AURALEE continues its collaboration with New Balance by introducing a new iteration of the 475 silhouette. First previewed during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June 2024, the AURALEE x New Balance 475 launches globally on May 16, 2025. The update draws from the 1980s roots of the original design, infusing it with a refined perspective that reflects both brands’ shared appreciation for quality and restraint.
SNEAKERS
The collection debuts in two tonal options: Vintage Grey and Vintage Yellow. Vintage Grey features a soft, washed-out tone that gives the shoe a familiar feel, like something worn-in but thoughtfully preserved. Vintage Yellow adds warmth through a muted ochre hue that maintains versatility while introducing a subtle lift to the neutral palette. Both colorways aim to recall the natural fading of materials over time, offering a design that feels familiar without relying on artificial distressing.
AURALEE selected premium suede and mesh for the upper, emphasizing both texture and construction. These materials work together to bring contrast through subtle tonal variation rather than sharp color blocking. The combination gives the shoes visual depth within a controlled color spectrum, offering dimension without excess.
Reflective toe detailing, exclusive to this version, pays tribute to earlier AURALEE collaborations with New Balance and provides a discreet visual accent. This detail, along with the minimalist design language, reinforces the identity of the partnership while distinguishing the shoes from standard inline versions of the 475.
Originally developed as a long-distance training shoe, the New Balance 475 carries over performance-driven design elements from its 1980s predecessor. Built on the SL-1 last, the updated model retains the authentic toe, saddle, and foxing parts that shaped the original. A dual-layer C-CAP midsole delivers consistent cushioning over extended wear, keeping the shoe comfortable while maintaining a lean profile.
These underpinnings preserve the shoe’s functional heritage, while AURALEE’s contribution focuses on form and finish. This combination positions the 475 as a lifestyle sneaker with a performance-informed base.
Each pair arrives in a custom shoe box designed for the collaboration. The box features co-branded elements, including a matching sockliner and an additional shoelace to offer customization. Sizing ranges from 22.5 to 30.0 cm in D width, ensuring broad accessibility while maintaining the design’s integrity.
The AURALEE x New Balance 475 will be available at select retailers worldwide starting Friday, May 16, 2025. As with previous releases from the two brands, limited availability and focused distribution contribute to the project’s distinct position within New Balance’s broader lineup.
Product Name: AURALEE x New Balance 475
Colors: U475AE (Vintage Grey) / U475AR (Vintage Yellow)
Sizes: D/22.5-29.0, 30.0 cm
Release Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
