New Balance “Flight Path” Pack Features More Modular Logos

QUICK TAKE:

New Balance has dropped another tidy pack of sneakers, this time utilizing the modified New Balance 574 Sport for a project dubbed the “Flight Path” pack. The two inverted colorways both feature multiple interchangeable ‘N’ logos, giving the pack the same functionality as New Balance’s NB 997H collaboration with New Era which also featured a variety pack of logos to choose from.

DESIGN:

The pack features two variations on the New Balance 574 Sport model. The first is all black, with a branded white stripe cutting the toe box off from the upper, finished off with a white heel pull tab and a gray midsole. The other pair inverts the colorway, making white the primary and using black on the branded forefoot stripe and heel pull tab. The white pair also stays monochrome with a white midsole.

Both models are made of a supple leather and utilize a chunky, yet modern Fresh Foam midsole. The ‘Sport’ version of the 574 also features a modified tongue The stars of the show are the interchangable ‘N’ logos provided with the packs; however, with four different colors marked by different cities: a white ‘N’ for New York, red for Shanghai, gray for London, and black for Tokyo. With all this choice, the shoes provide great wearability for the user.

ANALYSIS:

The use of interchangeable, attachable logos is not new, but the use of modular, functional footwear has definitely seemed to increase this year. We mentioned the New Balance x New Era 997H pack that also featured interchangeable velcro logos, and Nike has also introduced numerous similar multi-logo offerings, like these recent Nike Air Force 1’s with swappable Swooshes. This trend is great for consumers, as it gives shoes more functionality.

The one drawback with this pack may be the Fresh Foam sole, which isn’t the most attractive. It sits awkwardly between the chunky, retro look that has taken over the market in the last two years- but still features angular, modern design that is a bit too athletic. Still, by the next time we look at the shoes, it may have grown on us, so to each their own.