Low-cut minimalist sneakers are having their fashion moment. Perfect for layering with big trousers and tracksuit pants, these sneakers often draw from the basketball, tennis court, and skate park with plenty of heritage nods.
Having successfully re-launched the basketball-inspired 550 and 480 models more than two years ago, New Balance is diving into tennis for the T500 (originally released in 1982) and we think they’ve nailed the design.
We first saw this revived silhouette at the end of last year with a limited-edition Aimé Leon Dore collaboration. However, the sneaker is finally hitting the shelves in Australia in general release colourways. The first is a gorgeous reflection colour with white and light arctic grey hues that’s set to release at newbalance.com.au on the 14th of March, 2024 at 10am AEST for $180 AUD.
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Even in this paired-back silhouette, all the quality that you would expect from New Balance is there. The upper is a well-thought blend of pigskin suede and nubuck, while the perforated toe-box has added detailing for a premium take on a familiar look. These minimalist sneakers must keep their shape wear-after-wear and the use of materials here is a great place to start.
For comfort’s sake, the polyurethane midsole offers an understated hint of 1980s tech that stands out from the vulcanized soles of older court models. The design is rounded out with the elegant simplicity of a white and cream colourway that we think works best with chino pants and trousers.
Check out the 20-second campaign film “Quiet Please,” shot by emerging director Francis Plummer and Chris Cadaver as the protagonists, linked below. Then get online on the 14th of March, 2024 at 10am AEST and pick up a pair of the T500 for $180 AUD.
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