Brand: J.Crew x New Balance
Model: 997H
Release Date: Available now
Price: $90
Buy: Online at J.Crew
Editor's Notes: With over 75 years of experience under its belt, there isn't much New Balance doesn't know about sneakers. With an impressive archive of silhouettes and contemporary reinterpretations, it's one of those brands that has something for everybody. NB has a knack for reviving past successes, which explains why the 997 (now known as the 997H) is receiving some love in the form of exclusive J.Crew colorways.
Equally as expansive as its product catalog, is the NB collaboration portfolio that stretches from Parisian restaurant Paperboy to Joe Freshgoods and Extra Butter. On examination of its release calendar so far this year, the brand is doing pretty well.
While weighing in at a generally higher price point than competitors including Nike, the collaborative releases that have reached the secondary market are fetching fair returns. Although this set of exclusives isn't the type you'll see sneakerheads ranting and raving about, it only bolsters the chameleon-like abilities of New Balance to keep silhouettes fresh time and time again.
This two-piece offering isn't the first time J.Crew has refit a New Balance silhouette in its vision, as the 1400 and 996 have both received treatment before the 997H. Both new Cordura-woven colorways – "Raincloud" and "Trek" – keep things simple on opposing ends of the color spectrum. While the "Raincloud" iteration keeps a muted palette with bold contrasts of orange and blue, the striking teal coloring is unmissable.
These colorways feel as if they have been designed to amplify the simplicity of J.Crew's looks, and if that is the case, they do it quite well.
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