It was an unremarkable day when journalist Nigel Reynolds went along to interview an unknown children’s author by the name of JK Rowling. It happened to be her first ever interview, and as a ‘thank you’ to Nigel she handed him a first edition copy of her book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Convinced the book would flop, poor old Nigel threw it in the bin. Now, first editions sell for £50,000. Don’t be a Nigel.
A lesson those clever people at New Balance have clearly taken on board. Because their brand new MS1300 range, from their Tokyo Design Studio, continues their trend of making products from surplus material that would otherwise have been thrown out.
New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio has been releasing exciting new versions of classic silhouettes since it was founded several years ago, including one of our favs, the MS1300 R_C. It involved updating the classic 1300 running shoe with a R_C sole unit upgrade, and worked an absolute treat.
This latest release is available in two colourways — “Pigment” blue and “Workwear” orange — and each low-top sneaker is crafted with suede sourced from surplus leftovers direct from the brand’s U.S. factory floor. Scraps that previously would have ended up in the bin (or trash can, for our American cousins).
The suede sits alongside a mesh material and a rounded toe finish, atop New Balance’s EVA foam midsole on ENCAP cushioning and a Vibram rubber outsole. Each sneaker is beautifully finished off with a R_C sole unit and padded collar for increased comfort. Reflective 3M heel tabs complete the look.
Style, comfort and with a conscience. The complete sneaker package. We’re sure Nigel would agree.
Available now from the Notre webstore, for $150 (£115).
