New Balance introduces a fresh model to its catalog for spring—the ML581, which hits shelves this month with a four-piece collection in never- before-seen colorways cooked up in collaboration with select sneaker boutiques around the globe.
The four retailers included in the series are Bodega (Boston), 24 Kilates (Barcelona), Kasina (Seoul), and Mita (Tokyo), with each unique design influenced by the style and culture of the shops’ respective regions. Bodega was inspired by the bold and vibrant color palette of ’90s ski jackets; the colors used in 24 Kilates are remi- niscent of the natural textures and surroundings found along the Spanish coast; Kasina pays homage to the simple elegance of Seoul’s fashion; and Mita embodies pristine, white symbols of Japanese culture.
The stylish sneakers are made tough with an upper from the brand’s 574 runner, says Luis Navarro, product manager of New Balance Lifestyle. “We took a deep dive into what makes our outdoor trail product so reliable and dependable under the toughest conditions, and we pulled some of those features, like the rubberized toe, into our 581,” he notes. “We then added a booty construction to the upper, which gives the consumer a sock-like feel. Lastly, we added a trail- inspired outsole with a lower profile height than our acclaimed MT580 or MT575, while still providing the cushioning and support needed to take on any urban weather conditions.”
Priced at $110, the collaboration drops this month and will be available for a limited time at each of the respective four boutiques and Barneys New York. —L.M.
