The New Balance 580 sneaker, first introduced exclusively to the Japanese market in 1996, has maintained its relevance and appeal in the sneaker community, significantly bolstered by its longstanding partnership with Mita, a prominent Tokyo-based sneaker retailer. Over the decades, this collaboration has yielded several notable releases, enhancing the model’s reputation and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. The partnership celebrated a milestone with a special 20th-anniversary edition released in 2016, further solidifying the 580’s status within the sneaker culture.
In a remarkable expansion of their collaborative efforts, New Balance has once again joined forces with Mita for the year 2024, and has also brought atmos, another well-regarded Tokyo-based retailer, into the fold. This tripartite collaboration has led to the creation of two distinct versions of the New Balance 580. The first, dubbed the “OG Combo,” takes inspiration from the sneaker’s original color schemes, merging beige and pine green hues that are set to evoke a sense of nostalgia amongst its long-time admirers. The second design, named the “Land(E)Scape,” represents a leap in luxury, incorporating ostrich leather accents that highlight its premium construction. Notably, the “Land(E)Scape” model will have a limited release of only 580 pairs, thereby increasing its exclusivity and allure.
Both versions from this collaboration will be available through a raffle system, honoring the excitement and exclusivity typically associated with limited sneaker drops. The raffle for the “OG Combo” will conclude on October 27, 2024, while the “Land(E)Scape”, due to its limited nature, will have a slightly later raffle period from November 15 to November 22, 2024. The pricing is set at $130 for the “OG Combo” and $160 for the more premium “Land(E)Scape” version, reflecting the different materials and exclusivity of each design.
This latest initiative not only underscores the ongoing popularity of the New Balance 580 but also exemplifies a successful collaboration in the sneaker industry, blending historical reverence with innovative design elements. Fans of the brand, as well as sneaker connoisseurs, will find much to appreciate in this partnership’s ability to celebrate heritage while pushing the boundaries in sneaker design.