Matt Varga In our conversation with Rich Paul, the multi-hyphenate clearly delineated what to expect from his New Balance oeuvre moving forward: pairs bearing his name with a more luxurious, narrative lean, and the continued build-out of his Klutch Athletics imprint on a more accessible yet still premium tip.
After delivering the Rich Paul x New Balance 2010 to close ’25, the newly minted podcast host begins ’26 on the latter front. In a social media blast, Paul debuted the Klutch Athletics x New Balance AC Runner, a fresh face in the New Balance catalog in its own right. True to form, this collab variation delivers the monochromatic, simplistic air that’s defined KA to this point, given a reliable black-and-white platform before mixing up something a bit more experimental with wavy neutral patterning in the uppers.
At least in our coverage, this marks the first time we’ve crossed paths with the AC Runner, given somewhat of a low-key debut in January. In contrast to the brand’s established roster of mile-eaters and trail runners, the AC Runner is pitched as more of an all-around option, with its Fresh Foam X midsole split over three distinct densities, positioned for all manner of training rather than only your longer distances.
Given the range in the Klutch roster, it makes this a fitting silhouette for Paul to bring his talents to, all things considered. Though details on when to expect the mega-agent’s efforts are opaque for the moment, four colorways of the AC Runner have already hit NewBalance.com. Hit the link HERE to check for your size; all the looks clock in with a $150 retail price.
