Why the Beloved New Balance '860v2' is Gaining Attention among Serious Runners

The '860v2', released in 2011 from the high-performance running shoe collection 'NBx' series, has recently been a topic of discussion as it has become the base for the touring (sole unit) of popular models such as '2002R' and '1906R', and has also been adopted for collaboration models with apparel brands.

We asked Shigeyuki Kunii, the creative director of Mita Sneakers, a key person in the sneaker scene, why the '860v2' came into the mainstream and what role it plays for New Balance.

'860v2' is the Real 'Dad Shoe'

Among New Balance's running shoes, the '860' series is positioned as an entry-level model. In fact, it has established a solid position with up to '860v13' appearing in the current models. Regarding his encounter with the '860v2', which has a new color this time, Shigeyuki Kunii answers as follows.

"The first time I recognized '860v2' was at Paris Fashion Week in 2020. At 'Sneakers N Stuff (SNS)' in Paris, they were promoting '860v2' under the pretext that those who come to Paris Fashion Week walk more than anyone else trying to discover new things, so the best sneaker for walking around Paris is this one.
 
"From there, '860v2' started to buzz. At that time, the fashion world was hyping up shoes with volume and a bit of a stubborn design as 'Dad shoes', but from a shoemaker's perspective, '860v2' was the real 'Dad shoe' that middle-aged men in America were wearing."

When you go to the West, it was normal for middle-aged and older people to wear mid-priced running shoes sold in chain stores as street shoes. However, the fashion people call any chunky silhouette a 'Dad shoe', and Kunii felt a bit uncomfortable.
 
"The people in the fashion world started calling them 'Dad Shoes', but in American understanding, they're better known as 'BBQ shoes'. Precisely, it's the '624 Cross Trainer' from New Balance, which American fathers wore when they were barbequing in the garden on Sundays."
 
The difference in 'nicknames' and perceptions between fashionistas and the general public is quite interesting.

A Rare Standout whose Details have Reappeared in Fashion Trends Over Time

The 'Dad Shoes' trend seems to have continued with the stubborn shoe tension all the way to the recent 'Y2K' trend, but that's not actually the case. Kunii pointed out that the original context is different. However, there are shoes that were born because the '860v2' was supported.

"'860v2' had established a solid position at Paris Fashion Week, and based on that touring, '2002R' was reissued. The reason why 'R' is attached after '2002' is because it is not a strict reissue. 'R' means 'Re-Invention'."
 
Similarly, the popular bulky design '1906R', and the hybrid model '90/60' that picks the good parts of New Balance's masterpiece numbers, should not forget that the '860v2' touring is the base.

'Many people may remember the '860v2' from its collaboration with NY-based streetwear label Aimé Leon Dore, but it first came to prominence during the heyday of the normcore trend at Paris Fashion Week. Even then, it was accepted for its slightly edgy design in simple styles.
 
It has been supported during the boom of 'Dad shoes' and has strangely fit in even when the trend shifted from 'Gorpcore' to 'Y2K'. It's funny how key details have been picked up and supported in each era because there's no good or bad original image. In a sense, it has evolved into a shoe that can widely meet various needs at this timing.'