The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 650 ‘Stuntman’ Asks ‘What If?’

News on this topic was first published August 6, 2023.

Update September 5, 2023: Joe Freshgoods asks, 'What if Michael Jordan signed to New Balance?'.

Taking inspiration from comic books and how they change things up with popular superheroes, Joe uses Michael Jordan's photoshoot in Life Magazine for storytelling as he rocked a pair of New Balance basketball sneakers while doing the Jumpman for Team USA's 1984 Olympic team.

Dubbed the 'Stuntman' colourway as a clever pun on the iconic logo, the sneaker looks similar to the one seen on Mike's feet in the photoshoot. The sneaker is limited to 500 pairs, all hand-numbered with special packaging.

The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 650 'Stuntman' is set to drop on September 9. As to whether it will be a release via New Balance or Joe Freshgoods is still unknown. Check out the photos above, which feature the collaborative 650 as well as a billboard asking 'What if?' placed in the West Loop of Chicago. Keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for any updates.

Joe Freshgoods and his New Balance collaborations have made a lasting impact in Chicago since their first New Balance colab on the 992. The city continues to embrace the New England footwear brand with the help of Joe, resulting in continuing traction in the Windy City. The two have teamed up most recently on the New Balance 610 and Rainier boot, and now Joe and NB are taking it to the hardwood on their next collaboration with the NB 650.

Teased during his Mitchell & Ness Crosstown Classic collaboration, a cream and grey take is seen on the Steve Smith-designed 80s basketball sneaker. A mix of suede and leather are seen throughout the upper, with Joe Freshgoods's branding seen on the tongue and replacing the 650 branding on the lateral eyestay. The cream and grey theme continues into the midsole and outsole to finish off the sneaker.

There's no set release date yet for the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 650, but in proper Joe form, expect a storytelling element for this New Balance colab with local Chicago release before a wider launch. Keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for any updates.

In other New Balance news, check out the upcoming GANNI x New Balance 1906 colab.