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New Balance’s Divisive Lifestyle Runner Is Surprisingly Minimalist for Its Latest Collab

JJJJound puts an understated spin on the typically-loud sneaker.

Close-up of black and white New Balance sneaker with ABZORB cushioning and mesh panels.JJJJound
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Ethan Brehm

By Ethan Brehm

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New Balance sneakers aren’t necessarily known for their flash.

The preeminent dad shoe brand has a handful of bold colorways and futuristic designs, but the majority of its lineup plays on the whole normcore-meets-craftsmanship thing. 

Among the more divisive models is the 1890, which debuted earlier this year. Detractors have taken issue with its chaotic design that looks like neither a lifestyle sneaker nor a performance shoe. Reminiscent of the Salomon XT-Whisper, the wave-like upper pattern has a tendency to shout its bolder colorways. Even the Grey Days release from this year felt too aggressive.

However, a recent collaboration may change all that. 

Pair of black and white New Balance sneakers with white laces and JJJJound branding inside.
JJJJound is a Montreal-based brand known for its understated collabs with some of the biggest names in footwear.
JJJJound

The understated king

What began as a Tumblr-like blog site two decades ago, JJJJound has now become one of the hottest collaborators in the modern sneaker scene. Teaming up with everyone from Vans to Adidas to Crocs, the Montreal-based firm now collides with New Balance once again, putting its signature understated spin on the polarizing sneakers.

Pair of black and white New Balance athletic shoes with white laces and cushioned soles.
The blog-turned-streetwear label has teamed up with New Balance plenty of times in the past but this is its first crack at the divisive 1890.
JJJJound
Black and white New Balance running shoes with mesh upper and ABZORB cushioning on a marble surface.
The tuxedo variant finds a masterful way to make the 1890s versatile.
JJJJound

Minimal effort

For its first take on the 1890, JJJJound says, “the approach was to fit the model within our JJJJound ecosystem, as a year round wearable option.”

Taking a tuxedo black-and-white form, the sneaker is an exercise in minimalist restraint. The entire central upper is entirely blacked out, from the “N” logo to the multi-layered construction. The synthetic elements get glossy taping to add some dynamics.

Pair of black New Balance running shoes with white midsoles and ABZORB cushioning visible in the sole.
A black mixed-material upper is bookended by white at the top and bottom for a fully wearable aesthetic.
JJJJound

Most flat takes on the 1890 go full-monochrome, but this variant bookends the stealthy center with white on the top and bottom. The tongue and midsole almost detracts from the wavy pattern on the sides while still preserving the macro silhouette. Underfoot, you have a black outsole to complete the look.

This is a very similar design to the New Balance 475 collab from earlier this year but now given a more performance-driven canvas.

Close-up of black and gray New Balance sneaker with mesh upper and white sole featuring ABZORB cushioning.
You still get the full-length Abzorb midsole with creamy translucent stabilizers.
JJJJound

The full-length Abzorb midsole is still intact as well, with the translucent stabilizer pods in a more off-white color. You can also find subtle silver accents here, such as the JJJJound script at the heel and the Abzorb insignia.

White and gray New Balance running shoe with black and yellow logo and visible cushioning sole.
Along with the black variant, there’s also a silver-and-white option inspired by “American collegiate campus athletics.”
JJJJound

But wait, there’s more

Aside from the black iteration, the collaboration also consists of a silver-white edition, which is less subtle but still not quite as loud. It reverses the common aesthetic by using white for the waves with a gleaming silver for the synthetic elements. JJJJound says this take as inspired by “American collegiate campus athletics.”

Black and white athletic shoe soles with textured tread pattern shown from below.
The running-inspired rubber outsole is accounted for too.
JJJJound
Pair of black and white New Balance sneakers viewed from the front with white laces and textured soles.
At first glance, you can’t tell these are the 1890s. But they still give off the hybrid lifestyle vibe of the standard silhouette.
JJJJound

Availability and pricing

Both of these 1890 sneakers drop on June 25 at 9 a.m ET at JJJJound’s website and are expected to sell out quickly. Pricing is still under wraps at the moment but you can assume it will be north of the standard 1890’s $180 price tag.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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