This post was first published on February 10, 2023, and updated on April 4, 2023
Brand: Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance
Model: 860v2
Release Date: April 5 (Raffle closes)
Price: £155
Buy: Aimé Leon Dore
Editor's Notes: No collaboration has consistently hit quite as hard as Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance in recent years, so much so their love affair was made official in 2021 when the former’s founder, Teddy Santis, was named as the latter’s Made in USA creative director.
Despite still designing for both, Santis continues to deliver standalone seasonal collections for each label, although the latest ALD lookbook, released for Spring/Summer 2023, is pointing towards a collaborative return, more specifically on the 860v2.
For me, New Balance's 860 is a grossly underrated silhouette. Following a sudden surge in popularity (in the UK at least) last year and a collaboration with Dime, the hype surrounding the sneaker has plateaued.
However, if past Aimé Leon Dore collabs are anything to go by (take the 550, for example), things are about to get wild for the 860. The ALD effect, if you will.
The looks to be three colorways of the running-inspired sneaker landing in red, green and blue via a raffle which closes on April 5, 2023.
New Balance's 860 isn't the only technical runner to receive the Aimé Leon Dore touch as of late, as the similarly retro 1906 sneaker is also apparently receiving an ALD makeover, according to leakers, although remains unconfirmed at present.
A link-up on the 860v2 makes a welcome change from the 550 and 990-heavy partnership of late, although one that will undoubtedly fly off the shelves in no time at all.
