New Balance Gives Its Retro-Inspired Low-Profile Sneaker a Bold, Soccer-Inspired Makeover

The Gator Run gets a pitch-ready reimagining, just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Close-up of green and cream New Balance sneakers with embroidered black stars and "BASKET CASE" text on the heels.

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By Hayley Helms

Published June 9, 2026

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With the 2026 World Cup just days away from kicking off, we’re seeing more soccer-inspired releases make their debut.

The latest release is a textured, colorful reimagining of one of New Balance’s coolest low-profile sneakers.

Thanks to a collaboration with California-based streetwear label Basketcase, the retro-inspired Gator Run looks ready for game day.

Two hanging New Balance sneakers, one green and yellow with brown sole, the other white and burgundy with textured heel. — The latest take on the Gator Run is sure to stand out from the crowd.

Goooooooal!

This isn’t the first time Basketcase and New Balance have partnered; the two brands perviously collaborated on the 204L ‘Pine Valley’, and now, they’re making magic happen again with the Gator Run “The Alternates” pack.

The refreshed Gator Run takes its style cues straight from the soccer pitch, and adds a textured, funky take to the classic sneaker.

Green and yellow suede sneaker with braided laces and decorative pins on the side. — Multiple textures and funky details, like the decorative pins, add depth to the retro-inspired silhouette.

Of the two styles included in the upcoming capsule, the “Hacky” colorway is the more soccer inspired; the bold, Brazil-influenced variant combines bright yellow side panels with hairy suede green overlays, which immediately call to mind a grassy field.

Green and yellow suede sneakers with brown textured soles and multicolored braided laces. — The shaggy, green hairy suede is reminiscent of a soccer pitch.

Green and yellow suede sneakers with brown textured soles and braided green, yellow, and white laces. — The brightly-hued “Hacky” colorway features two-toned braided laces, while the “Maiden” variant sticks with a monochrome off-white hue.

The bright hues, echoed in the bright green midsole, are grounded by the classic lugged gum outsole and the creamy off-white in the collar and extra laces.

Light blue and maroon New Balance sneaker with cream braided laces and brown textured sole. — The “Maiden” color is the more grounded, neutral option in the new sneaker pack.

The New Balance x Basketcase Gator Run is also available in a second, more neutral colorway. “Maiden” mixes baby blue leather with a rich maroon suede on the upper, complemented by two-tone laces and a matching midsole, completed with an earthy outsole.

Both models feature star embroidery and split ‘Basket’/’Case’ at the heel, and pin accessories stuck on the side panel, a white lining and braided, tonal laces.

Availability and pricing

The New Balance x Basketcase Gator Run will be available exclusively on Basketcase’s website starting June 12th, and globally on New Balance’s website starting June 19th. Pricing is not currently available.

The collaboration shoe will also be available in limited supply in-person at the Basketcase x New Balance pop-up in Los Angeles on June 13th and 14th.

New Balance x Basketcase Gator Run

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About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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