The Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Minimus UX200 Drops This Week
A Y2k-era flat soled trainer reprised in monolithic black and white colorways.
Name: Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Minimus UX200
Colorway: Black/White
MSRP: ￥40,700 JPY (~$275 USD)
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Where to Buy: Junya Watanabe MAN
It’s been almost one year since images of the Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Minimus UX200 surfaced on the internet — an earlier signal of the flat-soled sneaker trend that would subsequently take over following seasons. Finally, the Japanese designer will release the modernized Y2k-era trainer at the end of this week, offering a simple duo of monochromatic black and white.
Originally introduced at the brand’s SS25 runway show, the Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Minimus UX200 is arguably one of the slimmest silhouettes offered by the Boston-based sneaker manufacturer.Swinging away from the chunkier retro models pushed by New Balance in recent years, the body of the shoe closely follows the contours of the feet, down to the flexible flat outsoles.
Mixed textile uppers composed of mesh, leather, and synthetic taping are ultra-thin, enhancing the lightweight feel of the soles. The toebox is charcterized by a distinct triangular cage, subtly exposed through translucent mesh, giving the pair a futuristic appeal. The classic lateral N logo blends into the uppers mimicking overlay taping, while Junya Watanabe MAN wordmarks are featured on the perforated tongues. On the grip-enhanced midsoles Vibram’s signature golden word mark is embossed into the arch.
In Japan, the Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Minimus UX200 will be released for roughly $275 USD (40,700 Japanese Yen) on March 21 at Junya Watanabe MAN stores. While global release dates have not been shared at this time, Junya Watanabe MAN can be found at select Dover Street Market locations and the retailer’s web store.
