New Balance has a new addition to its low-profile sneaker lineup which deviates from the suede-based looks that dominate the trend.
After debuting in a three-sneaker collaboration with New York City-based fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore, the New Balance R65 is starting to roll out in more accessible in-line colorways. Devoid of Aimé Leon Dore branding, the new pairs come in Black/Blue Gemstone, which is available now, and a soon-to-be-released Monarch Burgundy/Black.
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Rather than a full-on reissue, the New Balance RC65 takes pages from one of the brand’s early 2000s cross country racing shoes, updating it with modern FuelCell cushioning. The new sneaker features an upper that combines perforated leather and nylon mesh with patent leather overlays. According to New Balance, the shoe’s angular overlays and printed lines are intended to represent the speed and movement of running.
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In a May promo clip introducing the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance RC65, New Balance’s global VP of lifestyle and basketball, Brian Lynn, discussed the origins of the new model. According to Lynn, the RC65 was created from scratch alongside the Aimé Leon Dore team — the first time New Balance had made a completely new shoe with a collaborative partner.
“It takes a lot of effort to make something look so simple in the end. Making a sleek, low-profile racing silhouette that’s also really, really comfortable. It combines premium leathers, premium materials in conjunction with modern technology. You feel it when you put it on, and you can see it, which is important,” Lynn said.
Curiously, New Balance’s e-commerce site does not make mention of the model’s Aimé Leon Dore connection.
The New Balance RC65 is available now in Black/Blue Gemstone (style code URC56FFA) from newbalance.com and select retailers for $165. The Monarch Burgundy/Black colorway (style code URC56FFC) will be released Nov. 19.