Kith continues its long-standing partnership with New Balance for an all-new footwear and apparel release. This collection draws inspiration from two of Ronnie Fieg's favorite New Balance models ever - the United Arrows & Sons 997.5 and the nonnative 997.5. Six new models have been designed in collaboration with both of these brands/retailers, utilizing their original styles as the foundation for this launch's color palette.
Kith x New Balance 2018 presents six colorways over three silhouettes - the 997 OG, the 997S, and the 997S Fusion. The 997 OG maintains its iconic design silhouette with updated premium material executions. Staying true to the brands heritage, both 997 OG's are made in the USA. The 997S, S for Sport, is introduced to market with this collection for the very first time. The 997S silhouette is a modernized rendition of its predecessor, and features a fully reimagined upper and tooling. The upper opts for a neoprene sock-construction, turned seams, and an all-new ENCAP Reveal tooling for a lightweight feel. The last silhouette bridges the gap by merging the made in USA upper of the 997 OG with the new tooling of the 997S, hence creating the 997S Fusion.
All three silhouettes receive two distinct colorways, one of which nods to United Arrows & Sons and the other which nods to nonnative. The United Arrows & Sons color palette is comprised of grey, black, purple, pink and cream, while the nonnative palette utilizes different shades of brown, black, and cobalt blue. All six styles feature 997-branded tabs on the lateral side of each shoe, as well as a new element that is unique to this release - the triple stacked N. Each model bears 3-color stacked N's on the saddles, which stands as a nod to the three partners represented in this collaboration. The UA&Sons 997 OG is crafted from classic pigskin suede and leather, in contrast to the nonnative 997 OG which combines exotic materials such as pony hair, ostrich-embossed leather, and suede. Both 997S models incorporate a neoprene sock-construction, as well as pigskin suede and tumbled leather panels. Lastly, the 997S Fusions are crafted in all pigskin suede and mesh.
Kith x New Balance 2018 releases on Wednesday, November 21, at all Kith shops and at 11AM EST on Kith.com. Additionally, United Arrows & Sons and nonnative will also be launching the footwear on their websites at 11AM EST, and the following day in their retail stores.
