These New Balance Go From Abah’s Staple to Atok’s Statement
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New Balance as a brand is synonymous with dad shoes, like the 990 series. Despite their chunky, old-fashioned appearances, they’ve somehow become a beloved footwear staple among people of varying backgrounds and industries.
There’s nothing more true than the tagline, “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio” when referring to some of New Balance’s most iconic retro silhouettes. There’s just something universally appealing about the laid-back charm, yet athletic heritage of the brand’s sneakers.
But the dad shoe might have to make way for something even newer, or technically older in this case—the almighty grandpa shoe. Say hello to the New Balance Made in UK ‘Allerdale’.
Grandpa’s drip goes way back
At first glance, you might think they’re ugly as hell. This writer’s boss seems to share that sentiment. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that either.
The Allerdale is a far departure from New Balance’s typical retro-athletic design language. With a pebbled leather upper and black midsoles, they fit right in on your atok’s small shoe rack.
On the surface, they literally look like orthopaedic shoes made for old people who need comfortable walking shoes.
Superficially, that’s exactly what they are, made even more apparent by the inclusion of an elderly model in their promotional materials. But it doesn’t tell the whole story.
The shoes exude a certain savoir faire; a more formal approach to casual (and undoubtedly comfortable) sneakers. They look like they could work well in a lot of settings, provided you’ve got the fit to go with them.
But it’s not like you’ll have to wear cozy wool sport jackets all the time to match that charming-old-man aesthetic. We’d say they look good with more contemporary, laid-back fits as well, as New Balance has expertly showcased:
If you were to look at it through a different lens, you’d think that the Allerdale is a hiking-inspired shoe rather than a grandpa shoe.
With rugged tread on the outsole, as well as D-ring eyelets, they’ll definitely feel at home on the trail. Add top-tier Ortholite insoles and FuelCell foam cushioning, and you’ve got a pair of daily beaters that can handle anything.
So is the New Balance Made in UK Allerdale a grandpa shoe or a hiking-inspired low-cut boot of sorts? Let’s just say it’s a chameleon that wears many masks very well, and I’m willing to die on this hill.
The Allerdale is reportedly slated for a 20 March release and will retail at £220 (~RM1,265), though we’re unsure if they’ll be available in Malaysia at the time of writing. Be sure to check this space for updates.
For more sneakers, head to JUICE Malaysia.
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