Following on from the New Balance 247, Boston-based New Balance Athletics, Inc. announces the launch of a new, innovative MADE silhouette that is inspired by the classic New Balance 990 but is modernised for the always-on-the-go consumer.

We were actually lucky enough to be invited out to Boston by New Balance to celebrate the launch of the NB MADE 1978, but we’re going to through all that into a separate blog post, and just leave this one to focus on the product specifically.

The New Balance MADE 1978 was crafted in New Balance’s Norridgewock manufacturing facility in Maine which we got to visit and check out the 1978 line. Crafted using premium materials and traditional shoemaking expertise, this style will launch in three colourways on March 18th.

The New Balance 990 is one of the most iconic silhouettes for the brand, and the NB MADE 1978 was created as a response to this classic silhouette which was originally developed in 1978. The New Balance 990 took four years of development, starting in 1978, and when it was released in 1982, it was the pinnacle of technology, quality materials and performance design.

The New Balance 1978 is an innovative take on the original 990 concept with a focus on modern silhouettes and manufacturing methods. New Balance designers re-thought the design using techniques that apply a combination of new technology and construction methods with classic quality.

The style features sleek and stylish design elements that pay homage to New Balance’s MADE footwear. The modernised three piece upper is done in suede and leather with perforated details on the toe box and N logo; a reflective underlay on the N logo; and, a deconstructed leather collar.

Amongst all the other components that make up this shoe, there’s one big thing that really stands out for us, and we’re sure everyone else, and that’s the Vibram sole unit. Vibram was the original partner used to create the 990 outsole for the best combination of lightweight and durability. For the New Balance MADE 1978, Vibram was again used to create a new one-piece injection sole unit that is lighter and highly durable compared to other ground contact IMEVA soles. The New Balance MADE 1978 Vibram sole unit is manufactured at the New Balance Brighton manufacturing facility in Boston, not too far from the Global HQ.

Shinichi Kubota, Vice President of New Balance Lifestyle and Enduring Purpose said that, “New Balance is committed to domestic manufacturing and has been for over 75 years — it is our heritage and authentic to the brand. Each pair manufactured in our six factories in the US and UK is made by American and British craftsmen and women who have a strong passion for creating the most high-quality product. The premium crafted footwear that we deliver, influences and pushes the brand to strive to be authentic, high-quality and premium in everything we do.”

“With the MADE 1978, we challenged ourselves with a new, innovative silhouette to offer the most relevant, modern style for our always-on-the-go consumer who appreciates the blend of function, fashion, sport and premium craftsmanship. The MADE 1978 isn’t a conventional classic, it is the first MADE silhouette designed under our evolutionary concept, ‘Style of Your Life,’ and delivers versatility for the modern style seeker.”

You’ll be able to grab the first three colourways of the NB MADE 1978 from spots like HANON from tomorrow, and stay tuned for what went down when we visited Boston, but in the meantime, enjoy the shots that we took on location outside Fenway Park!