The 20 Greatest New Balance Collaborations of All Time

• Release date: December 22, 2023

You'll be seeing another Joe Freshgood's inclusion on here, but we had to kick start this list with a recent collaboration between New Balance and Joe Freshgoods that dropped around the holiday 2023 season. It might seem premature to put such a new drop on the list, but we're feeling mighty confident that this shoe is going to be one that withstands the test of time. We'll check down the line to see if our prediction was right, but for the moment we're feeling good putting this shoe on the list.

• Release date: N/A

New Balance and Levi's might seem like an unlikely collaboration, but the two have in fact linked on a few occasions. While they have given us some denim-style colorways (it's only right when working with a brand like Levi's), the shoe we love most from the two is this take on the 580s—a suede mixture inspired by the start of mountain biking in Marin County, California. While there is some denim featured on the shoe, the tan suede dominates the look, taking the sneakers in an entirely different direction than predicted. We're excited to see what's next from the two in the future.

• Release date: September 19, 2017

If you guessed that a New Balance x Stüssy collaboration would be a rather coveted item in the land of sneaker collectors, then you guessed right. While certainly not the most expensive sneaker you'll ever encounter, the starting price for the "Cream's" are around $800—meaning that you have to drop some coins. Considering the Stüssy's name sake and their reputation in the fashion industry, this isn't any surprise whatsoever. That's precisely why we have the collab on our list as one of the best.

• Release date: April 13, 2022

Launched in April 2022 in honor of the SS22 fashion season, New Balanced linked up with Danish fashion label GANNI to produce a sustainably made sneaker that both helped the environment while also making buyers look stylish. Featuring a cream colorway with some hints of green in the mix as well, this is an underrated shoe in the New Balance collaboration lineup.

• Release date: October, 2022

You'll be seeing more Todd Snyder later on in this list, but for now we're starting off with the New Balance x Todd Snyder limited edition collaboration "City Gym," which suffice to say has been a top seller as there are only a number of sizes left. Paying tribute to a time when the standard for workout clothes was just simply a mixture of grey, these shoes feature a an oversized, chenille ‘N’ to go along with it's satin crafting, and boost an old school 1990s gym style to them—one of the many reasons why it's been so beloved. If you own a pair, consider yourself a lucky individual.

• Release date: July 10, 2021

For Kith's 10th anniversary, they took to one of New Balance's new models, the RC 1300. The sneakers exude a premium feel, with their suede and mesh construction that came in a variety of soft tones. The Kith monogram embossed on the "N" logo pushes that even further. The collaboration serves as a callback to Ronnie Fieg's first endeavor with New Balance, as well as an indicator towards the future of Kith.

• Release date: February 4, 2020

The "No Emotions Are Emotions" 992's were one of the first releases of New Balance's 2020 tear, and they started with a bang. the Valentine's Day themed pair emerged in very fitting red and pink hues with a very limited release in Chicago from February 14-16, 2020. The collaboration was also a partnership with New Balance signee Kawhi Leonard, whose signature model was also given a rework.

• Release date: 2013

2013 harkens back to a time when New Balance was not nearly the powerhouse it was today, but if you do some digging there are no doubt gems within its catalog. One of those is the collaboration with Boston's Concepts retailer, which was inspired by the new design of the 100 dollar bill.

• Release date: April 18, 2020

New Balance frequently debuts new models through collaboration, and their ultra sleek 327 model found its perfect match with Casablanca. Just like the Parisian label, the 327 strikes the perfect balance between sportswear and elegant luxury, in a white and green colorway that will fit right in with your tennis whites.

• Release date: May 1, 2020

New Balance locked in with WTAPS on a 992 that feels decidedly WTAPS, with it's urban militaristic feel. With a largely muted palette of various grays in a couple different textures, the loud orange hit of color on the midsole adds just the perfect amount of brightness to make the shoe a must have.

• Release date: June 16, 2021

Bodega and New Balance have had a long and fruitful relationship full of successful collaborations throughout the years, with one of the most notable pairs coming form New Balance's 2020 streak. However, our personal favorites are the pair which celebrated the Boston-based boutique's 15 year anniversary.

• Release date: December 23, 2020

Todd Snyder's take on the 997 is truly an anachronistic masterpiece. It brings back one of New Balance's classic runners from the nineties, updated to suit the needs of the modern man in sleek colorways. The shoes can easily be worked into the ever popular luxury/sportswear look, and feature the elusive "Flying NB" logo of old.

• Release date: April 22, 2022

Following his initial collaborations with New Balance on the 2002R, fans of Salehe Bembury had astronomical expectations for his next release. Fortunately, the man is a talented designer with a penchant for social media virality, which he achieved once again with the Salehe Bembury 574 YURT. The 574, which is already a NB classic, receives an upgraded rugged sole made for the trails as well as the unique whistle attachment on the heel, which initially made the shoe so popular. It's unorthodox, it's left-field, and that's exactly why we love it.

• Release date: September 12, 2020

The Packer 992PK1 released alongside an artist spotlight of Michael C. Thorpe, and Boston-bred artist now working out of Queens. Both Thorpe and the sneaker embody not only the finished product, but the process of making it a reality. The shoe itself is a straightforward classic, utilizing familiar materials like suede, 3M accents, and pebbled textures. However, just because the ingredients are familiar, the result is immensely refreshing, which only highlights the thesis of this collaboration.

• Release date: May 15, 2020

The 827 is a criminally underrated model, so we were overjoyed when Miami based label Stray Rats decided to try their hand at a colorway. The so called "Sewer Stompers" arrived with a mesh and suede construction in a deliciously muddy colorway accented with bold hits of green throughout. Additional brightness is added with the classic "N" logo in purple and red, as well as "Swamp Rats" branding across the heels.

• Release date: July 24, 2020

Montreal based design studio JJJJound has brought their signature minimalist touch to some of New Balance's greatest hits, our favorite of which is its take on the 992. This sneaker, which came in a beautiful warm gray colorway as well as a pine green version, is a prime example of the "less is more" mentality. While it may seem trivial, JJJJound simply chose the perfect tones of gray to pair for a shoe that is elegant and wearable on a daily basis.

• Release date: August 25, 2021

Joe Freshgood's follow up to the ever popular "No Emotions Are Emotions" release somehow outdid its predecessor, with "Outside Clothes" having one of the most unique takes on the 990v3 seen thus far. At a glance, the colorway is a clashing contrast of brown representing dirt, light blue recalling the sky, and a grassy green. However, the more we sit with the shoe the more it's grown on us, and we can't wait to see what the Chicago-based designer is cooking up next.

• Release date: October 9, 2020

Odds are you've been seeing 550's everywhere lately, to the point where the model is even oversaturated. However, we need to give credit where it's due. Aime Leon Dore's collaboration with the shoe brand brought back the classic model from the 90's and created an instant hit. The two brands' continued relationship has even resulted in ALD's founder, Teddy Santis, becoming the creative director of New Balance's Made in America line.

• Release date: October 23, 2020

Arguably Salehe Bembury's most popular collab preceding the Pollex Crocs, the "Peace Be the Journey" 2002R is simply a work of art. Typical of the designer, who likes to stand out, he opted for a model that many had not seen as much of, over fan favorites like the 992. From the colors that inspire imagery of grand vistas at national parks, to the textural material choices and even the packaging, it is clear that Bembury pored over every minute detail in the creation of this sneaker.

• Release date: February, 11, 2022

In 2022, Aime Leon Dore took a crack at the 993 model, and we have to admit it was a resounding success. The shoes are a slight departure from the label's run-of-the-mill (albeit well executed) colorways, arriving in two colorways dubbed "Taupe" and "Beef and Broccoli". Taupe is an interesting mix of white, with blue and violet accents, and the second pairs a nice terra cotta red with drab olive green. Both colorways are perched atop an all-black sole, which feels jarring at first, but ultimately offers a refreshing mix up from the standard white midsoles.