Welcome to Sneaker News #107. New Balance is heading back to the final year of the ’90s, bringing back the 1000 in a Y2K-centric metallic silver colourway. Interestingly, Nike is making similar moves with its Shox R4 drop, also coming in metallic silver. If the turn of the millennium isn’t your thing, there are shoe collaborations between Jaden Smith and New Balance, HIDDEN NY and Asics and Puma and KidSuper to look out for. Check it all out below.
New Balance 1000 ‘Silver Metallic’
The New Balance 1000 ‘Silver Metallic’, throws it back to the final year of last millennium. These kicks feature a black mesh upper accentuated by metallic silver synthetic overlays, giving them a distinctive Y2K look. Webbed eyelets ensure a secure fit, while a black ‘N’ logo and ‘1000’ badge add to the look. It’s all topped off by a cream-coloured dual-density C-CAP midsole and ABZORB cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Subtype is running a raffle for these right now if you’ve got your heart set on them.
In a Q&A with Man of Many, Shinya Ohno, New Balance Footwear Design Manager – Lifestyle said the upcoming colourways for the sneaker will have a feminine skew to match women’s fashion: “These 1000 colours are specially designed with an image that matches women’s fashion. The sneaker trend is strongly influenced by women’s fashion. I think this shoe has just the good volume feel to match washed denim and wide bottoms.” Even still, we think there’s plenty of potential for these to lean masculine and we can definitely see these with a pair of double-knee pants or carpenters.
At the time of writing, you can still pick up a pair in the debut colourway online at New Balance and Subtype linked below ($250 AUD).
Nike Shox R4 ‘White and Metallic Silver’
Nike coming through with a piece of Y2K nostalgia with the re-introduction of the Nike Shox R4.
Originally breaking onto the scene in 2000, this iconic sneaker caught eyes throughout the industry with its bold aesthetic. Crafted with a silky-smooth synthetic upper adorned with fluid ripples and laser perforations, the design draws inspiration from spacesuits and astronaut gear. The signature feature of the Shox R4 is its four compressive columns that elevate the heel, providing both stability and unparalleled bounce. This fresh edition is dressed in smooth white synthetic leather with accents of Metallic Silver and Max Orange. Head to Nike on 29th April for your chance to cop.
Nike Dunk Low SE ‘Sail and Dark Marina Blue’
It’s 2024 and we’re still getting fresh Nike Dunk drops that are fetching big re-sale costs. We expect similar to happen with this latest ‘Sail and Dark Marina Blue’ release. From the Mercado Collection, a tribute to the vibrant sneaker culture of 1990s Mexico City, this special edition masterpiece blends the retro and contemporary, featuring a Sail leather upper complemented by Dark Marina Blue accents and pops of University Red. Complete a timeless gum sole and a padded collar for supreme comfort, these Dunks are yet another drop from the silhouette that are a must.
Puma x KidSuper Palermo
Puma continues its successful collaboration with style gurus KidSuper as they turn their attention to the comeback of the Palermo. Created by founder Colm Dillane, the multi-talented individual with a background in professional football, design, art, and directing, this collection draws inspiration from his deep love for the game. Combining sleek yellows and blues with an ash grey upper, it’s part of a full Sports Club collection reflecting Dillane’s passion for football. Cop a pair at Subtype right now.
Reebok x Pleasures Club C Bulk ‘Sport Green/White’
Reebok team with LA streetwear kings Pleasures for a new collaboration on the Club C but with a bit of bulk. It comes as part of the Human Rights Now! collection which aims to end inequities in the Cannabis industry. These sneakers are crafted from premium hairy suede, boasting a reinforced rubber toe cap for durability. Adorned with striking Reebok and PLEASURES graphics, it also features ‘JUSTICE’ on the tongue. The usual Club C features are there including a suede and nylon upper, lace closure, and EVA midsole. You can grab a pair from Highs and Lows right now.
ASICS GEL-NYC x HIDDEN NY
Asics teams with hugely popular streetwear Instagram HIDDEN NY in a very rare collaboration on the GEL-NYC. With its signature white and green palette, the design embraces simplicity, a hallmark of HIDDEN’s aesthetic. The heel showcases the iconic ‘H’ symbol within a recognisable bounding box, a nod to its digital origins. This digital influence extends to the “transparency mat” checkerboard insole and pixelated side stripes. Head to Up There to get your hands on a pair right now.
MSFTSrep x New Balance 0.01
The minds of Jaden Smith and New Balance meet once again, this time delivering the first collaboration with Smith’s clothing line MSFTSrep. The silhouette blends a traditional low-top court upper with an oversized midsole and outsole, influenced by the Fibonacci Sequence and sacred geometry. This unique design blends elegance and innovation with a black-and-white colourway that feels distinctively retro. Features include a synthetic upper and a lace-up closure. New Balance is gearing up to drop these on 26th April.
