One of the world’s original running‑shoe brands, New Balance has paved the way for a new era of high-profile collaborations and pioneering designs. From partnerships with some of the industry’s key players to working alongside leading designers, New Balance is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. To celebrate the Boston brand’s rich history, we’ve rounded up our top six New Balance collaborations of all time.
New Balance 990v3 x Patta
After teaming up on the 920 and the 991, Patta and New Balance have joined forces once again on the New Balance 990v3 x Patta. Reworking the original 990 silhouette, this sneaker celebrates Patta’s family ties with a tree-inspired design, a tribute to the founders’ Surinamese roots. Constructed with a breathable mesh upper and suede overlays, hits of green and brown create a natural aesthetic, while a speckled midsole updates the rear. Rounded off with Patta’s signature ‘P’ logo on the heel, this sought-after shoe is the perfect choice for autumn.
New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore
Following successful collaborations with big name brands, Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance came together in 2019 to release a number of footwear ranges. Most notably the New Balance 550 collection, with ALD’s founder Teddy Santis single handedly making it a must-have silhouette around the globe. Initially designed as a basketball shoe, briefly worn by Michael Jordan before he signed with Nike, Santis retained the sneaker’s vintage charm and elevated it to icon status. Fast forward to present day and the 550 is still one of the most in-demand styles. Crowd-favourite colourways include the New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore White Grey and New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore White Green.
New Balance 992 x JJJJound
Made in collaboration with the Montreal-based creative studio, the JJJJound x New Balance 992 is the second partnership between the two streetwear icons. Utilising suede materials and premium detailing, this collection is presented in two distinct colourways: Forest Green and Earth Grey. Durability and comfort remain at the forefront of the design, with the soles housing NB’s signature ENCAP and ABZORB cushioning technologies.
New Balance 990v3 x Joe Freshgoods
In summer 2022, New Balance and Joe Freshgoods stepped into uncharted territory with the 9060, an all-new silhouette. Inspired by the notion of reimagined familiarity, storytelling plays an integral role in the design of the collaborative kicks. Taking style cues from the much-loved 990, the sneakers feature suede and mesh uppers, exaggerated soles and instantly recognisable branding.
One of the most notable styles to come out of the collaboration is the ‘Penny Cookie Pink’. An orange and pink shoe with aqua blue accents on the tongue and heel, this sneaker is impossible to miss.
New Balance 327 x Casablanca
Fashion label Casablanca has become a staple of New Balance’s portfolio, but it was the pair’s first joint release that put the partnership on the map. Presenting the highly anticipated 327 collection in 2020, the Parisian brand delivered two colourways that referenced Casablanca’s luxury and apres-sport aesthetic. Nodding to Moroccan oranges, the first colour scheme displays green and orange hues, while the second shoe is dressed in green and white, reminiscent of tennis uniforms. Timeless and versatile in equal measure, this collaboration is one for the history books.
New Balance 2002R x thisisneverthat
A contemporary streetwear staple since 2009, thisisneverthat is a Korean-born brand known for its wearable pieces, utilitarian silhouettes and strategic branding. Infusing the legendary New Balance 2002R with all these signature details, the reimagined sneaker champions both form and function. Designed to achieve an aged appeal, cracked leather accents appear on the collar and tongue, taking inspiration from early 2000s fashion trends. Other essential styles from the partnership include the New Balance 1906R x thisisneverthat and the New Balance ML2002R x thisisneverthat White Black.