UPDATED: Bodega x New Balance 997S “No Days Off”

qUICK tAKE:

Bodega is a well-known sneaker shop from the LA area. The brand has completed a variety of collaborative projects with various footwear brands. Over the weekend, the shop teased the first images of an upcoming Bodega x New Balance 997S model.

Design:

The New Balance 997S had its first introduction via Ronnie Fieg’s recent New Balance project, and this time sees a colorful design that mixes retro vibes with modern functionality. The shoe features a mix of distressed suede, mesh, a neoprene bootie, and a snazzy gel-‘N’ logo with purple and gray hues that mash the old and new. ABZORB and ENCAP Reveal cushioning provides a supportive, stable ride.

ANALYSIS:

New Balance has quickly and quietly injected themselves into the forefront of sneakerhead’s minds at the beginning of 2019. Along with the large collaborative project with Fieg, the brand released a clean collaboration with Auralee and re-entered the NBA arena with Kawhi Leonard. This Bodega collaboration could be the crowning jewel to the brand’s first quarter of the year. No matter what, it will remind everyone that New Balance still deliver some of the best retro-style running shoes available to the public.

Release Date:

The Bodega x New Balance 997S will first be available for in-person looks on March 28th at a launch party at legendary Los Angeles skating rink, World On Wheels. On Thursday April 4th, the shoe will release exclusively on the NTWRK app and bdgastore.com and in-store at the Boston and Los Angeles Bodega locations for $160.