New Balance Steps into 2026 with a Challenger to Nike’s Rising Retro Sneaker

The Gator Run may not look like your typical New Balance sneaker. But who’s complaining?

Pair of black New Balance sneakers with white laces viewed from above on a teal background.

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By Jack Seemer

Published January 5, 2026

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New Balance is known for its vast archive of retro sneakers, many of which inform brand-new silhouettes like the 471.

But for its next release, the iconic Boston brand might as well cite its cross-country rival from Beaverton as a jumping off point.

Glossy dark red sneaker with white laces and black textured sole and toe cap. — The Gator Run is the next silhouette from the iconic Boston brand.

The upcoming Gator Run takes a cue from Nike’s revived Astrograbber. That sneaker broke cover in 2025 with a sold-out collaboration with menswear brand Bode before slotting into the brand’s mainline catalog.

Black leather Nike sneaker with cream-colored swoosh and laces on a white background. — First released in the 1980s, the Astrograbber came back into Nike’s catalog last year.

Pair of black New Balance sneakers with white laces and a glossy finish, viewed from above. — Clean line, simple colorways and contrast laces make for a low-profile look.

Like that shoe, the Gator Run is a low-profile trainer with clean lines, simple colorways and contrast laces.

However, the inclusion of patent leather with faux-croc texture skirts the risk of being called an out-and-out “dupe.”

Glossy dark red sneaker with black sole and white laces, showing side and heel details. — The Gator Run carves its own lane with patent leather and a faxu-croc texture.

The Gator Run also boasts Fresh Foam X cushioning and the AT Tread outsole found on the New Balance Allerdale that stole the show in 2025.

Black shoe sole with aggressive, multi-directional lugs for traction. — The Gator Run features the same AT Tread outsole found on the New Balance Allerdale.

Availability and pricing

Time will tell if the Gator Run will do the same.

New Balance has yet to announce an official release date for the upcoming model but it’s expected to drop in the first half of the year with a price tag around $130.

Black patent leather sneaker with white laces and textured rubber sole.

New Balance Gator Run

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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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