New Balance has proven they have a keen eye for collaborations as their partners include Aime Leon Dore and its founder Teddy Santis, Joe Freshgoods, and the Japanese fashion label AURALEE just to name a few. Continuing their partnership with the latter of the group, AURALEE has crafted a follow-up to their earlier New Balance RC30 collaboration, however, this time the pack will remain exclusive to Japan.
Coming in neutral tones the brand is known for, AURALEE brings us a primarily “White” colorway and a “Tan” rendition that keeps this semi-monochromatic. Starting with the “White” pair, we see the typical XC-72 construction with suede panels working from the toe up to the eyestays while the base layer gets a leather finish in a slightly off-white tone. NB branding is plastered along the midfoot with a large “N” logo while the top of the tongue hosts an embroidered “New Balance” text. Tonal laces match the tongue itself while the heel comes with a grooved overlay in an eggshell shade. Rounding everything out is the midsole and outsole combo that keeps the monochromatic theme alive.
Similar to the “White” pair, the “Tan” rendition takes on tonal tan shades throughout its upper with the base coming in a richer tan while the overlays come in a lighter, sandy-like hue. The same details found on the aforementioned “White” colorway remain with a large “N” logo plastered along the midfoot and tonal laces matching the eyestays, however, the upper on this pair comes constructed out of suede. Underfoot is a tan rubber midsole with a split-designed traction pattern taking over the darker tan rubber outsole.
The AURALEE x New Balance XC-72 Japan Pack is set to release on December 9th, 2022 exclusively in Japan through AURALEE and New Balance. Releasing in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at 19,800 Yen (approx $146 USD). Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via AURALEE
AURALEE x New Balance XC-72 “White”
AURALEE x New Balance XC-72 “Camel”
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
