In the long line of New Balance sneakers, few are more important than the 1300. After its initial release in 1985, the 1300 quickly gained a cult-like status in the early sneaker community, and for good reason. Commanding a $130 price tag (around $317 today), the New Balance 1300 was one of the most expensive sneakers of the decade. It was a shoe that was admired by many but owned by few.
Since 1995, New Balance has treated fans to a retro of the 1300JP every five years. This tradition has brought about a few colourways over the past 25 years. The reasoning behind this is simple. It keeps supply low and the demand high. However, none of these colourways has come close to the original 1985 release. With the dawn of the new decade, New Balance is celebrating in a big way. Sneakerheads will have the opportunity to cop the 1300JP in its original colourway.
The 2020 New Balance will be manufactured in the USA and feature all the unique details of the original. A textured mesh base. draped in steel blue, is complete with a grey suede overlay. The familiar eggshell white leather can be seen on the heel and tongue; as well as on the iconic “N” logo found on the midfoot. Light grey laces and grey features on the tongue round off the retro feel to the sneaker, with an eggshell support clip being placed on the heel.
Of course, the 1300JP wouldn’t be complete without New Balance’s pioneering ENCAP midsole. The original advert described the 1300JP as a “sports car for your feet.” Given the comfortability of the sneaker, that’s no underestimation. A white midsole is complete with a black outsole, rounding off the shoe nicely; with the white and blue box being a throwback to the New Balance days of old.
Image Source: New Balance
