Matt Varga Of the many pleasant surprises in the 2025-26 season, Kawhi Leonard is toward the top of the pile. After an incredibly sluggish start to the year for his Los Angeles Clippers, it’s largely been a career-best year for the Finals MVP that’s stamped them back into playoff contention, a stalwart presence amid shifting roster mates throughout the year. As the world gets accustomed once again to Kawhi Leonard as a tide-shifting two-way presence, New Balance officially unveils the latest in his signature line: the New Balance Kawhi V.
First teased on court during the NBA All-Star game, this marks the official reveal of this latest iteration. As with any superstar multiple editions into a line, the KAWHI V is evolution rather than reinvention. The mix of jagged lines in the sole unit and a simplified mesh upper uphold the design language we’ve come to expect from Leonard, but trust that the tech befitting a perennial All-NBAer is intact. Dual-density FuelCell and a Y plate collide in the platform for propulsion and support, while the upper delivers a new mesh material mix and hardened TPU layers above for breathability and support.
“Working with the New Balance design team on the KAWHI V is a continuation of what we have been building together through the years. I wanted this model to highlight those first steps, that first burst that you feel on the court. We added details that allow me to perform at the top of my game but also show my creative style.”
On top of the shoes themselves, this also signals a development in Leonard’s status within the brand. As we careen towards the earnest debut of the New Balance Kawhi V in June, Kawhi will serve as Creative Director for the campaign, already partially seen with a nature-set spot around his return to action.
Again, the New Balance Kawhi V is expected to hit shelves as part of the Summer 2026 slate, retailing for $160 a piece. Check out debut colorways below.
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