New Balance "Boro Pack" to Utilize Japanese Patchwork Methods

First looks have surfaced of an upcoming release from New Balance dubbed the “Boro Pack,” to be expressed through the 550 and 580 silhouettes.

The “boro” technique, used in rural Japan as early as the 1850s, was originally developed by farmers to mend clothes and stay warm during winter months. The method involved crafting multiple layers of patchworked cotton or hemp, all of which was salvaged due to the demand for the at the time, precious material.

New Balance’s 550 and 580 aren’t the first silhouettes from the brand to get the boro treatment, in the past, we’ve seen examples from independent brands and designers like Rifare, ANT KAI, M.ATO, and more, many of which have utilized the 2002R as their canvas.

As for the Boston-based footwear brand’s official exploration of the technique, the “Boro Pack” sees an intricate amount of detail and an assemblage of different shades and textures of indigo. All of these panels are laid together in what appears to be a nod to the hand sewing methods often used in boro, with exposed white stitching.

Notably, each pair features a significant range of materials, including soft suede, hairy suede, pre-aged suede, denim, woven canvas and on the 550s, cracked leather.

Based on the original first look below, the New Balance Boro Pack 550 and 580 are expected to become available sometime this November, with pricing and distribution yet to be announced at the time of writing.

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