New Balance commemorates the 35th anniversary of one of its classics, a luxurious model created in pursuit of perfection.
New Balance 1500 Series
The New Balance 1500 was created at a time when the running boom, which had resulted in the proliferation of numerous brands, was beginning to fade. It was a time when only the best could survive, and New Balance was undoubtedly among them. The brand from Boston aimed to replace the popular 1300 model with a new design after it was introduced in 1985.
1500 was first introduced as a system, known as the “1500 Series,” that was also applied to basketball and tennis models. The midsole consisted of six distinct compounds, two of which—polyurethane and evathane—combined to form a novel cushioning system known as ENCAP, which paired a spongy inner core with an outer capsule for stability. Not far from its headquarters is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), home to 85 Nobel laureates, so New Balance did not have to travel far to develop the new system. The ENCAP system was developed by an expert in composites from MIT, and New Balance used it to compare the 1500 with satellites and the aerospace industry. All products developed by MIT minds.
In order to create a shoe that developed that technology, New Balance relied on Steven Smith, who by then was also working on the design of another N classic, the 574 and another very different model, the 550 basketball. A few years later, Steven Smith would become known as the father of the Dad Shoes and go on to design some of New Balance’s crown jewels, including the 997. He started his career in 1986 at New Balance and progressed through several brands.
Luxury as a standard
If Steven Smith’s inspiration was usually associated with speed, this time he looked for the most luxurious aspects of the automotive industry. The 1500 could be considered the Rolls Royce of sneakers. The design and testing process, which sought to improve on the 1300’s exceptional performance, took three years to complete due to its complexity and extreme meticulousness.
The diverse range of materials did not end at the midsole. The outsole had an anti-abrasion compound, the insole had polyurethane inserts, and the upper was made of leather, reinforced mesh panels, and Syntech, a new material created for the occasion that claimed to be durable and water-resistant.
In addition to its luxurious materials, the redesigned shaded N, which has since become its signature, stood out. The brand adopted the ENCAP system, which was first introduced, as an element that combined damping and stability.
Since then, the 1500 has received Made In UK reissues that have maintained its original spirit, as well as special editions and collaborations that have presented new ideas.
The 35th anniversary celebration
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the “1500 SERIES,” inspiration was drawn from the first editions, which followed the classic New Balance pattern of grey tones. The insole and box artwork are made of premium nubuck, mesh, and synthetic details, and they reference the original 1500 SERIES campaign by recapturing original images and logos.
Of course, the U1500ANI was processed in the Flimby factory, which still produces the brand’s most successful models using the same process that made them a legend 35 years ago. Guaranteed quality and attention to detail Made in the UK and now available at FOOTDISTRICT.