If you asked anyone in 2020, they wouldn’t expect New Balance to be a solid player in the performance basketball market. However, the Boston-based footwear brand has made major moves by signing stars in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA and introducing various performance models. The brand has just launched its NB Academy Collection, featuring apparel and a new Hesi Low v2 colorway.
The silhouette, combining electric sky, light chrome blue, and white, features the standard construction of other Hesi Low v2 colorways. This design includes a breathable mesh base layer, fused TPU overlays near the toe and collar, and perforated leather on the eyelets and collar. N branding on the midfoot contrasts the blue hues that outline the logo and the colors used on the rest of the upper.
Moving to the tongue, we see a wide-spaced mesh used to add breathability to the silhouette and custom Hesi Low branding in a tonal finish atop the tongue. The heel is reinforced by a clear blue TPU heel counter, positioned just below the leather pull tab. Finishing the design is the full-length FuelCell cushioning in the tonal blue midsole and the multi-direction traction pattern on the outsole that features a pause button graphic.
Alongside this Hesi Low v2 and an upcoming Fresh Foam BBv3, New Balance has a collection of matching apparel for use on and off the court. This range includes track pants, jackets, mesh jerseys, graphic tees, hoodies, and shooting shorts/tops.
The New Balance Hesi Low v2 NB Academy is available now through New Balance and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $110. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via New Balance
Images via New Balance
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
