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If New Balance has a strong suit (they have many, if you ask us), it’s color blocking. Mixing suede and mesh in unique, thoughtful colorways is the Boston brand’s calling card in sneaker circles. But at the end of the day, New Balance is synonymous with one color: grey. The label is going back to its roots with the latest Made in USA 1300, giving us an elevated dad shoe that will actually appeal to your dad.
The platonic ideal of a New Balance sneaker, the 1300 Made in USA Grey is grey and white from top to bottom, with premium grey suede and grey mesh covering the upper. The laces, tongue, outline on the N logo, and front half of the midsole are white, and the only other absence of grey comes from the thin black outsole. The tongue logo and insole both include “Classic” in the branding, and we can see why, with reflective grey on the side logos to round out the traditional look.
A longtime star of the Made in USA program, the 1300 is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, and we’ve seen plenty of colorways to commemorate the occasion. First, there was a premium, twice-a-decade 1300JP release that retailed for a whopping $330, then classics started showing up, with navy blue, chocolate brown, and crisp white suede and mesh pairs all set to drop before the year is out. With the addition of the Made in USA grey pair, it’s safe to say that Teddy Santis and the New Balance team are still giving plenty of reverence to the brand’s storied history.
The New Balance 1300 Made in USA Grey will be released before the year is over, through select New Balance retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizes, we still haven’t heard word on the retail price. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
