Long heralded as one of the frontrunners in Japan's sneaker scene, mita sneakers has a storied relationship with the New Balance 580 silhouette. In the early 2000s, they were instrumental in catapulting the then-Japan-exclusive model into a much-revered position within sneaker circles. Fast forward to today, and the silhouette has returned in Japan and globally. Masterpiece Sound and Hombre Niño are joining forces with mita sneakers and New Balance to reintroduce this favorite with an added twist: Gore-Tex.
The new iteration of the New Balance 580 has been enhanced for the modern wearer. Its upper is cloaked in a dark allure, predominantly in shades of black, punctuated with white accents that add a touch of visual relief. Notable details include a dash-patterned black lace set, the crisply contrasted white New Balance 580 Gore-Tex branding on the tongue, and the iconic "N" logo on the midfoot. Beyond aesthetics, the shoe is functionally designed to withstand the elements, thanks to its Gore-Tex coating. This is evident across the upper's TPU, mesh, and leather components. The heel bears a diamond pattern, underscored by a Gore-Tex tag, adding to the shoe's distinctiveness. The insole, however, is where the collaborative magic truly happens. Each shoe pays homage to its creators: one bearing the imprints of mita sneakers and New Balance, while the other showcases Masterpiece Sound and Hombre Niño branding. Grounding the design is a blacked-out midsole and rugged outsole tailored for urban adventures.
The Masterpiece Sound x Hombe Niño x mita sneakers x New Balance 580 GTX will release October 2023, though exactly where remains a mystery. These will likely remain exclusive to mita sneakers and other retailers in Japan. Offered in men’s sizes, the retail price is set at ¥29,700 (approx $200 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.
Masterpiece Sound x Hombe Niño x mita sneakers x New Balance 580 GTX
Images via Shoes Master
