Teddy had a very busy second year as the creative director of New Balance. The Made in USA collections were completely revamped with colorways that speak Teddy's & New Balance's language. You just have to be fluent to understand. We were flooded this year. that I don't think we deserve. I mean most of the GRs were coppable on sale on NB and other sneaker sites so if you missed than not sure if you have an opinion on this game. We never know if we can get a run like this so I'm just appreciating the dope year of GRs. The collabs were one of my favorite this year compared to years past. It seems like they kept their roster tight this year, stuck with their vets and tested a bunch of new models through collabs. For me, the best collab dropped right at the end of the year with the JFG 1998 990v4 colorways. All three deserve the crown, but I had to give the nod to Action Bronson's 990v6 Lapus Lazuli for the sneaker of the year. We were able to get months of teasers, lots of content leading up to the release and the overall campaign surrounding Action Bronson's first collab deserves a ring in the NB hall of fame. I had to break it down this year of my favorites and instead of 10, I did 15 so we can give as much due justice for the fire released this year.
New Balance was just another sneaker brand for runners and never saw my friends or another big image rocking so I never paid attention. I moved to Boston in March 2019 and my whole perspective changed. I found out right away New Balance runs Boston. I had to tap in and once I learned the history while living where it's been created and it got me hooked. Plus I knew no one back home in Minneapolis has a clue how hard New Balance really is. I saw firsthand how the collab game blew up in 2019 with ALD, Kith, Bodega and next thing you know I see 550s everywhere a couple years later in MN. It's been a vision to bring the vibe to Minneapolis and this is what started the creation of #NBMpls. We will make blog posts, run polls, and give insight on New Balance updates from the Minneapolis perspective. We need more New Balance options in MN!! Our goal is to build a community of New Balance heads alike to meet up, post your best kicks and bring the vibe to our city.
My criteria for top sneakers are, 'can I rock them?' If it doesn't pass that test then it's hard for me to put you up there, the hype can't change me. The 990v6 Baklava is not a wearable sneaker to me but I understand the backstory and it fits perfect for Action Bronson. That's how design should be, based from your story and process instead of what others think. But, the Lapus Lazuli rocks heavy, I don't think you can make a better 990v6. Details and color tones with the rockability is how I had to make these picks and if it comes close, the campaign and how the release aged makes the difference. It was too hard to come up with 10 so I give you 15 picks to make sure I didn't miss any good releases. This is my personal decision, there wasn't anyone who I consulted with, just did this off the top today December 27th. Hope you enjoy the list and would love to hear feedback on our instagram post and blog post @_Vahlt & @NBMpls.
Top 15 New Balance Collabs + GRs of 2023 by Hoyfal Hamdy Adam
Top 15 NB Collabs of '23
1. 990v6 Lapus Lazuli
2. 990v4 1998 "Keisha"
3. 993 Kith Spring 101
4. 991 JJJJound Grey
5. 860v2 ALD Green
6. 991v2 Stone Island
7. 990v4 1998 "Outro"
8. 990v6 Kith Knicks Sandrift
9. 610 JFG Beneath Orange/Green
10. 610 Amine The Mooz
11. 991 Palace Teal
12. 1906R Ganni Blazing Yellow
13. 998 Concepts
14. 990v6 Carhartt
15. 998 Kith x FL Red Tan
Top 15 NB GRs of '23
1. 990v6 Pale Yellow
2. 991 Sequoia Falcon
3. 1906D Protection Pack Turtledove
4. 991v2 Navy
5. 990v2 Black/Brown
6. 1906R Black/Silver
7. 990v6 Cream
8. 990v4 Grey Day
9. 610 Animal Print
10. 990v4 Olive
11. 996 Pale Yellow
12. 990v3 Charcoal Brown
13. 996 Pink Haze
14. 9060 Cherry Blossom
15. 990v1 Green/Yellow
- Hoyfal Hamdy Adam
Founder/CEO of Vahlt