Matt Varga Any sneakerhead knows- the New Balance 650 and the closely-related New Balance 550 have done truly astounding things for New Balance, both helping bring the Boston brand back to a place of streetwear dominance, and revitalizing their previously sidelined basketball division.
Given the cultural purchase that the shoes have carved out, it’s become a tight balance between not watering down the suddenly inescapable shoe, and keeping consumers happy via new formulations. With the New Balance 650 “White/Teal,” NB is leaning into the latter, offering up a new style of the basketball favorite.
With Teddy Santis appointed as creative director for Made in USA, his influence obviously shines through in plenty of the brand’s products. Yet the “White/Teal” 650 taps into the specific sensibilities expressed in previous Aimé Leon Dore collaborations, from the green accent shades to the vintage off-white details.
That faux-aged direction takes to the mesh section on the heel, the midsole and the interior leather that sits under the cut out N logo. Rather than simply replacing the white upper with that cream hue, both are used on concert, with the more pronounced leather panelling going straight eggshell. Lastly, the titular teal drops onto the shoe in familiar colorblocking fashion, adding hints of color on varied branding, on the outsole and towards the heel.
As of writing, there’s no release date attached to the New Balance 650 “White/Teal,” but we do know they’ll command a $140 retail price. Expect specific drop details shortly, with a wide release in the next several weeks likely.
For more on an aforementioned model, take a look at the New Balance 550 “Clay Court” pack.
