Compare the New Balance 1300JP With a Pair of OGs
There is no denying the pure love that the crew from have for . The leading source of all the latest and greatest NB heat in Melbourne, Up There will be releasing the retro when it lands March 28. However, this being such a significant release on the calendar, the UT crew have scoured the globe on a quest to provide you with the most comprehensive comparison possible of this sneaker ahead of its return. Check out the full breakdown below.
Introduced into New Balance's line in 1984 some 31 years ago, the 1300 set (at the time) a benchmark, not only for running performance, but also the standards for use of quality materials – and more importantly, New Balance's dedication to craftsmanship. It carried a slew of features such as a Vibram sole unit, plastic heel stabiliser and the highest quality suedes and leathers that New Balance could source.
Underneath all of this sat one of the brand's most innovative and important technologies, 'ENCAP'. This sole unit presented the epitome of shock-absorbing technology, combining an EVA foam core with a PVA sole unit to complete the 1300 silhouette and set the bar for its counterparts all these years later. With the 1300 representing not only the peak of footwear performance, but heritage, quality and craftsmanship, the original 1300 silhouette gained a heavy following in Japan – and consequently gained the M1300J/JP moniker that we've come to know and love.
Fast forward 31 years and here we are, bringing the 1300 back to life with its latest reissue – and all of its finite details from yesteryear – with the M1300JP2. To ring in this latest reissue, we've scoured near and far for a mint pair of original 1300s, from their first release back in 1984. It's all in the service of giving you a comparative look at the release both now and then – and by all accounts, it's as close as any true 'head could ask for.
Keep in mind: any 31-year-old shoe will show some signs of wear and tear. Most obviously here, the oxidisation of the upper has changed its colour slightly – but in the same vein, what is a pair of shoes without some character?
The M1300JP2 will be hitting shelves Saturday, 28 March at the Level 1/15 McKillop Street store. Remaining pairs will be available in the online store from 12pm the same day. Sizes US8 through to US13 including half sizes will be available for AUD $350.
- Originally published March 3, 2015.