New Balance and mita sneakers Tweak the 574 for Tokyo

The New Balance 574 is adored around the world, with a particularly strong fanbase in Japan. This fact has been solidified over the years thanks to collaborations with a number of local boutiques such as mita sneakers, who are back working with NB on their all-time best seller. Inspired by the streets of Tokyo, this edition rewinds the design to an earlier specification, while also adding some new ergonomic features.

Originally releasing in 1988, the NB 574 was actually first designed as a trail runner before it traversed new ground in urban settings. As such, the silhouette gradually changed over time. And these details, while seemingly insignificant to the layman, actually provide plenty of observations for sneaker nerds to pore over. As such, mita sneakers – long-time lovers of the 574 – have rewound the clock to the early 2000s, reverting the model to the version that likely would have been on their shelves when they first got started.

This edition of the 574 includes more tongue padding than the ‘Classic’ version, which is paired to an internal elastic gusset for a better fit. Or, as many steezy sneakerheads tend to do, it also allows loosely laced rocking. Furthermore, the heritage insole print and tongue labels are a nice period touch. On the colourway front, this teal and navy suede and mesh mix will look familiar to NB nerds: it’s borrowed from the OG 576.

The mita sneakers x New Balance 574 ‘Tokyo’ will release on August 12 via raffles that open on August 5 on mita sneakers. Pairs will also be available from select New Balance Japan stores.