Although Kawhi Leonard may be nearing the twilight years of his NBA stint, the Los Angeles Clippers star is still very much one of the league’s top players. Leonard is currently on a scoring streak, averaging a career-high points per game with extreme efficiency and to make things even sweeter, his latest New Balance signature sneaker has just been unveiled following an on-court debut during NBA All-Star Weekend.
According to the Boston-based sportswear company, the New Balance Kawhi 5 is engineered to suit Leonard’s unique style of play, with a particular emphasis on “his explosive first step while balancing aggressive performance with composed control.” The new performance shoe is intended to support the NBA veteran’s ability to excel on both offense and defense, but New Balance says it was also designed with lifestyle wear in mind.
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To arrive at the Kawhi 5, New Balance designers worked closely with Leonard to dial in the fit and function of the new sneaker. The brand says the upper is built with premium and soft materials which also deliver a lockdown fit through the use of TPU paneling that wraps the foot. For cushioning, the brand’s high-end FuelCell foam is used in a dual-density setup, while a forefoot Y Plate is added to support Leonard’s sudden toe-offs.
“Working with the New Balance design team on the Kawhi 5 is a continuation of what we have been building together through the years,” Leonard said in a press release. “I wanted this model to highlight those first steps, that first burst that you feel on the court. We added details that allow me to perform at the top of my game but also show my creative style.”
And speaking of creative style, New Balance has tapped Leonard himself as the creative director of the sneaker’s campaign. The specifics have not been announced, but the brand says the campaign will arrive after the product launch and will revolve around Leonard’s longtime nickname, the Claw.
“This model provides the containment and support needed to drive with confidence while maintaining a refined aesthetic that speaks to life off the court,” added Kevin Trotman, senior product manager for New Balance Basketball.
The launch of the Kawhi 5 will be accompanied by an apparel collection including a warm-up jacket, tapered performance shorts and a training T-shirt.
The New Balance Kawhi 5 will be released this summer for $160 from newbalance.com and select retailers.