Salehe Bembury's Book Reveals Unreleased New Balance Designs

Summary

• Salehe Bembury’s new book, I Make Shoes, offers a detailed look at his 15-year career and design philosophy
• The book includes exclusive teasers of unreleased New Balance colorways from his ongoing partnership
• The release coincides with the launch of his independent brand, SPUNGE, highlighting his move toward creative independence

Footwear visionary Salehe Bembury is celebrating his celebrated career with the release of his Rizzoli monograph, Salehe Bembury: I Make Shoes. The book, which spotlights his extensive portfolio across various major brands, offers fans and designers a rare look behind the scenes, including teasers of unreleased New Balance colorways.

The massive, 368-page book is not just a retrospective; it’s a detailed exploration of Bembury’s design philosophy, focusing on sketches, samples, and renderings that show how his creations move from abstract idea to finished product. The book confirms Bembury’s reputation for textural experimentation, showcasing the evolution of hit designs like the Crocs Pollex Clog and his nature-inspired collaborations with New Balance.

Most excitingly for sneakerheads, the pages reveal a closer look at unreleased versions of the New Balance 1000 and 990v2. These images, which preview bold gradient patterns and unconventional color blends that Bembury is famous for, suggest his ongoing partnership with the Boston brand is set to continue with even more audacious designs. The 1000s show a more multicolored contrast while the 992s show a more muted version and another with mossy greens and blues. The timing of the book’s release — which hit shelves around October 14th — coincides with the launch of his own independent footwear brand, SPUNGE. This juxtaposition of looking back at a legendary career while launching a new one proves Bembury remains one of the most influential and self-determined voices in the industry.