Aimé Leon Dore Revive the New Balance Rainier
News of this release was first published on December 13, 2022.
Update January 10, 2023: New Balance will release their Aimé Leon Dore x Rainier collaboration on January 13.
are extending their collaborative universe by reviving the sneaker-slash-boot. Three editions will be arriving in December, right in time for the impending cold season up in the northern hemisphere.
Given ALD founder Teddy Santis’ pullover at NB as the creative director of the brand’s Made in USA line, there’s little surprise that this archival model was brought back. It is worth noting that, like the 550 and 650 ALD staples, the Rainier is not part of the Made collection.
The Rainier was originally conceived in the early 1980s as a lightweight climbing boot that eschewed the heavy leather hikers of the era. It proved particularly useful en route to Everest base camp, too.
Forty years on, ALD loosely reference the outdoor-bound intentions of the Rainier with a mix of earthy colour combos, waterproof lining, metal D-ring hardware, and a lugged outsole. This is despite the fact that these shoes will more likely be found in Manhattan than on the Matterhorn.
Raffles are open now for the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance Rainier, which will close on December 14 at 11:59 PM ET. Pairs are estimated to ship from January 6, 2023.