BEST NEW BALANCE OF 2019: COLLABORATIONS

It goes without saying that this year was the most exciting year for New Balance in many years, which made it that much harder to narrow down to my top 3 choices. In previous years I did not give myself a cap, but from this year forward I think I’m going to continue this ‘Top 3’ selection process. Let’s get to it!

3rd: Concepts 997S Fusion ‘ESRUC’
Prior to the release of the ‘ESRUC’, Concepts Creative Designer @deonpoint teased us with a sun grabbing and eye popping 998 sample that hosted the same colors found on the ‘ESRUC’. Though I’m sure most of us would’ve wanted the 998, the Fusion was what we got. This was the first Fusion and currently the only Fusion in my collection and I must say without a doubt that it’s one of if not the most comfortable shoe in my collection.

The inspiration behind the “ESRUC” lies in the highly speculated tale behind what many attribute Boston’s infamous 86 year title drought to - an ill fated trade to their New York rivals and the questionable motives behind said trade. We’ll leave you to do your own research, as we’re sure you’ll have as much fun looking into the folklore as we did. - Concepts Blog

Concepts continues to push the limits of inspiration and execution when it comes to any footwear project they assemble. This pair made #12 for me and my Concepts x NB collection and I’m not stopping anytime soon.

2nd: JCrew 997 ‘Grizzly’ - 997JCN
When you put JCrew and New Balance in the same sentence chances are you’ll be mentioning their most sought after colorway yet…the butterscotch. I still think that they will not top the butterscotch, but with colorways like this ‘Grizzly’; they’re certainly on the right track.

The ‘Grizzly’ was 1 of 2 in a pack along side JCrew’s ‘Rattlesnake’ colorway. Both pairs together were dubbed the ‘Wild Nature’ pack. When teasers first arose in black/white; they weren’t intriguing to me, but as soon as those lines were filled with color…WOW! My TeamNB brethren Kainoa was the first to post the Grizzly in-hand at the Copley JCrew location and the rest is history. Could this be JCrew’s most 2nd best NB project to date? You decide!

1st: N. Hoolywood 996NHB
This to me is the definition of a collaboration. No hype, build-up, or celebrity backing was needed to give this shoe the appreciation it deserves. The 996NHB isn’t just a suede shoe with chosen colors; N. Hoolywood took full advantage of this silhouette and incorporated rubberized webbing, embroidery throughout, nubuck, suede, 3m, and 2 different meshes…not to mention creativity behind the branding. Companies need to get outside their comfort zone and start bringing projects like these back!

Much like the Aries 991AFL, N. Hoolywood executed their given silhouette perfectly by utilizing a plethora of materials in a tasteful manner. The only flaw regarding this shoe was the limited production number and countries it was available in. The 996NHB was only offered in Japan & Singapore to my knowledge. I know most of you will not agree with this top choice for me, but that’s alright. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This