Announced earlier this year, a program that will hopefully bring New Balance the recognition it deserves in a still booming streetwear / lifestyle sector. The first announced partnership in the program is with Alife’s NYC Rivington Club (A.R.C) boutique; the goal is to celebrate creativity and savvy design associated with premium streetwear.

“The New Balance Partnership Program is a unique opportunity to create innovative premium product in conjunction with some of the best global sneaker retailers,” stated Luis Navarro, product manager for New Balance Lifestyle. “We decided to take a different approach and have our Partnership Program partners fully participate in the product creation process. This enables us to showcase the style and creativity of each partner coupled with the high craftsmanship of New Balance to deliver a meaningful story.”

The A.R.C collection comes in three material and colour combinations (teal/grey, all-over teal and white with small pops of teal); using the M1300 silhouette that self appointed sneaker connoisseurs such as myself still consider the most atheistically pleasing from New Balance to date. The materials selected follow New Balance’s dedication to innovation and premium quality; sporting pig suede on the tip, saddle and foxing along with the staple jacquard knit meshes.

According to Jesse Villaneuva of Alife’s Rivington Club, “The shoe (the 1300) represents A.R.C. It is subtle, classic and functional- a good mix of classic NB and A.R.C palletes. The materials are what you’ve grown to expect from New Balance. What we wanted to do was add our twist on classic New Balance styling. The tie print on the tongue is a direct call out to classic A.R.C. Overall, we just love the way it fits and performs. The style of the 1300 tongue works well when worn with jeans.”

“For us it was simply about quality materials and execution, there are so many shoes on the market that are close to being correctly executed. One minute detail can end up being a deterrent, to a potential consumer e.g. leather toe box. We just wanted the shoe to have the look, feel, and utilitarian function of what we have always known New Balance for: quality mesh and nubuck on a functional runner.”

New Balance in my opinion is one of those brands that everyone must own, not just for kudos but to experience practical quality, I’m always amazed by the little knowledge many possess about such a historically rich and innovative brand. New Balance deserves recognition on many product fronts not to mention an envious business model to rival any premium fashion house. Everything New Balance creates is at the pinnacle of technique and innovation; no matter what their respective sport or endorsements maybe, it’s the brand all athletes look to.

What more could you want from a pair of kicks! Each shoe within the A.R.C x New Balance 1300 collection will feature with a special hangtag and is available for $165.00 at all Alife flagship stores and online at www.rivingtonclub.com.

Stay tuned for further Partnerships!

At a Glance
Colour ways – teal/grey, all-over teal and white with small pops of teal.
Silhouette/Shell – M1300
Construction – Hand crafted by New Balances US based manufacturing team Super Team 33. Super Team 33 (ST33)
Price – $165.00 (£112.27, €124.65, ¥16,497.94) Correct 08/04/09.