Salehe Bembury’s latest collaboration with New Balance is officially on the horizon, as the designer confirms the release date for the New Balance 1500 “GROWTH BE THE TREE.” After a surprise teaser from A Ma Maniére last month, the highly anticipated sneaker is set to launch on February 6 at 9 a.m. PST through Bembury’s Be A Spunge web store. Marking a shift from his more experimental past designs, this release embraces a more traditional aesthetic while maintaining signature details that reflect Bembury’s nuanced approach to footwear.
SNEAKERS
The sneaker’s design revolves around a refined mix of materials and subtle contrasts. The upper features a combination of warm beige suede overlays, cool gray mesh on the toebox, and gray leather at the collar. While the base remains understated, bright yellow embroidery adds a touch of vibrancy, appearing on the co-branded tongue and the NB emblem on the heel.
Where the design truly stands out is in its midsole and outsole. The butter-colored midsole is broken up by a brown block at the heel, complemented by a lateral side accent in purple and orange. Meanwhile, the outsole continues the unexpected play on color, incorporating a green panel at the arch and an electric blue heel section.
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Bembury’s approach with the New Balance 1500 contrasts sharply with his recent work on Crocs, including the expressive Pollex Juniper. While his Crocs collaborations leaned into exaggerated sculptural forms, the 1500 sticks to a classic silhouette, opting for material play and subtle detailing over bold structural experimentation. The shift suggests an intentional move towards a more heritage-driven aesthetic while still incorporating his signature storytelling.
This release also follows the trajectory of last year’s New Balance 1906R “Heat Be Hot,” which featured flame-inspired gradient uppers and metallic overlays, making it a stark departure from the toned-down execution of the 1500. However, the underlying design philosophy remains the same, Bembury’s ability to infuse heritage silhouettes with modern storytelling and unexpected elements continues to set his collaborations apart.
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As the February 6 launch approaches, anticipation for the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1500 “GROWTH BE THE TREE” continues to build. With its earthy tones and thoughtful color blocking, the sneaker is poised to attract both long-time New Balance collectors and those looking for a more refined take on Bembury’s design ethos.
Name:Salehe Bembury New Balance 1500 “GROWTH BE THE TREE”
Colorway: “Olive Gray”
SKU: U1500SB
MSRP: $275 USD
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Available At: Be a Spunge
