New Balance 999 Feral Creation Collection

09/09/09 marks the release date of the NB 999 Feral Collection. The new collection stems from New Balance’s goal to reinvent the brand’s lifestyle footwear range from all-time classic favourites to modern silhouettes. Celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and imagination, New Balance Lifestyle fuses classic designs from the past with bold ideas from the future.

Part of the classic 99X series of running shoes that dates back to the early 80s, the 999 model was originally released in 1996 and was New Balance’s most technologically advanced shoe at the time. For the 99X series celebrations running throughout 2009, the company has worked with key retailers Leftfoot (Singapore) and Mita Sneakers (Japan) to reintroduce this iconic New Balance model back into the market.

The NB Feral Creation Collection is an Asian Inspired collection for global release. The project first started back in 2007 with the NB 574 “Hungry Dragon”, whilst last year saw the project present the NB 576 “China Mask”. This year‟s edition stays true to the theme of Asia-inspired lifestyles and culture by drawing on various animals that have left their mark on our urban jungles.

The collection is divided into two sets, one from each retailer, consisting of an exclusive pair that is numbered and limited to 660 units worldwide, as well as general release version that will be more widely available. Each exclusive edition is interconnected with the underlying theme of the colour “grey”, which is the original colour of the 999 and 99X series as well as New Balance’s heritage colour.

Singapore-inspired 999 – design by Leftfoot
Leftfoot has drawn inspiration from the Lion and Peacock, two noble animals that freely roamed South-East Asia and the island of Singapore long ago. There will be a launch event held in Singapore on 01/09/09.

CM999 LNH (Lion Head) – Tier 0 Release
The colour of the lion head national symbol, red, is used on the toebox area of the shoe, whilst the other parts are made up of purple and grey coloured materials; Purple as a nod of respect to New Balance Japan for initiating this project, and grey to symbolise the concrete jungle. The materials featured include suede, leather, water-repellent nylon and reflective 3M. It also comes complete with a special Feral Creation pull-out drawer shoe-box, extra Tatami mat insoles and an extra set of laces.

Japan-inspired 999 – design by Mita Sneakers
Mita Sneakers have drawn inspiration from the Grey Mouse and Black Crow, two creatures that are known for their parasitical, dirty, tough and resilient characteristics, which they feel represent the modern youth of Tokyo and other urban Asian cities. There will be a launch event held in Japan on 18/09/09.

CM999 GYM (Gray Mouse) – Tier 0 Release
A variety of materials in several tone of grey have been employed, including suede, stitched leather, faux fur and horse hair. It also comes complete with a special Feral Creation pull-out drawer shoe-box, extra Tatami mat insoles and an extra set of laces.

CM999 PCK (Peacock) – Tier 1 Release
The colours of the peacock can be seen on the heel area of the shoe, whilst the other parts are constructed from a combination of deep black nubuck and perforated grey leather. The shoe comes with an extra set of laces.

CM999 BKC (Black Crow) – Tier 1 Release
The jet black colour we usually associate with the Crow has been recreated using several materials which include nubuck, leather and faux horse hair. The shoe comes with an extra set of laces.