JJJJound's New Balance 1890 Is a Tuxedo In a Sneaker

Summary

• JJJJound applies its signature minimalism to the New Balance 1890, featuring a “tuxedo” aesthetic with black mesh, contrast white tongues, and sleek satin-like taping.

• Built with ABZORB midsoles for impact absorption, the lifestyle-runner hybrid is expected to drop during the SS26 season, continuing the brand’s series of elevated, monochromatic collaborations.

Yet another JJJJound New Balance collaboration is coming this season, centering on the 1890, which has become one of the footwear brand’s central models of the moment. Following recent variants from Action Bronson and JoeFreshGoods, JJJJound puts its signature minimalism to work in an elevated black-and-white makeup.

In a way, the JJJJound colorway looks a lot like a tuxedo: picture the uppers as the jacket and tongue as the shirt, and you have yourself a tux in a sneaker. Over black mesh uppers, black overlays and taping, contrast with a white tongue and midsoles. The sleek black taping is what gives this pair a swanky edge, resembling the satin lapels you’d find on a jacket.

With an underfoot build inspired by the 2002 and synthetic uppers inspired by the 890v3, the 1890 is one of New Balance’s later explorations of the lifestyle-runner intersection. Notably, the ABZORB midsole provides impact absorption through its fusion of cushioning and compression resistance.

As it goes, JJJJound didn’t alter the technical aspects so much as the materials/color updates and the co-branded wordmarks, including JJJJound shown on the insoles and quietly on the lateral panel. Compared to Action Bronson’s color-drenched variants or even the Comme des Garçons HOMME x New Balance U1890A, the Montreal studio’s tux-like take on the sneaker is subtler on all fronts — from color to construction.

As of the time of writing, JJJJound has yet to announce the release date for its New Balance 1890, but you can certainly expect the model to arrive within the SS26 season, as noted in JJJJound’s post.