Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance Revive the "Lost Prototype" 574
Here’s an exclusive first look at the collaborative relaunch in two colorways and in a premium nubuck, CCAP technology and a taller sole unit.
Summary
Junya Watanabe MAN has partnered with New Balance to relaunch the rare 574 “Lost Prototype” silhouette
The updated 2026 iteration delivers a modern, premium construction featuring structural upgrades like a sleek toe shape and a taller, CCAP-backed sole unit
The model will arrive in two distinct, versatile colorways: "Light Grey" and "Brown Beige"
Junya Watanabe MAN and New Balance are stepping into the footwear archives to revive one of the most obscure design chapters in the running brand’s history: the 574 “Lost Prototype.” Tapping into the global appetite for heritage-inspired, understated footwear, the joint effort injects contemporary luxury into a silhouette that perfectly straddles the line between late-’80s performance DNA and early-’90s lifestyle minimalism.
Originally given a limited lifestyle run in 2017, the “Lost Prototype” design is based on a phantom sample discovered deep within New Balance’s archives. Historically, the shoe represents an experimental phase between the release of the M576 in 1988 and the final consumer version of the M574 that dominated the early 1990s. This latest relaunch improves upon its predecessor, using an elevated material package that pairs premium, plush nubuck overlays with breathable open mesh panels across the vamp, tongue, and collar—a classic configuration that honors New Balance’s athletic roots while catering to premium tastes.
Architecturally, the Lost Prototype feels more aggressive than a standard inline 574. The silhouette has been re-engineered with a noticeably sleeker, more streamlined toe box and a taller, more pronounced sole unit. For cushioning, the midsole incorporates retro-leaning CCAP technology to offer substantial impact absorption and structural stability. Co-branded details are integrated across the construction, proudly featuring the JUNYA WATANABE MAN stamping prominently on the back tabs and custom woven labels on the tongue.
The sneaker, which Hypebeast received an exclusive first look at during Paris Fashion Week, will debut in two highly versatile, neutral colorways designed to anchor a variety of wardrobes. The “Light Grey” option leans on classic brand heritage, combining deep grey nubuck overlays with light, yellow-tinted grey mesh across the underlays and a stark white back tab. The “Brown Beige” iteration takes a warmer, earthy path, layering multiple tonal shades of sandy brown across the upper, offset by a bold, unexpected pop of high-visibility orange along the lateral heel of the midsole.
