First Look: Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 610v1 & Rainier Hiking Boot

Chicago native Joe Freshgoods has played a starring role in the complete resurgence of New Balance, taking a seat alongside the likes of Teddy Santis, Jjjjound and Action Bronson as part-time collaborator and full-time ambassador of the patriotic brand. 

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So far, every Joe Freshgoods collaboration with New Balance has been a certified hit and ever since the initial, hometown exclusive 992, Joe Freshgoods has been on a hot streak with thought-provoking collabs that not only look the part, but hold a sentimental value in the heart of the designer himself and the latest “Beneath the Surface” pack showcases works on two newly revived NB shoes - the 610v1 and the Rainier Hiking Boot. 

The New Balance 610 first released back in 2012 and at the time was disregarded as another throwaway design until last year, when in-house New Balance design-maestro Yue Wu put the 610 to the chopping block and updated the style to appeal to a more contemporary audience - birthing the New Balance 610v1. 

Clear influence from outdoor styles are ingrained in the 610v1, which in the latest Joe Freshgoods collab has further materialised across the ‘hunter-esque’ colour combinations - both of which feature a tonal stitched camo on the uppers and a more subtle pattern over the respective green and black meshes.

Taking to Instagram to announce the collaboration, Joe Freshgoods commented:

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“Creating my own camo print has (always) been a dream for me. When it comes to the pack I wanted to explore the various ways in which we could use the JFG (camo) print to bring the details out - from the tonal base of the shoe to the mesh, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to bring the shoe alive… easily my most detailed shoe with NB to date.”

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Final details like the sporty “JFG” logo features on the tongue and ankle with colour matched hiking treads and pull tabs aplenty. 

Completing the trio of collaborative kicks, the Rainier Boot has also been disguised in camouflage, this time in a more conspicuous fashion on the canvas toe box, tongue and under-panels, overlapped by dark green suede, complete with gold-toned lace hooks, leather interiors and a healthy lining of Gore-Tex to boot.

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The fifth instalment from New Balance x Joe Freshgoods is slated to arrive sometime in April - stay tuned for an official release date.