New Balance | Stone Island RC Elite V2_SI | NB_1
We can all agree that New Balance RC Elite V2 (public released in 2021) had drawn many attention in the running industry. It has been tested, raced and run in by many. We have seen them on podiums in Tokyo Olympics and all major running events.
It isn’t a sudden shift change for New Balance to collaborate with a fashion brand. New Balance heritage range has collaborate with boutique stores in the past few years but this is brand new territory, where New Balance collaborating with a brand on a high performance running shoe.
Stone Island, founded in 1982, a well-known brand for its innovative approach to fabrication through a range of dyeing techniques and surface treatments.
The brain behind this collaboration is New Balance in-house product innovation team. Tokyo Design Studio is based in Boston in NB’s headquarter, as well as Tokyo.
The running shoe has kept its core principle based on New Balance most innovative running shoe - RC Elite V2. The 3D knit upper is lightweight and breathable with updated New Balance graphics and Stone Island Compass logo. Updated hyper-light FuelCell and carbon fibre plate are the key composite of the midsole. Perforated outsole for reduced weight and increased traction.
From my personal experience, it is still a great running shoe with its unique aesthetics . The updates doesn’t impact too much on the performance side, although I only tested in a speed running session. It also certainly has its casual ware elements too. Overall, I loved this pair.
According to Stone Island, this is a kick off for a new long-term relationship. Will we expect more from these two brands?
As we are posting, more Stone Island accounts start having them in stock. Keep an eye here for available retailers.
Source: Stone Island
