The thread starts: “how many pairs of trainers do you own? i currently have 14 pairs.” Take a butchers here!
And 50 Comments later, ends here: “Both of them are New balance, which has a great synergy with the Yoropiko brand, although not an actual collab like the previous Yoropiko/NB project. I got these for the Black Dragons………”.
As part of a greater effort from New Balance to adopt more sustainable practices, newSKY represents an approach towards utilizing recycled materials to create footwear.
The upper of newSKY is made entirely from Eco-fi; a high-quality polyester manufactured from 95% PET plastic bottles. Bottles are chopped into flakes, heated, and molded into fiber, creating a strong, versatile fabric. It takes only about 12 bottles to produce one pound of fiber and only about 8 bottles to create an average pair of newSKY shoes. In addition to the environmental benefits of reusing plastic bottles, it’s Eco-fi’s technical qualities that make it an exceptional textile for footwear.
New Balance has transformed their classic 576 silhouette to create the New Balance 576 Pub Pack with three colorways dubbed the Kings Head, the Red Lion, and the Royal Oak. The collection pays tribute to the time honored tradition of whole heartedly enjoying life.
For over 20 years this Flimby favorite has been “brewed” in England using the finest “ingredients” and “brewing” techniques. With its Cumbrian brewing tradition dating back to 1982, New Balance combines the very best in heritage, craftsmanship, innovation, and imagination.
Each shoe in the 576 Pub Pack is made with premium European full grain leather with references to pub furniture and interiors including lining materials with reference to wall paper or curtains, the original artwork on the tongue label depicting pub livery, and 576 metal lace keepers that reference the beer pumps and bar furniture. The insert represents wood, ceramic or carpet flooring with glass stain around logo
To celebrate the 576’s iconic status, a limited production of The Kings Head, The Red Lion and The Royal Oak classic connoisseur editions will finally be available in the US at Neiman Marcus starting November 10, 2010.
New Balance and J. Crew, two iconic American brands, join forces on a Made-in-USA sneaker collection for Holiday 2010.
Built on New Balance’s legendary 1400 lifestyle silhouette, the New Balance for J. Crew collection was designed, developed and made in New Balance’s Maine factory for the discerning male who appreciates classic styling. The combination of the classic sport styling of New Balance and the clean aesthetic of one of the country’s leading fashion lifestyle brands, J. Crew makes it a perfect collaboration.
The collection features two unique colorways of the 1400 sneaker in premium suedes, which were designed in tandem by J. Crew’s Head of Men’s Design, Frank Muytjens and New Balance. The first, a never-before-created navy and the second, a moss green. In addition, the shoes have domestically tanned leathers from premium made-in-USA partners in an on-going effort to support local American manufacturers.
The limited edition 1400s will be part of the exclusive line at the J.Crew Men’s Shop at The Liquor Store in Manhattan as well as the new J.Crew Men’s Shop in Copley Plaza, Boston starting early November 2010 and will retail for $130.00. They will also be available online at J.Crew.com and sold in the J. Crew catalog.
The Holiday 2010 collection is the first of an ongoing partnership for the two brands. Stay tuned for more on this collaboration in 2011.
The sneakers in the New Balance for DSW Collection have a rich metallic upper which provides lightweight comfort. They also feature a TPU banding detail in the forefoot, giving the shoes a unique feminine flair, and a translucent polished sole unit that adds a glossy pop.
Designed for both men and women, New Balance footwear features the finest construction and quality. Ranging from all-time classic favorites to reinvented modern silhouettes, each Lifestyle shoe features innovative materials and technologies that keep the New Balance brand as relevant and sought after today as it was 100 years ago. Celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and imagination, New Balance Lifestyle fuses classic designs from the past with bold ideas from the future.
New Balance Reintroduces the Pro Court and the Pro Court High
For the fall 2010 season, New Balance Lifestyle is reintroducing the popular heritage Pro Court in both high top and low top styles.
Both the men’s Pro Court and Pro Court High add significant comfort and “feel” for on and off court play. They provide relief to the wear and tear of court play and for the price it’s in another league.
The Pro Court and the Pro Court High both feature a 12 ounce white duck upper, 12 ounce white duck extended saddle, and for added support and durability, they also come with polyethylene footbed inserts with absorbent terry cloth lining for ultimate canvas comfort. The inserts set to the foot for a custom fit as well as providing extra cushioning. The white rubber outsole comes in a herringbone design for traction and durability which is excellent for indoor and outdoor play.
The New Balance Women’s 410 sneaker is a stylish shoe that happens to be lightweight or a lightweight shoe that happens to be stylish. Recognized for its core value of innovation, the women’s 410 has evolved with a new material technology for summer 2010: New Balance is proud to announce an innovative construction of the sonic welded 410 sneaker.
Used for technical clothing, tents and industrial fabrics, sonic welding is an environmentally friendly alternate to sewing or gluing. The process of heat and pressure application to the seams of pattern pieces fuses the shoe together cutting out waste and crafting the 410 to be airtight and watertight. The Sonic 410 takes this classic sneaker into a futuristic and modern realm with the new application of sonic welding.
Deconstructed running silhouette forms to the foot
The 1100 is a form-fitting, deconstructed, running silhouette designed for lifestyle wear. Designed to provide a 360 fit to foot, the 1100 embodies both fashion forward and functional footwear in a style never-before offered by New Balance.
Inspired by New Balance’s running heritage, the 1100 was designed to be both sleek and lightweight. With an upper constructed of mono-mesh, a featherweight textile that results in a nearly weightless shoe and a sole unit designed to provide maximum flexibility and to enhance the fit-to-foot form, the 1100 is truly a first from the brand.
A silicone-injected eyerow causes the lacing structure to uniquely form to each foot providing the wearer with a sense of snug comfort and support. The 1100 additionally features custom-injected fine mold honeycomb detailing on the foxing, a silicone-injected N detail, stretch knit on the tongue and toe on the forefoot, lightweight foam midsole that provides both support without bulk, a heel that features Abzorb cushioning and a velvet-like textile to give the shoe a soft lining on the heel collar.
The New Balance M996 has been reissued in limited production and will be available exclusively at Fred Segal in LA.
The classic heritage running sneaker from New Balance features all-over premium pigskin leather and most notably is made here in the U.S. at one of New Balance’s Maine factories.
The 996 was first introduced in 1988 and with an improved midsole, (utilizing the ENCAP® heel with a C-CAP midsole) was the best stability and cushioning combo to date. The 996 also featured the first use of 3M Scotchlight reflective trim for safer night time running by New Balance.
Only 47 pairs of the M996 will be available at Fred Segal (Santa Monica) beginning on May 13th.
On the same date and location, there will be a New Balance West Coast Release party for the New Balance Sonic collection.
Fred Segal
500 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394 – 9814
The New Balance Limited Edition Boston 993, a special customized version of New Balance’s heritage running shoe, will debut just in time for Boston Marathon weekend.
Available for men and women in colors inspired by the prestigious race such as black suede with lime contrast stitching for men and lake blue stitching for women. The limited edition shoes will also feature the words/letters “RUN BOS” on the heels of the shoe. The shoes are manufactured in the U.S. and will have a suggested retail price of approximately $150.00.
Only 72 total pairs are being created – 36 women’s and 36 men’s. The Limited Edition Boston 993 will be sold exclusively at the Tannery on Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts beginning Friday, April 16th.
New Balance Made or Assembled in America
Twenty-five percent of New Balance shoes sold in North America are produced by their US workforce using US and imported materials. When possible, they obtain materials from domestic suppliers. At times, due to availability, economic or quality reasons, there is a need to import components from foreign sources. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, they have labeled the shoe “Made in the USA.” Where it falls below 70%, they have qualified the label referencing domestic and imported materials. This determination is based in part on the Federal trade Commission’s survey of consumers.
Following the success of the initial New Balance for Nine West collection launch, spring 2010 introduces updated designs and colors while keeping the look bright, fun and light weight. Continuing to combine New Balance’s innovative performance and material technology with Nine West’s female fashion know-how, the fresh spring line introduces feminine patterns, materials and colors perfect for the modern woman.
The New Balance for Nine West collection is designed by a team led by Savania Davies-Keiller and Roberto Crivello, New Balance Creative Directors, and Fred Allard, Nine West Creative Director. Material, color and design direction comes from both parties in a true collaboration of talent, technology and design.
New for spring 2010, the 460 transforms into a holiday favorite. Wear your heart on your feet this Valentine’s Day with a New Balance 460 designed especially for the day of love. The sneaker features a translucent rubber outsole with a heart pattern and heart-shaped accents adorning the tongue, heel tab and insert of the shoe, allowing the wearer to send a subtle message of love for the holiday.
New Balance, one of the world’s leading running brands, announces the opening of its first Experience Store on Shanghai’s Huai Hai Road. It is New Balance’s second Experience Store in China, following the opening of its first on Beijing’s Qianmen Avenue last year. Senior executives from the company, including Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Darren Tucker, and China Managing Director, Michael Wellman, attended the grand opening to witness this exciting event. “Our goal is to produce the best quality and most comfortable running shoes for our consumers,” explains Darren Tucker, Regional General Manager, and Asia Pacific. Proudly expressing the business philosophy of New Balance, the century-old American sporting brand, he continued, “New Balance sets a new standard of retail excellence within the global marketplace to celebrate our innovation and pay tribute to our heritage. We hope that consumers will engage with our rich brand story that is 104 years in the making.”
Experience the Rich Heritage
Occupying more than 200 square meters, the New Balance Experience Store is located on the first floor of the Novel Building, Shanghai. With its charming brick walls, wooden display windows, nostalgic old telephones and iron chandeliers, the interior décor creates a sense of subtlety, which captures the legacy and essence of New Balance. The store feels both classic and modern, perfectly encapsulating the brand’s heritage and innovation. The Experience Store is designed such that a panoramic view of the ceiling unfurls the brand’s past, present and future, telling Shanghai the magnificent story of New Balance’s one hundred and four year history in making shoes.
Rooted in China, Promoting a Running Culture
In addition to this new store in Shanghai, New Balance will soon open ten more experience stores in major cities across China. China Managing Director Michael Wellman explains that New Balance thinks very highly of the Chinese market, “New Balance has been working to provide the highest quality running shoes to Chinese consumers since we entered the Chinese market in 2003. These new Experience Stores offer a completely original shopping experience to our customers. Meanwhile, we hope that we can bring the idea of a running culture, which is so popular elsewhere, to China. This year, we will hold our New Balance “6km Run” in six of China’s major cities. We will also be organizing a variety of activities for runners of all levels. Let’s get running!”
Bringing Together Performance and Lifestyle
The new Experience Store on Huai Hai Road, Shanghai displays New Balance’s entire product line: sports footwear, apparel and a variety of sports accessories, available for all seasons and for men, women and kids, bringing the complete New Balance experience to consumers. Prime position is given to New Balance’s series of high performance running shoes. New Balance has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation in performance footwear. As a complement, the lifestyle series caters to customers looking for fashionable colors and elegant designs. These two series perfectly integrate high technology with fashionable design, exhibiting New Balance’s traditional craftsmanship and its modern spirit.
For over one hundred and four years, New Balance has passionately and diligently held fast to the aim of producing the best quality and most comfortable products.
New Balance clears the way. The old snowed-in excuse won’t fly this winter for Boston runners looking for an excuse not to work out, thanks to a new initiative cooked up by New Balance. The athletic company lined up a deal with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure locals will have clear running paths along the Charles River through this spring’s Boston Marathon. New Balance chief executive officer Rob DeMartini said, “Outdoor recreation is vital this time of year with so many athletes training for the Boston Marathon. We want to help provide area fitness enthusiasts, both serious and casual, the best terrain along the Charles River.”
Following an extremely successful and well-received launch, renowned sneaker brand New Balance is teaming up with Nine West to produce a second season of comfortable and stylish sneakers.
The two brands combined their knowledge on innovation, design and style for the collaboration, which first launched in spring 2009. The second season, with new styles starting to trickle in this fall, promises new, equally fashion-forward styles in a variety of bold colors.
Edek – An update on the popular Kiki style from spring, this hi-tech design features military-inspired waxed canvas uppers with metallic leather strap detailing. Available in two color combinations including: black/pewter and navy/copper. MSRP: $89.00.
Adapted – This hi-top is funky, edgy and cool. Available in three color combinations including: black/white/red, black/white/blue and black/white/hot pink.
MSRP: $89.00.
New Balance x Concepts: Freedom Trail Collection & Launch Party
More than 300 people came out to celebrate the launch of the New Balance and Concepts’ Freedom Trail Collection hitting stores on Black Friday. DJs Doo Wop and Brek.One entertained the crowd into the morning while guests enjoyed cocktails and sweets. The Freedom Trail Collection introduces the first ever 875 boot and re-imagines the 1500 sneaker-both in buttery chocolate nubuck and red lace detail. The collection was produced in limited numbers and will only be available at Concepts and select stores around the globe.
Boston-based New Balance announces the next collection from the brand’s Partnership Program – The Freedom Trail Collection- designed and developed in tandem with venerable sneaker shop, Concepts, in Cambridge, MA.
Featuring two silhouettes from New Balance’s USA team, The Freedom Trail Collection re-introduces the classic 1500 sneaker and launches the first ever 875 boot.
Inspired by one of Boston’s most celebrated landmarks, The Freedom Trail, the collection pays homage to the shared importance of historic Boston as both New Balance and Concepts share headquarters in this New England city. With a nod to the Freedom Trail’s red footpath and the brown brick of Boston’s antiquated North End neighborhood, the shoes came to life in premium brown leather and red accents.
“We were very much inspired to create something that was premium, outdoorsy and spoke directly to our Boston roots,” stated Frank Rivera, brand manager and buyer for Concepts. According to Rivera, “When we first sat down with New Balance, we saw a lone boot sitting in the corner of the room on its side. We grabbed it and at first sight, knew this boot needed to be introduced to the marketplace. This was the 875. As for the 1500, we have always known about this classic sneaker and were inspired to re-invent this model with a Concepts look and feel.”
The 1500 is a heritage New Balance style originally built domestically back in 1989. The 1500 was originally built as a fully-loaded technical running shoe. Specific detail executed solely for Concepts include: full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining (more luxurious and breathable that a comprable synthetic product), and embossed tongue tag.
The 875 is a brand new style launched to the public for the first time via The Freedom Trail Collection. The boot was designed for comfort and durability. The sole unit includes New Balance Rollbar technology for maximum support and stability. Additionally, NB designers used a PU Wedge in the heel (similar to the wedge that offers superior support in the NB 993) and compression molded EVA in the forefoot. The 875 features a full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining, and embossed tongue tag.
Regarding the introduction of the 875, Luis Navarro, product manager for New Balance Lifestyle stated, “With the increasing popularity of outdoor footwear, we saw the opportunity for New Balance to tap into the brand’s trail heritage with the introduction of the 875. Featuring proprietary New Balance trail technology including Rollbar, the 875 is a fully functional trail boot dressed up in the most premium of materials.” Navarro continued, “As a brand, we have a strong heritage in trail and we have a strong position if we play to that heritage and leverage our background and experience in this category.
New Balance x 686 Snowboard/Sneaker Launch Party
New Balance and snowboard company, 686, celebrated the onset of cool weather with the East Coast launch party for their first-ever collection, 686 Times New Balance Collection held on Thursday night, October 22nd at renowned sneaker store, Concepts, in Cambridge, MA. More than 100 guests attended to view the collection.
ABOUT THE COLLABORATION:
For the first time, New Balance and rider-owned and operated 686 come together to introduce a winter collection of boots, footwear, outerwear and accessories. The collection is a perfect combination of historical legitimacy, quality craftsmanship, technical wisdom and progressive minimalistic design. We call it: 686 Times New Balance.
At the forefront of the 686 X New Balance collection is the 580 Times New Balance Snowboard Boot. The boot combines proprietary New Balance patented technologies including Rollbar stability and Abzorb cushioning along with 686 BOA FOCUS system and Recco avalanche technology. The result is a fully functional, technically advanced snowboard boot with a sneaker-like fit.
To compliment the 686 X New Balance collection, we have customized one of our most celebrated silhouettes- the 580 – with Times collection colors and materials for off-mountain wear.
From its origins in the mid 90’s as a trail running sneaker, to the special modern day partnerships between iconic Japanese brands, the 580 has become a global object of obsession. The 580 Times New Balance Sneaker features timeless design qualities, premium materials and technological footwear advances in footwear.
While the 580 has a storied past, the special 686 models boast contemporary materials for clean styling and reliable comfort and fit. It is this combination of classic heritage and modern function that rests at the core of the 686/New Balance partnership.
The 686 X New Balance collection will also include: 575 Times Insulated Jacket featuring Infidry dry technology, DWR durable water repellency and Recco avalanche rescue system technology; 580 Times 3-Ply Jacket with fully taped 3-ply seams, water resistant technology and Recco avalanche rescue system technology; 580 Times New Era Hat; Gradient Times Zip Hoody, Gradient Times T-shirt and Sole Times T-shirt.
“686’s dedication as a core brand in snowboarding and their dedication to product performance, aesthetics, and quality are what make this a natural partnership” says Joe Casagrande, general manager for New Balance Lifestyle, “Similar to New Balance, 686 is an independent, directional, and authentic brand that has had success over the years, but has not become overly hyped or too commercial.”
Michael Akira West, owner and creative director at 686, adds, “Sneakers have been a part of my life just as much as snowboarding and skateboarding, and I hope to bring to board sports what NB has done in the performance and lifestyle categories”. West continued, “New Balance and 686 share similar backgrounds in quality workmanship, technical fits and being independently operated. Combining the two brands will definitely create excitement.”
The New Balance Black Licorice 442 Collection
New Balance’s Black Licorice 442 collection for fall 2009 is a sweet combination of clean black uppers with bold neon hits.
Available in black/fuschia, black/pink and black/lime versions featuring neon rubber outsoles and extra neon laces for personalization.
Each pair comes in a special, Black Licorice black/neon collector’s box. MSRP: $55.00. Available at Shoe Carnival, Shoe Show and Finishline.
New Balance and aerie by American Eagle, the intimates and dormwear line from American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. announces the introduction of the New Balance 600, a new fitness lifestyle shoe. The NB 600 is now available exclusively at all aerie standalone stores across the country. Offered at $65, the shoe is designed to complement aerie f.i.t., aeries fitness and workout wear line.
The NB 600 features a comfort molded EVA sole unit, Abzorb (a proprietary cushioning foam that resists compressions for all day comfort) and a lightweight mesh upper. The 600 is available in two trendy color combinations of grey/pink and white/lime, the perfect solution for the girl who wants an athletic look without sacrificing fashion.
With this program we have the opportunity to reach a style-savvy consumer with fashionable athletic footwear that merchandises with the incredible range of aerie, says Steve Gardner, strategic business unit manager for New Balance Lifestyle. It’s a program that brings a fresh perspective to product and merchandising, while synergizing these two great brands.
“We are excited to offer an exclusive, performance shoe to complete the aerie f.i.t. collection for our customers,” said Christiane Pendarvis, chief merchandising officer aerie. “New Balance is the ideal partner for us given their reputation for quality and style.”
Since its launch in fall of 2007, aerie f.i.t. has been a successful component of the aerie lifestyle brand. It includes a variety of exercise clothing and accessories including pants, leggings, shorts, sports bras, tees, tanks, hoodies, wind stoppers, vests, caps and headbands. Each piece is designed for high functionality as well as style. aerie Fit Sweat Free Fabric is wickable, pulling moisture away from the body, and includes Real Cool Cotton, which prevents overheating. Other details include hidden money pockets, reflective piping and special flat-seam construction.
NEW BALANCE INTRODUCES THE KALEIDOSCOPE 460 COLLECTION FOR FALL 2009
The 460 launched in spring 2009 to overwhelming reviews. The next incarnation in women’s lifestyle sneakers, the 460 is the perfect balance where sport meets fashion, comfort co-exists with style and no detail has been spared.
Featuring textured mesh uppers the 460 boasts trendy colors and contrast stitching. This collection features a kaleidoscope insert and collar lining detail. Each pair has a unique kaleidoscope tongue label.
The 460 Kaleidoscope collection will be available in four colorways: white/pink/purple, white/coral/teal, navy/beige/red and grey/pink and will retail for $65.00.
The original award winning trail shoe from 1979 gets updated. Re-launched for the first time in more than 30 years is the 455, an original 1979 trail shoe that has been updated with modern materials and sophisticated color blocking for spring/summer 2009.
Designed and manufactured in New Balance’s factory in Flimby, England, the 455 has a three layer lugged outsole capable of dispersing shock and offering excellent traction-a lot of bells and whistles that stem from the fact that this was an actual award-winning trail shoe more than 30 years ago. The 455 was the trail shoe of its day and today remains a classic.
The history of New Balance begins at the beginning of the 20th Century in Cambridge, Massachusetts. New balance had made its duty to help humans with foot problems, they improved the fitting of the shoes. Inserts and shoes on prescription remained to 1961 the cornerstone of the enterprise, until the “Trackster” , was brought out. The worldwide first running shoe with score-sole, which was available also in several different widths. During the 60s the reputation of New Balance grew as an innovatively producing enterprise by mouth propaganda. When Jim Davis bought the enterprise on the day of the Bosten Marathon of 1972, he committed himself to the original virtue of the enterprise: Good fitting of the shoes, achievement and production.
The New Balance Topmodells: 1500, 860, 576 and 801 (New in 2007) are still hand-made in England. Materials of highest quality are main part of the new collection independent whether in the Far East or in England produced. Worth mentioning are also the new acquisitions: 801,872 and 782 from the Trailrange. In 2007 New Balance will have the 576, 860 and 574 as women styles.