Not a lot of collabs have a strong connection between the brands, but Levi’s and New Balance actually have a lot in common. Both are historic American companies founded near the turn of the 20th century. Both were founded on the premise of finding a solution to a problem - insoles for New Balance, durable coveralls for Levi’s. And both have iconic products with 500 in the name - the 574 sneaker for New Balance and the 501 jean for Levi’s. So, it made sense that these two great American brands would finally come together on a collaboration - a special edition Levi’s x New Balance 1300 sneaker.

Celebrating the traditional NB 1300 silhouette – which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary and one of our favourites – the shoe is constructed using a combination of Levi’s back patch-coloured suede and deadstock White Oak XX52 denim, which was provided by Levi’s from a limited stockpile. The White Oak Mill, which closed its doors at the end of 2017, was one of the last manufacturers to produce selvedge denim in the US. And the New Balance 1300 is manufactured in Skowhegan, Maine – one of the five New England manufacturing facilities that New Balance owns and operates. The combination of the two makes the Levi’s x New Balance 1300 an authentically American sneaker.

Other details include orange accents, for example a Levi’s Orange Tab on the outside left foot, a White Oak woven label on the shoe tongue, and a special hangtag with a “Levi’s for feet” logo, inspired by graphics from the New Balance and Levi’s archives. The Levi’s x New Balance sneakers also come in a special edition Levi’s for feet and New Balance orange and tan collector’s box. And, though the collaboration with New Balance will be ongoing, the Levi’s x New Balance 1300 will be released in a limited supply.

The Levi’s x New Balance 1300 certainly looks like a ‘cop’ for us, and will be available in South Africa at New Balance Canal Walk, Shelflife and X-trend Sandton City from 26 March 2020. We will keep you up to date regarding price.

UPDATE: If you thought of getting a pair, consider having a chat to your bank manager first - the Levi’s x New Balance 1300 will retail for R4 750.