New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio (TDS) sub-label continues to innovate upon the framework established by the legacy American brand with its latest offering of techwear looks. The Niobium Concept 1 is the latest footwear model from NB TDS that is simultaneously a hiking boot, slip-on sneaker, and mule. The shoe takes its inspiration from New Balance’s 801 series of trail runners with its rugged Abzorb midsole and treaded outsole acting as the base for the Niobium Concept 1’s multi-layered upper. Arriving in triple-black as well as a Yellow/Teal colorway, the mid-cut boot can be transformed into a slipon sneaker through removal of an initial layer via a zipper. This slip-on can be further modified by removing another zipper restraint around the ankle which results in a heelless mule far removed from the outdoors equipped boot it began as. The entire shoe is constructed with breathable but sturdy eVent textile to fit all occasions.
Also dropping alongside the shoes are a set of utilitarian bags including a strudy canvas tote, a mesh drawsring bag, and a backpack with a myriad of compartments and a pouch to secure the collapsible tote. The full New Balance TDS Niobium Concept 1 collection launches first on the TDS site September 12th followed by a wider international release shortly thereafter.
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All photos by New Balance.
