New Balance KAWHI "Moreno Valley" Nods to Kawhi Leonard's Hometown

Since arriving on the sneaker scene back in February 2020, Kawhi Leonard‘s New Balance KAWHI model has been served up in a myriad of fresh colorways. Storytelling has often been a component of the model’s releases such as the “Four Bounces” spoke to his iconic playoff buzzer beater against the Sixers in 2019, and now his next iteration — the “Moreno Valley” colorway — is a love letter to his hometown.

The hardwood-ready kicks are vibrant in color because they translate the City of Moreno Valley’s official seal — which also just so happens to be stamped directly onto the tongues. A fresh aqua blue — which is pulled from the emblem’s skies and water — is pronounced on the upper’s heel counters, collars, tongues, laces, forefoot overlays and suede toe caps. A faint beige tone follows suit by outfitting the mesh mid-foot materials and this is symbolic of the sandy beaches that are also featured in the Riverside County city’s logo. Yellow eye stays are representative of the sun, and the interior lining contrasts with a flashy hit of green. Quarter panels — which are treated with the usual abstract patterns — mix between a trio of brown, white and minty green coloring.

Leonard debuted his hometown kicks on the floor for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, and they will see an official public delivery on June 1 for $160 USD via New Balance.

For more footwear news, take a look at the New Balance 327 “Gray/Purple”.