Michael Le Japanese label Journal Standard has delivered a number of noteworthy collaborations in the past few years. From My Hero Academia themed tees to timepieces with outdoors icon Snow Peak, the imprint has expressed an unfounded interest in variety. And as they enter 2020, it looks they’re set to reprise their New Balance partnership, ushering in an understated 996 that prefers to stand out in quality rather than color. Grey exteriors mirror the norm in their luxe suede fabrics and underlying mesh base, but as denoted on the lateral tab, the constructions bear all the benefits of the ever-durable CORDURA fabric. Elsewhere, the upper hints at its high quality by way of metallic lace dubraes and even suede tongue tabs — the latter branding much louder relative to to the tonal “N” logo and achromatic toe tag. Grab a detailed look at these here, and while they’re available overseas, it’s unclear if a release will hit newbalance.com in the states.
In other news, take a look at the Size New Balance 327.
Journal Standard x New Balance 996
Available (Japan)
