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Once Again, New Balance Shows Why This Legendary Shoe Is an All-Time Classic

A new batch of New Balance’s near-mythical 1300 sneaker represents much more than a mere consolation prize.

Close-up of a gray New Balance Classic 1300 sneaker with white laces.New Balance
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By Jack Seemer

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When it comes to sneakers, there’s exclusive and then there’s the New Balance 1300.

Adjusting for inflation, the original version released in 1985 cost north of $400. An early ad even encouraged runners to “mortgage the house” in order to buy a pair.

New Balance Made in USA 1300JP
Historically, the 1300 follows a once-every-years release cycle.
New Balance

Four decades later, it’s still expensive. But even more notable than the price is its rarity. New Balance only reissues the shoe a couple times every decade, with the most recent drop coming in early 2025.

Fortunately, fans of the design won’t have to wait long for a followup version.

Close-up of grey and white New Balance sneaker heel with ENCAP midsole technology on a textured surface.
New Balance is reintroducing the 1300 to its full-time Made-in-USA roster.
New Balance

Second time’s the charm

The 1300 is returning just a few months after this year’s 1300JP, and the batch of colorways — yes, there are multiple — show that upcoming batch is much more than a mere consolation prize.

Pair of light gray New Balance Classic 1300 sneakers with white laces on a concrete floor.
The new 1300 follows the form factor of the original shoe from four decades ago.
New Balance

Already available in Japan, the new 1300 drops joins the brand’s Made-in-USA roster of shoes made with elevated materials, most of which the brand sources from American factories.

In this case, that means premium pig suede leather, available in four finishes: black, navy, white and classic gray.

Pair of New Balance sneakers, one gray and one black, with white laces and ENCAP midsoles on a concrete floor.
The shoe comes in four colorways but it’s hard to beat gray.
New Balance

The shoe also features mesh underlays for breathability, a period-correct tread outsole and Encap, a EVA-polyurethane foam that was considered revolutionary at the time of its release in the 1980s.

Close-up of a dark green and blue New Balance sneaker with white laces and a white logo on a textured surface.
Previous versions of the 1300 have featured Horween leather, however, this one comes with premium pig suede.
New Balance
Close-up of a black and gray New Balance sneaker heel with "ENCAP" branding on the midsole.
Encap was revolutionary at the time of its release in the 1980s. Though long outdated for running, it’s still damn comfortable.
New Balance

The best part? Each pair costs 44,000 Japanese yen (approximately $286).

While the brand has yet to announce US pricing, that figure makes it a bargain compared to the sold-out 1300JP ($330) and the original version from 40 years ago.

In other words, you probably won’t need to mortgage your house in order to pick up a pair.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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