For longtime fans of New Balance, the release of a 1300JP is a momentous occasion. For the uninitiated, the 1300JP was first released in 1985 as the first Japan-exclusive New Balance sneaker and was advertised as “the sports car for your feet” due to its luxury materials and premium construction. The 1300JP has since released every 5 years with its recent 2020 drop retailing for a hefty $300 USD.
Now, to commemorate the grand opening of New Balance’s concept store “T-HOUSE” in Tokyo, an even more luxurious, Made In Japan iteration of the shoes will release exclusively on New Balance Japan’s website on July 17th. The NB 1300JPJ will retail for ¥68,000 JPY (approximately $630 USD). Packaged in an oversized shoebox with NB branded, wooden shoe horns, the entire product is an elevated experience. The sneakers themselves are constructed out of Japanese steerhide leather produced by famed leather manufacturers Sanyo Leather Co. Steel Blue dyed leather graces the underlays while Olive paneling is used for the overlays. The sockliner and insole are constructed from the same leather and all sit atop an EVA foam midsole and Vibram outsole, all hand constructed by artisan shoemakers in Japan.
Check out further images of the made in Japan, NB 1300JPJ below.
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All photos by New Balance.
