Jaden Smith is showing off his talents in the footwear design department.
The young change-maker just revealed a new vegan-friendly footwear collection with New Balance, a brand he has represented as an ambassador since July 2019.
Taking a completely hands-on approach, Smith worked closely with the New Balance Team to conceptualize, design, and develop a new silhouette, NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer. Taking cues from the New Balance X-Racer and 1700 (favourites of the young star), the Vision Racer is chunkier and decidedly more boundary-pushing than what we typically see from the global athletic brand.
The easy-on-the-eyes shoe merges classic New Balance design with Jaden’s unique, bold, fashion-forward aesthetic for a new silhouette that pushes the boundaries for sustainably led footwear. The sneaker is constructed from partially recycled materials.
The NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer incorporates:
- Midsole with EVA Regrind: the midsole includes 5% EVA regrind, alleviating a potential waste stream.
- Partially Recycled Insole: The dual density insert consists of a foam in a heel carrier. The insert foam is made of a combination of 6% castor bean oil, 15% recycled foam, 5% recycled rubber, and 74% virgin PU. The heel carrier is made from 98% post-production leftover foam and rubber.
- Recycled Content Upper Synthetics: Synthetic leather is made from PU layered onto a thin polyester base and is a vegan alternative to traditional leather. The thin polyester base in these synthetic leather upper pieces is 60% recycled polyester.
- Recycled Polyester: The upper textile and upper lining, tongue textile, small webbings are made of 100% recycled polyester. The large tongue webbing is 70% recycled polyester, 30% reflective yarns. Recycled polyester used on the Vision Racer comes from post-consumer plastic rather than oil.
First launching in a baby blue shade, the shoe will be available in a variety of colourways, with more colours to release throughout 2020.
“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,” says Chris Davis, New Balance Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Merchandising.
The NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer will launch globally on July 24th with the suggested retail price of $150 USD at www.newbalance.com as well as select retail locations.
