Amid the endlessly weird and wonderful ugly shoe drops, be it these Crocs or these Reeboks, the newly announced New Balance XC-72 sneakers are a refreshingly low-key reprise. Offering a halfway point between a reimagined retro runner and a trail shoe, these blue and yellow beauties are the perfect palate cleanser for the coming summer.
This latest drop is the latest expression of the New Balance XC-72 that the brand has released, just weeks after the new design was first seen in a “Bone/Multi” colourway. The brand-new silhouette takes inspiration from the fan-favourite 327 design, but adds a host of sporty inclusions that is sure to make the XC-72 another winner.
The upper is predominantly made up of high-quality suede and perforated leather, as well as breathable mesh sections, executed in a trio of different blue-green hues. The heel features an almost corrugated creamy support structure, which contrasts strongly against the black suede of the rest of the heel. However, the real highlight of this New Balance XC-72 colourway is the bright yellow tongue and matching details.
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The entire tongue of the shoe is made in mesh in a warm golden yellow tone, which then extends down the shoe and all the way to the outsole. The yellow strip continues, splitting the two-piece outsole into black rubber with a tread pattern that reminds of New Balance’s 327 texture and contrasting gum rubber with a much more aggressive hiking tread pattern.
Emblazoned across both midfoot flanks is a crisp white N, complimenting the other branding details on the shoe’s tongue. The overall impression is one of consideration, blending vintage design cues with a much more contemporary sole and outsole shape.
This latest expression of the freshly minted New Balance XC-72 isn’t yet available for purchase, slated for an August 20th release date online with an RRP of US$130 (AU$177).
