Jaden Smith's New Balance collaborations keep getting better. First there was the ultra-chunky NB Vision Racer, then there was the one-off patchwork 574 and, now, Jaden and New Balance are about to debut what may be their most wearable sneaker to date.
Jaden debuted his latest shoe collab, the MSFTSrep x New Balance 0.01, onstage during Coachella 2023, when he appeared during sister Willow's set to perform a duet of sorts.
You'd be forgiven for missing Jaden's new NB sneaker as he bopped across the stage, given the dramatic lighting and the other standout bits in his look (though it's hardly his wildest outfit even in the past year) but, lo and behold, Jaden's 2023 New Balance collab.
Looking all the world like New Balance's 550 if it was a skate shoe, Jaden's new NB collab — which is a collaboration between New Balance and Jaden's MSFTSrep clothing brand — channels the retro chunk we know he enjoys, footwear-wise.
"When designing the shoes, we really wanted to use the design codes that we established with the Vision Racer but in a format that more people can wear," Jaden told Highsnobiety during a launch event at Nobu Malibu in October 2023.
"We wanted to make a shoe that could be worn every day whether you're around the house or going to an event. These are shoes that can be worn with sweats, and they look amazing. And they can also look amazing when worn with a tux or a suit."
You've got a shoe sporting a very wearable all-white leather upper, complete with mini NB logo and contrasting black panels, which isn't very Jaden in so far as it's quite understated and, dare I say, normal-looking.
But, then you've got a deconstructed midsole that breaks up the tread to reveal a hidden layer beneath. All that funky layering? Pretty Jaden, if you ask me.
It's certainly not as wild as the New Balance Vision Racer (nor the bizarre Louis Vuitton/New Balance hybrid shoe that Jaden created a couple years ago) but if there was ever a Jaden Smith New Balance destined to become a smash hit, it's gotta be this one.
"When people see the shoe, I want them to think of New Balance's heritage, sneaker culture, and the history of court shoes in the world... and fashion!" Jaden said. "We're using the campaign to speak to high fashion and all works of life. I want people to think differently.
"That's what we're going for — a shoe for everybody, especially the MSFTS of the world."
Jaden's NB 0.01 was initially quite enigmatic but, following an August 24 pre-release event at New Balance's premium Japanese flagship store, Jaden Smith's next New Balance collab releases October 12 on New Balance's website.
This article was published April 26, 2023, and updated on October 10
