Jovani Hernandez Teddy Santis has been on a roll with the New Balance Made In USA program since becoming its creative director in April 2021. Over the last three years, the Queens, NY native has helped his partner and employer relaunch some forgotten and beloved products through his fashion imprint, Aimé Leon Dore. Recently Santis teased his label’s next project: three pairs of the New Balance 860v2.
To the uninformed, the NB 860v2 launched in 2011 as top-of-the-line performance running sneaker. Its use of breathable mesh and glossy synthetic panels throughout the upper speak to design vernacular of the past, but it also plays into the unshakeable “dad shoe” trend of the last several years. At quick glance, the model seems like any old gym shoe, but closer inspection at its sole unit reveals the same tooling found on the popular New Balance 2002R and 1906R. Brands like Dime and thisisneverthat have revisited the original NB 860v2 already, with ALD likely joining throughout spring and summer.
The upcoming trio by Aimé Leon Dore maintains the mid-2010s performance model’s original design intact. Grey and cream-colored base layers set the stage for either green, red, or blue accents. Nods to Santis’ successful imprint replace traditional branding on the top of the tongue; sockliners feature co-branding done in typical New Balance Running font. Underfoot, the popular N-ergy sole unit keeps a greyscale color palette, SBS insert, and reliable outsole.
There’s no telling whether or not the NB 860v2 will become a mainstay in the brand’s catalog of products Hold tight for official release details, and enjoy images of standard NB 860v2 pairs ahead while you wait.
For more from the New England institution, check out “A History of the New Balance 550.”
UPDATE March 30, 2023:
Teddy Santis has taken to Instagram Stories for another look at the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 860v2, which was featured in the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 Lookbook.
Lead photo via Teddy Santis, additional photos via Flight Club
