Just over two years ago, New Balance’s conceptual outpost, TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO, introduced a new silhouette called NIOBIUM CONCEPT 1. As part of Junya Watanabe MAN’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, the next generation : the NIOBIUM CONCEPT 2 was unveiled. This collaborative pair is now arriving on the Asian market.
This innovative new model has a technical sandal look.
It consists of an upper made of a combination of premium leather, breathable mesh and durable suede.
Without laces, the NIOBIUM CONCEPT 2 is adorned with technical straps above the tongue for improved support. These geometric straps feature magnetic buckles made by FIDLOCK and high-intensity reflectors. To secure the foot, the sandal has a strap, this time removable, at the heel. When this element is removed, the sandal becomes a mule. On this black collaborative version, the white « JWCdGMAN » branding appears on the adjustable strap.
As for the rest of the construction, the shoe is equipped with a reinforcement on the toe, a 3M reflective insert on the toe box and a comfortable blue insole. The whole is based on a wide, thick Vibram outsole that takes over the Fresh Foam Hiero running shoes (New Balance’s best-selling brand).
The Junya Watanabe MAN x NEW BALANCE TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO Niobium Concept 2 is available in Japan from October 1, 2022 for $450 (¥64,900).
