This New Balance Rainier References the Allagash
Somebody at is as much of an archive nerd as this Sneaker Freaker writer. This latest Rainier release is not all as it seems, as it appears to be a near one-to-one remake of the , a less hardcore sibling of the 1980s NB hiker.
The most obvious difference with these Rainiers (as they’re known verbatim) is that they’re low-cut, unlike all previous releases to date. That’s in line with the OG Allagash, which was intended to offer more natural ankle movement and also meant it doubled as a pretty nifty casual shoe – call it GORPcore before GORPcore.
Other elements on this remake are more or less replicated from the original. Brown leather makes up most of the upper, save for key areas filled in with lightweight maroon nylon for breathability and low weight. It’s what made the Rainier and Allagash so successful back in the day. This modern iteration reprises the sole unit per the OG as well. Per a 1980s ad for the Allagash, ‘you’ll be able to walk more comfortably. And your hike won’t become a trail of tears.’
The New Balance Rainier (aka Allagash) is available right now from Up There.