Mountain biking culture from the ’70s serves as the inspiration for Levi’s latest collaboration with New Balance. The two U.S. heritage brands teamed up to refresh the New Balance MT580—a newly reissued style from the early 2000s—with durable denim uppers.
Though the trail-ready shoe has a slimmed-down toe and reduced collar height from the original, it maintains performance qualities. The Levi’s x New Balance MT580 has ABSZOB midsoles that absorb impact and C-Cap midsole cushioning for support and flexibility. The shoes feature a RollBar stability post system to help control rear-foot movement.
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Levi’s previously teamed with the sneaker brand on indigo-hued M990v3 sneakers and retro patchwork versions of the 1300 sneaker model. In 2020, the two released a co-branded apparel range that spanned reversible Trucker jackets and unisex T-shirts.
Inspired by the traditional aesthetic and styles of bikes from the era, the new collaboration is offered in two distinct colorways. A grey blue version crafted with nubuck uppers, features overdyed denim on the toe box and side panel. A beige/black version made with hairy suede uppers showcases washed black denim on the toe box and side panels.
Each shoe features a classic Levi’s Red Tab and comes with three sets of laces.
The Levi’s x New Balance MT580 launched on Dec. 6. It will be delivered in special packaging that tells the story of the birth of mountain biking.
The collection retails for $149.99. It is available for purchase worldwide on Levi’s website and app and select Levi’s stores. It launches on New Balance’s website on Dec. 7.
