TAKEN from STREETHING by Julian Loh, September 15, 2011
For 2011’s APAC (Asia Pacific) Project, New Balance extendend its annual design invitation to none other than us and Singaporean sneaker boutique, Leftfoot. The Past, Present and Future theme is a play on New Balance’s running heritage that was born in 1906 and transcended the boundaries of sports.
The collection is divided into three sets. New Balance has engaged us and Leftfoot to re-imagine the classic 574 running shoe in Past, Present and Future representations. There will be only 600 pairs available for each of the three exclusive designs.
The Past HM574 – New Balance x Streething
Revolving around the iconic model of New Balance – the 574, the sneaker is a reminiscent of the original shoe. The HM574 features a mid cut upper on a classic 574 sole unit. Using the old heritage colors – Grey and Navy, the shoe still serves as timeless classic, however, with a slight twist. The deliberate aged sole unit represents a vintage nostalgia injected to the shoe. While staying true to the belief that vintage never dies, the faint yellow adds on to the fashion element of the 574. Materials used are Nubuck and mesh, two materials of which are present in the original 574.
The Present H574J – New Balance x Leftfoot
Although made to resemble an outdoor hiking boot, with quick release lace hooks and all terrain laces, the shoe is still in essence, a 574. Using new contrasting colours – Green and Brown, the H574J present a contemporary take on New Balance. Seen as a loud version of the 574, these re-engineered shoes take after boots and are inspired by current fashion trends. The versatility of wearing them as shoes, or boots makes the shoe a versatile choice.
The Future HS77 – New Balance x Streething x Leftfoot
This version represents New Balance’s 574 in the future. These lifestyle sneakers are a brand new hybrid version of the 574. Using lighter and slimmer soles, the lightweight shoe still draws identity and inspiration from the 574 silhouette. The HS77 encompasses a lighter sole unit and boasts sonic weld technology for the upper. The sonic welded upper features reduced stitching therefore providing New Balance fans a more futuristic and seamless design. This modern take of the 574 is not only comfortable, but also prides crisp colorways. This HS77 has been re- imagined with lightweight materials, new colors and patterns to bring us an entirely new fashion forward.
There will also be a general release version that will be more widely available. Following the silhouette of the Future release, these HS77’s come in three colors – army green, beige and black.
The collection will be available from 15 October 2011 onwards, while the General release of the above HS77 will be released at a later date on 1st November 2011. Apart from Leftfoot, the shoes will be available at select stockists all over the world.
Stay tuned for a further look into the collection with commentary by Streething founder, Choo Ee, Leftfoot’s big boss, Anthony Ho, and Taylor Canby from New Balance.
