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New Balance Just Revived Its Incredible Shape-Shifting Adventure Shoe

The new TDS MSNB1 blurs the line between hiking boot and campsite lounger with a modular construction that adapts to whatever terrain — or occasion — you throw at it.

Close-up of a black and blue fabric item with a YKK zipper and orange "eVent" branding.New Balance
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By Ben Bowers

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New Balance may be mostly known for its relentless iterations of grey-hued dad shoes, long loved by cultural icons like the late Steve Jobs.

But it’s also quietly earned a reputation among footwear nerds as a pioneer of hybrid footwear designs, thanks to releases like its internet-famous/infamous 1906LBN penny loafer and more recent examples like the 9060 Mule.

But the little-known Niobium Concept 1 was an even bolder example of the brand’s boundary-pushing instincts, predating both releases by years, and now it’s suddenly back in two new colorways, right in time for the summer adventure season here in the Western Hemisphere.

Part boot, part mule, part slipper

Pair of blue and black New Balance hiking shoes with gray soles and quick-lace system.
The Tokyo Design Studio MSNB1 is less a sneaker than a modular footwear system, transforming between a waterproof boot, outdoor mule and indoor slipper.
New Balance

The Niobium Concept 1, originally developed out of the brand’s Tokyo Design Studio back in 2020 as part of a collaboration with the Japanese Outdoor brand Snow Peak, was a shape-shifting outdoor shoe that blurred the line between boot, trail mule and slipper, and quietly built a cult following despite never getting the mainstream spotlight it deserved.

The newly teased New Balance TDS MSNB1 offers the same capabilities with a few minor aesthetic tweaks.

Pair of beige mesh sneakers with front zipper and toggle lace closure, viewed from above.
The New Balance TDS MSNB1 (Pistachio Butter) goes warmer, landing in a muted yellow-green that pairs naturally with earthy outerwear.
New Balance

The waterproof boot can still convert into a rugged trail mule via a heel-mounted zipper. The mule’s inner lining can also be removed to act as an indoor slipper.

Unlike the earlier Snow Peak collab, which was available exclusively in a muted earth-tone palette, and a “Steel” grey iteration released later that same year, this latest drop arrives in two unique finishes.

Pair of blue and black New Balance trail running shoes with gray soles and zipper closures.
An eVent waterproof membrane helps keep feet dry without sacrificing breathability.
New Balance

The Zinc Blue colorway reads as a dusty, almost mineral blue — cool-toned but grounded, and easy to style across casual and light outdoor contexts.

The New Balance TDS MSNB1 (Pistachio Butter) goes warmer, landing in a muted yellow-green that pairs naturally with earthy outerwear. Both share the same silhouette and functional hardware, so the choice comes down to your wardrobe temperature.

Availability and pricing

Pair of gray mesh water shoes with black trim and pull tabs on a white background.
The insulated inner bootie can be removed from the shell and worn on its own around camp.
New Balance

Both colorways retail for $300 and will be available through New Balance starting on 7/2/2026 at 10:00 a.m. US/eastern.

Beige New Balance shoe sole with textured grip pattern and logo in the center.
A Vibram outsole provides traction across wet pavement, dirt trails and rocky terrain.
New Balance

At that price, the Niobium Concept 1 is far from an impulse buy — but for a shoe that genuinely pulls double triple duty as both a functional light hiker, campsite shoe, and even tent slipper, the shoe may still qualify as a bargain for adventurers who prefer streamlining their packing list above other factors.

About the Author: Ben Bowers is the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer of Gear Patrol. Throughout his tenure in media, Ben has written and reported on everything from consumer tech to whiskey, watches, cars, camping, and personal style. These days, he gets to write less than he’d like to.

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