2024 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Steven Smith-designed New Balance 1500. So far, New Balance has treated fans to plenty of new renditions as part of the celebrations, from 35th Anniversary colorways to more recent pairs like the upcoming Purple Neon Yellow and White Cilantro. Common among these options is the Made in UK construction, which has historically been a moniker that denotes premium craftsmanship and materials. However, another Made In series from New Balance ups both the US and UK construction — Japan — with the artisans at M.Lab in the country crafting a special edition New Balance 1500.
Since 2018, M.Lab has partnered with New Balance to manufacture special Made in Japan releases, including the prestigious New Balance 1300 (released once every five years) and more recently with the 327 and 996 that commemorated that model’s 35th birthday last year. Soft Japanese leather and nubuck construct the upper, with the color palette sticking to classic New Balance tones of grey and navy.
Grey details land on the nubuck mudguard, heel overlay, and midfoot, while light grey leather covers the collar and heel. Mesh in a cream shade is present along the toebox, lined with navy leather details. Branding opts for a golden hue, indicative of this 35th birthday celebration, as we see the 1500, N, NB, and New Balance Made in Japan logos embroidered in this shade. Below sits a white, grey, and navy Encap-cushioned midsole paired with a grey and black rubber outsole. The pair comes packaged in a special box containing a custom New Balance 1500 Made in Japan drawstring bag.
Alongside this limited Made in Japan 1500, New Balance will give away three pairs of custom hand-dyed New Balance 1500s. Each pair is dipped in an indigo dye that, according to New Balance Japan, is kept in optimal condition to create a dye that allows the craftsman at M.Lab to bring depth and uniformity to the indigo shades. The pair, alongside the standard 1500 Made in Japan, will be on display at the New Balance Harajuku store from November 1 to the 11th. This same period will see a special archival exhibit of 1500s, ranging from original pairs to modern special editions.
The New Balance 1500 Made in Japan will release on November 28, 2024, exclusively via New Balance Japan online and in-store at New Balance Harajuku. The sneaker is available in unisex sizing and retail for 79,200 yen (approx $520 USD). The special hand-dyed pair will not be for sale but will be given away to three myNB Platinum members, with details for the giveaway being announced at the end of the month. Check below for images of both editions of this Made in Japan New Balance 1500, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
New Balance 1500 Made in Japan
New Balance 1500 Made in Japan Indigo
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
