New Balance Blog

Check out this video from the National Association of Manufacturers on how NB are made, with some interesting manufacturing footage and employee statements. It does remind you that unlike a lot of sneaker companies, NB has a long tradition of domestic shoemaking and are running nerds at heart.

My favorite line is in the first ten seconds – “they don't make cool sneakers for hipsters and club kids.” Guess again, sucka!

Next to the video player there's also a link to a second video about NB's history, whatchoo know about the Chicken Foot Theory??

via NAM

This one cracked me up – the latest version of Monopoly is “Here and Now”, updated for the times with new properties like Times Square, The Mall of America, LAX, South Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge. They've also revamped the playing pieces including a RAZR phone, Toyota Prius, Starbucks coffee, McDonalds fries and – a New Balance sneaker. Nice one Hasbro!

via CNN Money

I passed on posting the original release of this because I really wasn't feeling it and $500 is ridiculous for a pair of New Balance given how many top end models you can get for well under $200. But they've released a second titanium/gunmetal colorway that's a lot nicer looking with some sectsy double-lace action, so if you're willing to spend half a G on a pair of handpainted 574's (not even 576's?), here's your chance. The series is limited to 12 pairs of each color. The original gold/green are on sale for $400 for the bargain basement shoppers.

574 Formula Werks – oregon gold/green

574 Formula Werks “Insider Edition” – titanium/gunmetal

Via slamXhype

The first volume of the 100th anniversary NB x Mita x Atmos featured black/pink (Atmos) and navy/white (Mita) colorways.

Here's volume 2 coming up on Nov 3rd, continuing the trend of one wild, one conservative with a purple/black (Atmos) and gray/navy (Mita) model. They're listed now in the Atmos store so my guess is you can buy them now and they ship on 11/3 – anyone?

We gonna party like – it's ya birthday…

M1700C – Atmos

M1700C – Mita

Via Slam X Hype and Atmos

Solebox, with the help of the the Slam X Hype blog, are auctioning off a prototype pair of swanky red & white 575 trail runners. Only one of this shoe was ever made – in size US 9 – because the design process instead led to the Purple Devil (perhaps making these the “Red Devil”?). You have 3 days to get your initial bids in, so head over to SXH for all the details…

Via Slam X Hype

Word is out that the NB x UNDFTD x Stussy x realmadHECTIC “Triple Threat” pack will be released this Saturday 21st October! If you're in Japan, get yourself to the UNDFTD Shizuoka store that opened earlier this month. The shoes go on sale at 10am along with matching Be@rbrick toy (USD ~$11) and tshirts.

Via HighSnobiety and AltSnk

Alright from time to time when there's not a lot of headlines I'm gonna shout out some stores with impressive deadstock. Here are a few finds at stay246 in Japan.. these are all in very limited sizes, mostly around 8-9 US.. and priced like they know what they're worth.. but it is what it is.
MT580 NB x MITA x Hectic in orange

Again in neon yellow-green, grey and blue

MT580 NB x Stussy x Hectic in “Atlantis”.. or as I like to say, salmon, sea green and #2 brown

And a couple SOLD OUT ones just to rub it in:

574 NB x Underground

574 NB x Haze

Via stay246

Check out this butter Japanese edition premium leather and mesh 574, now available at End Clothing UK for £55.

Via End Clothing

One for the women, just in at Turf Shoes, San Mateo, Killa Cali:

“One of the first in a series of the crosshatch and quilt designs they're dropping on the 578 model this year.

Hella comfortable and matches your low slung hipster jeans.”

via Turf