” is available 4/1/08, “Wood” will be available 5/1/08 and “Water” will be available 6/1/08″

If you’re like me by the time the holidays actually come around you’re pretty shopped-out, but it looks like the end-of-year sales have begun.

Check out the discounted NB selection at Size? UK with 50-60% off some models including the Red Devil 670, Brown/Purple UK 990, Trail Busters, Japanimation 990, and a couple camo-inside-print UK 1500s. Limited sizing so act quickly.

Also I’ve noticed District Footwear here in the Bay Area always has a few recent NB models on sale, usually 50% off remaining sizes so that’s one to keep an eye on.

Peace and Happy Holidaze!

The fourth and latest edition of NB’s Super Team 33 (ST33) collection, available in three exclusive designs, this time by the Asia Pacific Team.  The 1400 model serves as the base model again, this time for a theme inspired by the natural elements – wood and Earth, Water, Metal and Fire.The design team did a great job capturing the essence of the specific elements with each design.  “Fire and Metal” features a metallic design on the red and black uppers.  The “Wood and Earth” style has a tree on the instep and wood-like pebbled-leather upper.  “Water” features a patent toe and a gum sole with visual water bubbles.  All in all another solid release from NB.  These hit stores October 20^th and should retail for $200.

Water

Fire and Metal

Wood and Earth

Pics via: Cool Hunting

Check out this hot collab between solebox  and New Balance.  Sneaker Freaker broke these and we are still waiting for a release date.  These 1500 feature a nice mix of suede, patent, and mesh.  The colors work great together and the white leather/mesh mix make the texture of the suede really stand out.  Very Nice!

pics via Sneaker Freaker

These AO9 release on the last day of December ‘07. The white version was previewed earlier on NBB. These particular A09’s sport the one piece construction and have hemp uppers, which you can see in the pic and some sweet detailing.