Junya Watanabe Loves the New Balance 574 V1
Japanese fashion mastermind has a proven penchant for collaborations. The frequently features in his collections, and this latest season sees a hiking-inspired rendition that adds a bit more height to the runner-turned-street shoe, thus gaining the model name 574 V1.
Where some of Watanabe’s has been a bit more obvious in its borderline outdoors cosplay, these two 574 V1 colourways underline the rugged build with farshun aesthetics. How does he do this? Simply with tonal white and black finishes. The typical mix of leather and suede is present, but the extra ankle height of the V1 version allows Watanabe to add some fun and practical details like metal eyelets and speed hook hardware on the upper extension. He’s also lined the insides of the shoes with faux shearling to keep the toes nice and toasty.
Otherwise, it’s a pretty straightforward take on the classic 574. The usual ENCAP midsoles are used, but it appears at least the front portion of the outsole has been modified to wrap more of the toe, much like a boot bumper. In fact, stare at the toe box long enough, and things begin resembling the classic boot.
There’s no word of release details yet, but good odds a colab of this calibre will quietly drop at some of the swanky high fashion doors, rather than the high street sneaker stores.