Junya Wantanabe has become New Balance’s go-to for bolstering new additions to the mainline. In 2023, the Japanese icon assisted in further pushing the 650 before a year later unofficially debuting the New Balance 1906L. Right on time, the CDG designer’s AW25 show tipped off two silhouettes coming down the pike for NB in the 509 and 471 — New Balance has an inline look for the latter coming far soon than we initially expected.
First reported for the Fall/Winter window, instead a sensible neutral “Timberwolf” New Balance 471 is queued up for the end of March. Though some retailers that have already listed their pairs list it as retro product, it’s more retro-inspired product: “pulling inspiration from New Balance heritage models and trims. Though a new entrant, from first glance the 471 shares ties to existing fan favorites. A largely flat quarter panel shuffles this shoe alongside the likes of the 327 and 237, as does the split or “fang” toe design.
If anything, the 471 further pushes back the clock, utilizing a simplistic sole unit creates that holds true to the design language of the 1970s. Indeed, word from New Balance refers to this as a “reinterpretation” of that era’s running heritage. If there’s anything that pushes the envelope on the model, it’s the “unfinished” air, accomplished with the chunky suede overlays, an off-center “N” logo and an exposed foam tongue.
The New Balance 471 “Timberwolf” is set to release on NewBalance.com on March 27th. Retail is set at $100. Catch official images below and keep our Sneaker Release Dates page in mind for direct pick-up links upon arrival.
