Snow Peak and New Balance Deliver Weatherized "Niobium" Capsule
Debuting the TDS Niobium Concept 1 sneaker.
Snow Peak has teamed up with New Balance TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO, the footwear label’s concept outpost, to deliver an expansive lineup of weatherized garments and footwear. Snow Peak’s nature-driven design ethos informs the latest collab, debuting a new sneaker called the TDS Niobium Concept 1, alongside other hi-tech apparel inspired by fishing gear.
The silhouette was inspired by the chemical element niobium, a light gray crystalline metal that’s ductile, resistant to a flurry of chemicals, and can be easily molded at low temperatures. These properties are expressed in the sneaker’s design. It comes with a subtle “Sage Green” colorway, reflecting the mossy rocks of mountain streams. Sporting a construction that accommodates removable gaiters, the shoe can be worn as slip-on clogs or tall fisherman’s boots. The forefoot is covered with a protective ballistic coating that’s lined with a central zipper, while a rubber “N” logo is placed at the sidewalls. Lush suede panels appear along the rear quarters, complemented by a black TPU support that sits below. A black weatherproof toecap and a textured olive-toned ABZORB midsole, modeled after the MT801’s sole unit, complete the outdoor-friendly design.
The collaboration also includes a concise array of technical garments, each constructed with waterproof eVent fabric. Featured is a light multi-pocket vest built with mesh and batted nylon, T-shirts and shorts made from quick-drying cotton and fisherman’s overalls. The latter piece boasts padded shoulder straps and twin chest pockets, below which sits a black ripstop belt. A short zipper opening sits at the top of the piece just before the waistline, matching another set of zippers at the lateral sides that stretch from the upper legs to the hem. Both the vest and the overalls come with an understated two-toned design set in dusky olive and beige palettes.
Snow Peak and New Balance TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO’s “Niobium” 2020 capsule will be available on August 29 on Snow Peak’s website, ranging from $123 – $929 USD.
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