Kith and New Balance present the Monuments Collection, introducing three new versions of their collaborative 2011 silhouette. The release continues a partnership that recently produced a new footwear model for Kith’s fifteenth anniversary earlier this year. Co-designed by Ronnie Fieg and New Balance, the 2011 combines a multi-paneled upper with archival ABZORB sole tooling from the original New Balance 2002. The latest collection develops that design through three distinct colorways, each drawing inspiration from a New York City monument and elements of the brands’ previous collaborations.
SNEAKERS
The Monuments Collection introduces the “Park,” “Garden,” and “Banner”editions, with each pair featuring a different combination of materials, colors, and references. Fieg draws from his previous work with New Balance, connecting the latest release to designs that have contributed to the partnership over the years. The three versions share the same 2011 construction, allowing the individual color treatments and material combinations to distinguish each shoe.
The “Park” colorway revisits Fieg’s 2014 New Balance 530, bringing elements of that earlier collaboration into the 2011 silhouette. A rich maroon base establishes the shoe’s primary color, while atomic yellow and off-white accents introduce additional detail. The upper combines pigskin suede with microperforated nubuck panels, creating variations in texture across the design. Quilted sections appear on the vamp and collar, giving the model another connection to Fieg’s earlier footwear work.
For the “Garden” edition, Kith and New Balance take inspiration from floral colors, introducing a lighter palette across the multi-paneled upper. Light grey provides the foundation, accompanied by amazon green, lilac, atomic yellow, and fuchsia accents. The shoe incorporates microperforated pigskin suede and leather overlays, using the different surfaces to organize the color combinations. The floral reference informs the selection of shades, giving the design a more varied appearance within the collection.
The “Banner” colorway draws from New York City references through a combination of princess blue, silver, and vibrant orange. Its construction features a breathable mesh vamp alongside pigskin suede overlays, introducing another material treatment to the collaborative model. The blue foundation carries the primary color scheme, with silver and orange providing contrast throughout the upper.
Across the collection, Kith and New Balance incorporate asymmetrical co-branding on the heel pills, identifying both partners through details on the footwear. Each pair arrives with two additional sets of laces, allowing wearers to adjust the appearance of their chosen colorway. The packaging continues the New York City theme through a custom box featuring an illustrated map of the city and monument motifs. The brands extend the same artwork to the interior sockliners, connecting the packaging design to the footwear itself.
