Undefeated x New Balance 1500 "Desert Storm"

The New Balance x Undefeated “Desert Storm” 1500 is a collaborative project that brings historical context to footwear and design. Undefeated has always been a military and sport-inspired brand, with efforts to not only provide authenticity to projects, but to also inform the public of the often overlooked and understated aspects of design. The sneakers will be available exclusively through Undefeated US & Japan and through select premium retailers internationally. Retail is set at $120 USD, with each pair boasting a canvas shoe bag featuring a utility camo print. A release is set for May 1st, 2010.

The inspiration behind the New Balance Desert Storm 1500 is based upon military designs from the Gulf War. The light and dark brown panels with red and blue hits are colorways inspired from a Desert Storm operations patch. The premium suede fabrication of the shoe has been chosen to correspond with real army boots that were worn in the Gulf War. The chocolate chip camo, which is found on the shoe bed, interior lining, and shoe bag, is a specification to commemorate the design’s introduction in the Gulf War. 1500s feature embroidery detail on foxing and tongue of each shoe and collection call out on shoe insole.

Undefeated’s main objective is to have authenticity direct the project, while instilling history into the design. There is much excitement with the New Balance Desert Storm 1500’s as it will be Undefeated’s first collaboration with New Balance US.