NB SF x TWITCH 'X-90 RELEASE EVENT'
If you're in the now then I'm sure your social media feeds have been blowing up as mine has with the newly released New Balance X-90 model; designed by Samuel Pearce. The X-90 is a more modernized addition to the famous 900 series that features, but not limited to, 990v3 tread pattern and 991 pill which has been incorporated to the midsole. Some immediate characteristics of this shoe that are easily recognized are the sleek toe shape and functional collar straps. I've said it once and I'll say it again, "This model has earned its spot along the rest of the 900 series, and will be go down as a sought after silhouette!"
About 2 weeks after the global release of the X-90; I was notified by a fellow TMNB member that there would be a launch party in the Los Angeles area to acknowledge the launch of the X-90...sadly neither of us could make it. I did make contact with my folks at NB SF to see if they would be holding something similar, and to my surprise they were! NB SF's event/theme would be held different than LA; SF collaborated with world famous gaming interactive, Twitch to hold a Super Smash Bros. contest in-store! SF hosted this contest for 3 days: Saturday (8/18), Friday (8/24) and Saturday (8/25). Unfortunately I could only attend the last day they hosted this, but nonetheless I'm glad I did.
Follow me as I take you through the 3-story NB SF building and do my best to share with you my experience at the NB SF x Twitch 'X-90 Release Event':
Open the huge double glass doors to see NB SF's branding and Justin welcoming gamers to register for their chance to compete against a couple of the best gamers in the country!
You see those on the table? Yep! Those are exclusive TMNB stickers that were put together by the teams' members strictly for this event! They were designed by our member Dennis (@deemanstudios) .
On the 1st floor of NB SF's facility you'll find Men's running footwear/apparel that is mixed with some lifestyle apparel.
They also had a X-90 display that showcases the most demanding colorway: X90CRA. The CRA has really been a great seller as it is currently sold out online and the store already had to do a restock on them. If they do become available online again, you can purchase them here.
New Balance MSX90CRA: Purchase HERE
Just as I was about to make my way to the 2nd floor I caught a glimpse of something...NB's Test Run. This shoe is rumored to have only 1900 pairs worldwide, and it was my first time seeing them in person! What do you think?
Side note: I ended up buying these that day.
New Balance Test Run: Purchase HERE
Ok so upstairs we go...this is the Women's/Kids floor that features some nice athletic running apparel/footwear with a hint of lifestyle.
The 3rd and final level of this store is where are destination is; not only is it where they were hosting the Super Smash Bros. competition, but it's also the home of the 'Lifestyle' floor and my favorite place to be when I come to visit or buy my choice of shoes and/or apparel.
Amongst the vast amounts of apparel were also some UK made goodness...The steak/lobster 1500 were on the shelves surprisingly!
'Lobster' New Balance 1500: Purchase HERE
'Steak' New Balance 1500: Purchase HERE
There was no question as to where the gaming was being done at, NB SF setup a tube style television along with the classic gaming consoles Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube that both hosted Super Smash Bros. When I arrived, professional gamer; gamertag: Doyouphilsme was on the sticks and had a line of people ready to play him in their (2) 2min matches. The objective was to defeat the gamer as many times as possible, and at the end of the day the person with the most wins against the gamer would get a free pair of shoes from the store. Just for playing, the contestants earned 20% off their purchase, and 2nd ranked players would earn a gift card + a shirt.
Doyouphilsme was blacked out in NB apparel from head to toe; he had a NB fitted cap, hoody, the new 247 jogger pant that I featured in a previous post, and topped it off with these blacked out X-90!
New Balance MSX90CRE: Purchase HERE
I remember playing the Super Smash Bros. game when I was younger, but I was never on the level of these players. You could almost tell who played and who never played. The serious players brought their own controllers and really gave the gamers a run for their money.
Ok back to why we are here...X-90! NB SF had what looked like the full 'modern essentials' pack on their back wall so I took the time to closely analyze them and their construction.
New Balance MSX90CRD: Purchase HERE
The women's lifestyle wall had some nice pairs of X-90's as well. The SF store manager was actually wearing these that day, but I forgot to shoot them.
New Balance WSX90PLC: Purchase HERE
What is SF known for? A lot of things right? Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight St...the list goes on, but PRIDE is a big one you can't forget. SF could be the PRIDE capital of the world or at least the nation, and that is most likely the inspiration between their exclusive store product you see here. I've still yet to purchase this piece, but it is definitely on my wishlist.
X-90 on foot spotted!
New Balance MSX90CRC: Purchase HERE
It was time for the gamers to switch out, next up was a gentleman known by his gamertag: Toph. Toph outfitted himself in the Athletics 78 jacket in camo green, 247 jogger pant, and these retro looking X-90 with rich grey suede and vintage yellowed paneling.
Athletics 78 Jacket: Purchase HERE
New Balance MSX90PNB: Purchase HERE
The line for gaming got thicker and thicker throughout the day, and at about 1hr away from closing time, there were 10 or more gamers huddled around laughing, joking, and friendly trash talking each other. It was a fun atmosphere to witness.
After 30+ competitors these were the top dogs!
The staff at NB SF and Twitch did a great job at organizing and promoting this event. After closing the comp on Saturday, SF brought in a total of 100+ gamers that played for fun and NB prizes.
Congrats to all of those who walked away with prizes and congrats to all involved that helped put this event together. Lastly I'd like to thank New Balance as well as my friends at the SF store for inviting me on behalf of Team NB, and allowing me to promote us by putting TMNB stickers out for all competitors and customers. We had a great time and can't wait for the next event!
