New Balance Gives Its Retro Classic Dad Shoe a Layered Japanese Makeover

The lifestyle sneaker effortlessly blends the unexpected trifecta of nostalgic styling, textured materials and heritage Japanese touches.

Close-up of a navy blue sneaker toe with mesh and suede panels and white laces on a blue surface.

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By Hayley Helms

Published May 20, 2026

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It’s not often that a familiar sneaker successfully blends 2000s-era aesthetics with traditional Japanese influences while still preserving the DNA that made it popular in the first place, yet New Balance’s latest take on the beloved 2010 manages to do exactly that without missing a step.

The New Balance x Beams 2010 pays homage to the legendary Japanese clothing brand’s 50th anniversary while preserving the iconic styling that defines the silhouette.

Pair of navy blue New Balance sneakers with white soles and laces on a blue background. — The New Balance x Beams 2010 showcases both brand’s aesthetics, without straying from the design that makes it a crowd favorite.

True blue

The New Balance x Beams 2010 is a collaboration that feels so natural, you may not even realize this is a partnership sneaker at all.

The new kicks pay homage to Beams’ 50th anniversary through a new Navy variation, which layers multiple shades of blue to create a textured yet classic silhouette.

Pair of blue New Balance sneakers with white soles viewed from the back on a blue surface. — This collaborative 2010 maintains the Abzorb cushioning underfoot and tech-inspired upper on top.

Indigo is particularly significant to Japanese culture; the deep blue shade is found across ancient and modern-day applications, from shibori dyeing techniques to representing the natural beauty of Japan’s oceans and sky.

Pair of navy blue New Balance sneakers with white laces on a blue surface. — The off-white laces bring warmth to the deep Navy colorway.

Close-up of navy blue mesh sneakers with thick white laces on a blue surface. — The anniversary edition 2010 is meticulously crafted to reflect both brands’ dedication to quality.

The 2010 uses the shade to great effect, starting with a deep blue upper and layering four distinct navy tones across the suede and synthetic panels.

Along with the timeless colorway, there are a few understated nods to the collaboration; the traditional “N” on the lateral side of the shoe is placed asymmetrically, adding a subtle twist.

Pair of navy blue sneakers with white laces and mesh fabric on a blue surface. — Suede and nubuck details play nicely with mesh and synthetic performance materials.

The insole features Beams branding in a matching blue shade, and the tongue also nods to the 50th anniversary.

The 2010 preserves its comfort-focused tech, including Abzorb cushioning in the midsole and Stability Web support underfoot.

Availability and pricing

The New Balance x Beams 2010 will be available on Beams’ website starting May 23rd, retailing for $151 USD.

Pair of navy and blue New Balance sneakers with white laces and thick white soles.

New Balance x Beams 2010

$151 at Beams

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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