This New Balance 5030 Looks Like a Purple Oil Slick

If the Terminators are coming to lord over us all in the near future, we may as well dress for the occasion, right? As the AI industry’s endless expansion spreads fear of the singularity, sneaker brands are looking towards vats of liquid metal to meet the moment. The latest futuristic mix of iridescent color comes from New Balance and the Boston-based brand’s latest retro runner silhouette, the 5030.

Metallic Eggplant Energy

The New Balance 5030 Eggplant follows two more pairs of shiny metallic 5030s from the model’s early run, adding to the silver in-line pair and the mirrored Slam Jam collab that debuted the silhouette at Paris Fashion Week. This time around, the hard metal vibes return in a purple shade that changes color depending on the angle of your eye.

Featuring a full coat of iridescent purple shine across the entire upper, with swooping indentations in the paneling breaking up the monochrome and accentuating the side panel “N” logo. The tongue, laces, and sockliner switch to black to match the midsole for a two-tone that perfectly mixes bright shine with matte contrast.

New Balance 5030 Eggplant Release Details

The New Balance 5030 Eggplant will be released on June 9, 2026, via New Balance and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizes, the retail price is set at $120. For all the latest New Balance news and release details, download the Sole Retriever App.