Boston-based New Balance announces the next collection from the brand’s Partnership Program –The Concepts Collection- designed and developed in tandem with venerable sneaker shop, Concepts, in Cambridge, MA.

Featuring two silhouettes from New Balance’s USA team, The Concepts Collection re-introduces the classic 1500 sneaker and launches the first-ever 875 boot.

Inspired by one of Boston’s most celebrated landmarks, The Freedom Trail, the collection pays homage to the shared importance of historic Boston as both New Balance and Concepts share headquarters in this New England city.

With a nod to the Freedom Trail’s red footpath and the brown brick of Boston’s antiquated North End neighborhood, the shoes came to life in premium brown leather and red accents.

The 1500 is a heritage New Balance style originally built domestically back in 1989. The 1500 was originally built as a fully-loaded technical running shoe. Specific detail executed solely for Concepts include: full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining (more luxurious and breathable that a comparable synthetic product), and embossed tongue tag.

The 875 is a brand new style launched to the public for the first time via the Concepts Collection. The boot was designed for comfort and durability. The sole unit includes New Balance Rollbar™ technology for maximum support and stability. Additionally, NB designers used a PU Wedge in the heel (similar to the wedge that offers superior support in the NB 993) and compression molded EVA in the forefoot. The 875 features a full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining, and embossed tongue tag.

Concepts will be releasing the Freedom Trail Collection on Black Friday, November 27th. Other premium accounts around the globe will also be getting the pack later on.

Many detailed images of the Concepts x New Balance Freedom Trail Pack follow after the jump.

Here is a first look at the apparel from Concepts “Con-Ops” project in collaboration with Timberland and Mitchell & Ness. Accompanying the 6″ boot will be the Mitchell & Ness knit winter caps pictured above, as well as a Mitchell & Ness t-shirt in 2 colors (seen after the jump). All release tomorrow Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at Concepts, Burn Rubber and St. Alfred.

More looks at the Concepts x Mitchell & Ness CON-OPS Tees & Knit Caps after the click.

Just this morning we presented to you the new Concepts x Timberland x Mitchell & Ness collaboration on boots and hats, here comes the announcement of another strong collaborative project from the Boston retailer. Concepts worked with Sorel on boots for Fall/Winter 2009. This will be the first collaboration by Sorel, next to the one they did some time ago with Bape. There will be a mens and a womens model and hopefully we can soon tell you more.

After the jump more teaser images of the Concepts x Sorel project.

Concepts will be launching their first project under their military inspired “Concepts Operations” line on Friday, October 23rd, 2009. The first drop from the Con-Ops Collection will be a 6″ Timberland Field Boot which is inspired by covert military apparel utilizing all black technical materials. The boot construction includes “Ever-Guard” leather, the state-of-the-art cut-resistant material SuperFabric® on panels, abrasion-resistant rubber coated toe, Gore-Tex waterproof lining, and an outsole which is made with “Timberland Pro Rubber” that is puncture-resistant. Accompanying the boot release will be a Con-Ops x Mitchell & Ness knit winter cap, fitted cap and tee shirt, in 2 colors, which will be released in limited numbers.

Available at:

Concepts | Boston
St. Alfred | Chicago
Burn Rubber | Detroit

Concepts
37 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138

Detailed images of the boots and caps out of the pack follow after the jump.

Boston-based Concepts continues their long standing relationship with Clarks to create a new set of specialty product for the Concepts brand and store. The undeniably classic Clarks Wallabee has been given a modern high-end makeover by way of fine Italian patent leather. The latest set will be offered in three rich colors – Navy, Olive, and Eggplant. The Concepts logo is embossed on the heel, with a workmark branded into the crepe rubber sole. Available early September for 200 USD.

Check out all three colors of the patent leather Concepts x Clarks Wallabee after the jump.

At the release this weekend of the new Concepts x Nike SB Blue Lobster Dunk in Boston, the guys from Lavishlivez spotted a Yellow Lobster Dunk on the feet of the Concepts owner. Let’s wait and see if this is just a sample or an actual upcoming release. Apparently a very limited number of the yellow Dunks was given out to people.

Nice Kicks caught up with Frank the Butcher and Deon Point to discuss what went into developing and marketing the latest Nike SB x Concepts creation, The Blue Lobster Dunk Low Premium that releases tomorrow, June 20th, 2009

The Blue Lobster Dunk serves as the sequel to last summer’s original Lobster Dunk, a Nike SB that first made waves on May 31, 2008. The first “Lobster” was shipped and promoted by the “Concepts Fishing Company,” and came equipped with a poster, lobster claw rubber band, tee shirt and condiment box (replete with lobster shell cracker, fork, bib, wet nap and “butter” shoelaces) all embossed with the “Concepts Fishing Company” logo. The first 50 pairs sold were available in ultra-limited edition packaging, with all of the above-mentioned bundled up in an authentic Concepts wooden lobster trap.

This time around, it’s dangerous! The “Blue Lobster” is a dangerous sub-breed of violent crustaceans that have been wrecking havoc on the otherwise tranquil waters of New England. Priced at $250.00 usd, the actual Blue Lobster sneaker will be bagged, tagged and sealed in a HAZMAT foam container. Each pair will be joined by an official Nike SB tee shirt, hang tag and lace lock. The first 200 pairs will come with 1 of 2 Concepts x Alien Workshop skate decks.

On June 20, while in line to pick up the Blue Lobster, Concepts will also be raffling off a pair of the original Lobster from 2008. Raffle tickets will be sold for $10 each and the drawing will be held immediately following the release.

After the launch of the Blue Lobster, Concepts will host the Official Blue Lobster Party, featuring a number of special guests and performers including DJ Statik Selektah, Termanology and Masspike Miles. The “Brew Live Cruise” will take place on board the MV Freedom, docked at Rowes Wharf in Boston, MA. Boarding begins at 8:00 pm and the vessel leaves at 9:00 pm sharp! Admission is $30 and only offered to those that are 21+.

Get ready for the release of the Concepts x Blue Lobster Nike SB Dunk Low Premium this coming Saturday, June 20th. Many detailed images of the pack follow after the jump.

Most of you have heard by now about the Nike SB x Concepts Blue Lobster Dunk. The much anticipated sneaker is releasing this coming weekend and for the occasion Concepts also produced a matching t-shirt. Limited to 200 pieces, the tee will be released this coming Saturday, June 20th.

On a side note, also check out the Alien Workshop decks that Concepts made for the release.

This June 20th, Concepts and Nike SB will be releasing the Blue Lobster Dunk Low Premium. As we previously mentioned, the first 200 customers will receive 1 of 2 Concepts x Alien Workshop “Blue Lobster” Skate Decks. Now we are able to present the graphics. The first 2 decks, featuring imagery from the Blue Lobster marketing campaign will be given away at the shoe release. The 3rd deck, which ties back to the sneaker itself, will be available for sale in limited numbers. All decks are exclusive to Concepts.

Have a closer look at the Concepts x Alien Workshop “Blue Lobster” Skate Decks after the jump.