The Junya Watanabe x New Balance 574 Has Finally Released
Japanese designer and Comme des Garcons alumni love for is well documented around these parts. The is a particular favourite to collaborate on, and after being spotted at the beginning of the year, this tonal duo is finally available for public consumption.
Junya’s efforts are usually pretty low-key affairs, underpinned by upgraded materials and a surprising degree of functionality for a fashion-oriented designer. It’s no different here, as he taps into the 574’s trail origins and beefs it up with a heightened ankle, akin to the H710 classic hiking boot-slash-sneaker. The luxury side kicks in with premium black leather and beige suede options, which are lined with shearling for warmth. While the black pair can handle off-road duties in a pinch, it’s probably recommended to save the beige pair for fair weather days. On the hardware front, metal eyelets and speed hooks beef up durability, as do the lugged rubber tread outsoles paired to the 574’s ENCAP wedge midsole, providing stability and cushioning. The trail connection is confirmed with the mountainous silhouette on the tongue label, while various Comme des Garcons logos confirm the collaborative connection.
The Junya Watanabe x New Balance 574 boots are available now – and almost sold out – from the UK’s Offspring.