Jaden Smith is showing off his talents in the footwear design department.
The young change-maker has unveiled a vegan-friendly sneaker with New Balance. Smith has represented the brand as an ambassador since July 2019.
The Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer combines familiar New Balance design with Smith’s bold, fashion-forward aesthetic. It also incorporates partially recycled materials, reflecting the designer’s interest in sustainability.
Jaden Smith and New Balance Introduce the Vision Racer
Smith took a hands-on approach to creating the Vision Racer. He worked closely with the New Balance team to conceptualize, design and develop the silhouette.
The sneaker draws inspiration from two of his favourite New Balance models: the X-Racer and the 1700.
However, the Vision Racer takes those influences in a different direction. Its chunky proportions and unconventional design push beyond the brand’s traditional athletic footwear.
As a result, the collaboration brings a fresh perspective to New Balance’s established design heritage.
What Makes the Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer Different?
The Vision Racer combines classic New Balance elements with Smith’s distinctive creative approach.
Its oversized silhouette delivers a bold look. Meanwhile, its construction incorporates recycled materials and vegan-friendly alternatives to traditional leather.
The collaboration also reflects a shared interest in developing footwear that challenges conventional design.
Rather than simply updating an existing sneaker, Smith and New Balance created a new silhouette with its own identity.
What Materials Are Used in the Vision Racer?
Sustainability plays an important role in the Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer.
The sneaker incorporates several materials designed to reduce reliance on virgin resources.
EVA Regrind Midsole
The midsole contains 5% EVA regrind. This material reuses EVA waste that might otherwise enter the waste stream.
Partially Recycled Insole
The dual-density insert features foam and a heel carrier.
The insert foam contains:
- 6% castor bean oil
- 15% recycled foam
- 5% recycled rubber
- 74% virgin polyurethane (PU)
Additionally, the heel carrier contains 98% post-production leftover foam and rubber.
Vegan-Friendly Synthetic Leather
The Vision Racer uses synthetic leather instead of traditional animal leather.
New Balance constructs this material using polyurethane layered over a thin polyester base. The polyester base contains 60% recycled polyester.
Recycled Polyester Upper
Several components also incorporate recycled polyester:
- Upper textile: 100% recycled polyester
- Upper lining: 100% recycled polyester
- Tongue textile: 100% recycled polyester
- Small webbings: 100% recycled polyester
- Large tongue webbing: 70% recycled polyester and 30% reflective yarns
The recycled polyester comes from post-consumer plastic rather than newly produced petroleum-based polyester.
Together, these materials demonstrate how New Balance incorporated recycled content into the Vision Racer’s construction.
Why Did New Balance Collaborate With Jaden Smith?
The partnership extends beyond footwear design.
New Balance and Smith share an interest in creativity, individuality, community and sustainability.
Chris Davis, New Balance Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Merchandising, explained the collaboration’s foundation:
“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.”
The Vision Racer reflects those shared values through its unconventional design and material choices.
Moreover, the collaboration introduces New Balance to audiences interested in the intersection of fashion, music and environmental responsibility.
When Did the Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer Release?
The Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer launched globally on July 24, 2020.
The first release featured a baby blue colourway. New Balance also planned additional colours throughout 2020.
The sneaker carried a suggested retail price of US$150.
At launch, customers could purchase the Vision Racer through the official New Balance website and select retailers.
SNKRBOX Verdict
The Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer represents an interesting chapter in the brand’s evolution.
Its exaggerated proportions challenge traditional New Balance styling. Meanwhile, its vegan-friendly construction and partially recycled materials demonstrate a different approach to sneaker development.
Most importantly, the collaboration brings together the brand’s footwear heritage and Smith’s creative vision.
The result is a distinctive sneaker that explores how fashion, individuality and sustainability can influence contemporary footwear design.
