Joe Freshgoods' New Balance 650 "STUNTMAN" Is Limited to 500 Pairs
Drawing design inspiration from Michael Jordan sporting New Balances in a 1984 issue of ‘LIFE’ magazine.
Update: Early last month, Joe Freshgoods shared a preview of a Chicago-themed apparel capsule. However, he also snuck in a first look at an unreleased JFG x New Balance 650. Now, the designer has officially announced the “STUNTMAN” 650s and has shared the story behind the white and gray design. This time around, the Chicago native was able to pay homage to none other than Michael Jordan himself. The high-flying superstar appeared in a 1984 issue of LIFE magazine wearing white and gray New Balances, prompting JFG to consider, what if? Playing into the idea of Jordan as a New Balance athlete, various references are scattered throughout the release — from the 650s to the shoe box. Release is limited to 500 hand-numbered pairs and goes down on September 9.
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Original Story: Ever since they kicked off their partnership during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, Joe Freshgoods and New Balance have been consistently working together on collaborative footwear and apparel collections. The two parties were last spotted working together on a New Balance 610 “Beneath the Surface” pack earlier this year, and now they’re slated to add a 650 team-up to their ever-growing catalog.
The preview flew under the radar as it was subtly tossed into the Chicago native’s latest “Across Town” capsule campaign which entailed official Cubs and White Sox shorts by JFG for Mitchell & Ness and 5950 fitted hats by New Era. One of the models is spotted rocking the neutral-toned sneakers, and it’s certainly one of JFG’s most minimal New Balance takes we’ve seen. A majority of the kicks are predominantly styled with an off-white hue and come complemented with gray accents atop the New Balance logos, shaggy suede heel panels, lower heel molds and treading. JFG branding replaces the standard “650” forefoot hits and arrives on the tongue banners.
At the time of writing, no official launch information has been announced, but you can likely expect Joe Freshgoods and New Balance to confirm in the coming weeks.
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Elsewhere in sneakers, New Balance Made in UK unveiled its 576 silhouette.
