New Balance played its hand well when mesh runners and "dad shoes" became all the rage in the fashion and footwear worlds. While this trend persists, low-top retro runners from the mid-20th century, a la the adidas Samba and Gazelle, have dominated recent footwear trends. Leaning into this trend, New Balance introduced the RC30 silhouette, which drew inspiration from '70s runners. The latest in the RC line, the RC42, has been revealed in the first inline colorways.
Initially previewed in a collaborative effort with designer Junya Watanabe, the RC42 is poised to significantly impact four distinct inline colorways: Cream White Gum, White Black, Grey Gum, and Black White. The design ethos of the RC42 is deeply rooted in simplicity and elegance, drawing on its predecessor's minimalistic yet timeless appeal. The White Black and Black White pairs showcase a harmonious blend of suede and leather, with leather taking center stage. On the other hand, the Cream White Gum and Grey Gum versions emphasize a predominantly suede construction, accented with subtle leather details on the New Balance N logo for a touch of refinement.
Each pair in the RC42 lineup is meticulously crafted to ensure a cohesive look, featuring tonal uppers that exude understated sophistication. This design approach allows the sneakers to seamlessly integrate into various styles, from casual everyday wear to more polished ensembles. Including a white midsole across all four colorways provides a clean contrast, while the gum outsole adds a classic finishing touch that resonates with vintage runners.
The New Balance RC42 is available through select overseas retailers, while a wider release through New Balance globally will take place in the coming weeks. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price has yet to be confirmed for the US. However, EU shops have the pair priced at €100. Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via 43einhalb
New Balance RC42 Cream White Gum
New Balance RC42 Grey Gum
New Balance RC42 Black White
New Balance RC42 White Black
