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Jaden Smith has partnered shoe giant New Balance to launch a pair of vegan sneakers.
According to a statement, the NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer’ pushes the boundaries for sustainably-led footwear at New Balance’ by merging ‘classic New Balance design with Jaden’s unique, bold, fashion-forward aesthetic’.
The shoe, which will launch on July 24, will be available on New Balance’s site as well as select retail locations with a suggested retail price of $150.
NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer
The NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer will initially launch in a baby blue colorway with additional colors debuting throughout 2020. Design features include ‘reflective details on the tongue webbing, N logo and upper piping for visibility at night; a rubberized tip…and an exaggerated, iced outsole’.
The shoe comprises a vegan leather upper made from PU layered onto a thin polyester base, with New Balance saying the ‘thin polyester base in these synthetic leather upper pieces is 60 percent recycled polyester’.
The company adds: “The upper textile and upper lining, tongue textile, small webbings are made of 100 percent recycled polyester. The large tongue webbing is 70 percent recycled polyester, 30 percent reflective yarns. Recycled polyester used on the Vision Racer comes from post-consumer plastic rather than oil.”
‘Shared values’
In a statement about the NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer, New Balance said: “As an iconic change-maker, Jaden exemplifies the New Balance brand philosophy of fearless independence. His convention-defying work in fashion and music, coupled with his dedication to philanthropy and environmental awareness, speak to larger global issues and how they impact his generation.”
Chris Davis, New Balance chief marketing officer and senior vice president of merchandising, added: “Shared values of transforming the status quo; staying true to oneself; giving back to community; and, respecting heritage while co-authoring a distinct future, are the foundation of the relationship between New Balance and Jaden Smith.”
