New Balance Tokyo Design Studio Graft Ripple Soles Onto the 574
have a Japanese outpost called the that is home to their , who conduct some of the brand’s most progressive experiments to create all-new designs that are still distinctly NB. Previous efforts have seen reworks of the and , and for TDS’ next trick, they’ve given the classic some obvious alterations.
Where to begin? For starters, these 574s commit a taboo: there’s no N branding to be seen! The lateral and medial mid panels glaringly omit their trademark and most recognisable element, but somehow it seems to work in allowing the rest of the 574 design shine through. Perhaps the 574 is so iconic that it doesn’t need the N logos.
The other elephant in the room is the very large toothed rubber ripple sole that’s been provided by sole masters . Rather than simply glue this sizeable tread to the underside of the uppers, it’s been attached to what appears to be a 270-degree welt. This suggests the shoes can be continually resoled, massively extending their life cycle, and that’s all the more better for the environment!
Otherwise, this is the classic 574 as most know it, but with a premium material upgrade in the mesh and suede departments. And yeah, of course, it’s grey.
The New Balance Tokyo Design Studio 574 will release on May 7 from New Balance Japan and selected global retailers.