Japanese designer Ryota Iwai and his brand AURALEE have revealed another New Balance collaboration, this time during the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week. Following the WRPD Runner and new colorways of the 990v4, AURALEE is dropping new collaboration with the 475 silhouette, arriving in two colors.
The New Balance 475 was originally designed in the mid ’80s and has been one of the most timeless training shoes in the recent decades. Featuring a dual density compression molded eva for added cushioning, the shoe is also constructed with nylon for breathability as well as given a luxe treatment with a suede upper. With a slightly higher profile midsole and tougher outsole, the shoe is has added grip and support. One of the colorways takes on an earthy color scheme featuring grey and brown hues while the other takes on a light green color blocking .
In a quote from the designer, Iwai-san speaks of how the collaboration falls in line with the new collection. He said in a statement, “This collection is an observation of the many different characters and individuals coexisting in their own individual moments of piece, tied together by a common space, a verdant city park. For much of the collection we took a more direct vintage and almost preppy inspiration, and likewise took a similar approach to the shoes. We wanted to accent the already vintage inspired notes of the model, with a well worn, aged, sun tinged-like feel for the materials and also incorporate and modernize it with our signature colouring to create something with one foot in the past and one in the present. Something like a discovered dead stock shoe today or one discovered years into the future.”
The AURALEE x New Balance 475 collaboration launches in August this year at select retailers and online at New Balance for $110 USD. Stay tuned for more information.
