In the world of sneakers where hype is its biggest currency, there is almost a manic obsession with everything new. New Balance, the Boston based sneaker company seems to do things a tad different from the rest. You know the old adage, you can't teach an old dog a new trick? From the point of view of New Balance, there isn't that same desire to churn out a new sneaker every now and then for the sake of moving products. Sure, they put out new colourways, made subtle but massive performance improvement to their kicks and they work on collaborations, but their ethos lies in mastering and perfecting their sneakers, rather than create a new one for the sake of it.
So when New Balance announced the launch of a brand new sneaker silhouette, the 327, we are taking it seriously. Calling the sneaker 'new' is not exactly accurate—the sneaker draws heavy references from 70s runners from New Balance archives, taking elements from different retro sneakers and melding them into the 327. Think elements like the chunky front foot of their iconic 99x series, with a slim EVA foam midsole, an exaggerated N logo from the New Balance 320 and the studded outside that draws reference from the New Balance 355. It feels both familiar yet futuristic at the same time.
The sneaker also sees a mix of suede and nylon fabrics on the upper for that added pop of texture. It will launch with three colourways: a bold blue and orange colour block literation; a black, white and pink version for women's; and the iconic colourway white and grey. From the die-hard New Balance fans to the casual sneaker enthusiast, there is something for everyone. Just don't call the sneaker a comeback, but instead, a birth of a new iconoclast of the house.
The New Balance 327 will be available on the 8th of May online.
