The Made in USA New Balance 585 dropped at retailers worldwide only a short time ago, but like with every silhouette that gets dusted off and brought back into production by New Balance, they always follow up early doors with a banger of a collaboration, and this effort by Ball and Buck is the one!
Before we get into the nitty gritty of this collaboration on the 585, let’s run through some background on the silhouette itself, and it’s place on the New Balance roster.
The Made in USA New Balance 585 has been brought back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New Balance 580, which is the New Balance Japan designed model inspired by the 585. The model has an unusual history, and like a few models in the mid-nineties, the 585 was introduced in the US and Europe in 1995 and in Japan a year later, as a Made in USA prestige model, distinguishing it from a Made in China version. In 1995, the M585 was touted as the most stable running shoe in the New Balance range offering exceptional cushion and stability with ROLLBAR technology. Today, the classic Made in USA Lifestyle model celebrates the authenticity of New Balance Made in footwear and highlights the premium craftsmanship, heritage and quality that Made in product represents.
Getting back to the collaboration, Premier American-made outfitters Ball and Buck have joined forces with New Balance for the Made in USA 585 “Sporting Gentleman”. It is inspired by Ball and Buck’s signature plaid, which is representative of the Boston-based retailer’s brand and lifestyle. Borrowing from traditional plaids of heritage hunting estates, the earthy, natural tones with accents of classic navy and orange blaze incorporate everything that it means to be a “sporting gentleman” and stay true to the brand’s sporting roots.
The Ball and Buck x New Balance MiUSA 585 “Sporting Gentleman” was crafted in New Balance’s Skowhegan, ME manufacturing facility with premium materials and traditional shoemaking expertise and is the first time the silhouette has been used for a collaborative project. All the details of the style remain true to the original, with influences from Ball and Buck including signature Ball and Buck leather on the N logo, tongue and collar strap; signature Ball and Buck duck canvas on the underlays and insert label; signature Ball and Buck plaid canvas on the vamp and collar; and, signature Ball and Buck camo pattern printed underneath the gum rubber outsole. The style also offers nubuck overlays and is finished off with classic details such as a Ball and Buck branded antique brass lace lock. All the materials are highly durable with the intention of outdoor wear for the sporting gentleman in mind.
Chris Davis, Strategic Business Manager, NB Lifestyle said the following; “Our work with Ball and Buck brings two Boston-based brands together that strive to offer consumers premium, authentic, Made in USA products. We are excited to bring-back the 585 silhouette and collaborate on this prestige model with a retailer who influences, inspires and understands quality American craftsmanship, as well as the outdoor lifestyle.”
Mark Bollman, Founder and President, Ball and Buck, said the following about the collaboration with New Balance; “We were honored when New Balance approached us to work on their first ever collaboration on the 585 silhouette. Being two brands cut from the same cloth and built upon the same values, we are always impressed with how functional, beautiful, and high quality our collaborations come out. The sporting gentleman really speaks to the entire material story of Ball and Buck and debuts our signature plaid, like our first collaboration debuted our signature Camo. In fact, all of the Ball and Buck signature materials and patterns are integrated into this shoe, from our signature canvas and signature Horween leather that can be found in our luggage line, to our plaid that lines our jackets, and pops of blaze orange and antique brass common on almost every product we create. We couldn’t be more proud of how the final product turned out and are thrilled to have been able to partner with our good friends at New Balance.”
The Made in USA New Balance 585 x Ball and Buck “Sporting Gentleman” has already been released on their website here, but will see a wider release on September 17th.
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