There are winter boots, and then there are winter boots, also known as footwear capable of providing impenetrable cold-weather foot security without compromising on style integrity.
Snow Peak and New Balance's "TDS Niobium Concept 3" shoe collaboration comfortably leads in that latter category.
Looking like something Luke Skywalker would wear during his stint on the icy planet of Hoth, the Snow Peak x TDS New Balance Niobium Concept 3 is a sneaker-boot designed specifically for outdoor winter shenanigans, specifically when there's snow involved.
Snow Peak and New Balance's new boot collab features an upper covered by a snow-inspired crisp white & light grey breathable outer shell made from "eVent," an eco-conscious material that provides all-weather protection. This way, Snow Peak and New Balance promise to keep your feet safe from wind, rain, and snow.
But the winter defense does not stop there.
The inner portion of Snow Peak and NB's TDS Niobium Concept 3 boots features a dual-layer design incorporating PRIMALOFT. This lightweight padding boasts serious heat retention and water repellency, promising warm, dry toes even when hiking in snow and slush.
Upon detaching the removable outer shell, the entire inner boot is revealed, adorned with a custom graphic inspired by the chilly winter sky. Additionally, Snow Peak sourced excerpts from the poem 'Ame Nimo Makezu' by the renowned 20th-century poet and fairy tale writer Kenji Miyazawa to give its New Balance bootie additional visual intrigue.
This is all mounted on the TDS Niobium Concept 3's special sole, inspired by New Balance's 580 sneaker and produced by Italian solemaker Vibram to maximize durability and grip on fickle winter grounding.
For the uninitiated, New Balance's MT580 sneaker, a cult favorite in both Japanese and American streetwear circles, is known for its 'chunky' normcore aesthetic and robust trail running capabilities.
Since its debut in the mid-90s, the 580 shoe has surged in popularity over the past decade, securing its place as a staple in nearly everyone's footwear collection.
The collaboration is a harmonious blend, honoring brands that excel in the craft of playful, yet functional design. The TDS Niobium Concept 3 ranks as one of our favorite boots this season, ideal for alpine adventurers or for those simply navigating through snow to reach the office.
Oh, and if you're struggling to decide what to wear with the new highly coveted Snow Peak x New Balance collaboration, exclusive down jackets and down vests that include the same custom graphics on the part of the boots will drop at the same time as the boots.
The collaboration will initially launch at T-HOUSE New Balance, New Balance's online store, and select Snow Peak flagship stores. It will then be released at a limited number of stores worldwide starting from January 2024.
