A Fusion of Retro Design & High-Functionality: Introducing New Balance's 'WRPD Runner'

On August 16, 2023 (Wednesday), the 'WRPD Runner' from New Balance will be released. This newcomer blends a contemporary design unseen in previous models and the latest technology. We had a chat with Shigeyuki Kunii, the Creative Director at 'mita sneakers' and a key figure on the sneaker scene, to get his impressions of this new design and to find out what aspirations New Balance has for the 'WRPD Runner'.

Debut at Paris Fashion Week

The New Balance's new concept, 'WRPD Runner', made its debut at a runway show at Paris Fashion Week in June 2023. Models wearing the 'WRPD Runner' appeared in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection of the popular Tokyo-based brand 'Auralee'.
 
Shortly after, 'Auralee' announced a collaborative model with the 'WRPD Runner' that the models wore, which made headlines in the fashion industry. Kunii spoke about this unique approach to launching the new model.
 
"It's quite a novel approach for a new model from New Balance to be launched as a collaboration with a brand. Around the same time, when I posted the first model that New Balance's headquarters in Boston sent me on social media, it created quite a buzz. This made me realize that the 'WRPD Runner' is attracting more attention than I thought."