COMME des GARÇONS HOMME and New Balance prepare to bring their collaborative 1890A sneaker to retail following its debut at Paris Men’s Fashion Week in January 2026. The design takes New Balance’s 1890 silhouette in a new direction, introducing a cleaner upper construction that reflects COMME des GARÇONS HOMME’s approach to tailoring and workwear.
SHOES
The New Balance 1890 provides the starting point for the project. Its design follows the brand’s established running shoe language, incorporating exposed technical elements that contribute to its distinctive appearance. COMME des GARÇONS HOMME approaches this foundation through a more restrained design perspective, concentrating on the upper to create a silhouette that aligns with the label’s wardrobe.
The most significant modification comes through the apron upper, which changes the sneaker’s overall proportions and visual character. A single, clean section wraps around the forefoot, drawing inspiration from traditional moc-toe footwear. This construction introduces a smoother surface across an area that typically carries more visible technical detailing.
The apron design establishes a connection between the sneaker and the tailored sensibility of COMME des GARÇONS HOMME. Its shape brings a degree of formality to the athletic silhouette while retaining the recognizable structure of New Balance’s original design. The modified forefoot gives the shoe a more streamlined appearance, creating a consistent visual direction across the upper.
This approach also connects the 1890A with the workwear influences that inform the COMME des GARÇONS HOMME wardrobe. The sneaker’s construction introduces familiar elements from traditional footwear into a contemporary running shoe format.
New Balance continues to provide the technical components beneath the redesigned upper. The sneaker incorporates an ABZORB midsole, which absorbs shock during movement and supports everyday comfort. This cushioning system remains an important part of the 1890A, maintaining the functional characteristics that distinguish the underlying model.
The heel construction adds another practical element to the design. New Balance introduces additional structure around the rear of the shoe to improve stability with each step. This detail works alongside the ABZORB cushioning to support the foot during extended periods of wear.
These components preserve the functional foundation of the sneaker as COMME des GARÇONS HOMME develops its visual identity. The upper introduces a more polished direction, and the sole retains the cushioning technology associated with New Balance. The combination gives the collaborative model a character that fits the Japanese label’s approach to everyday clothing.
The 1890A also demonstrates how a focused adjustment to an existing silhouette can change its relationship with different wardrobes. By concentrating on the forefoot construction, COMME des GARÇONS HOMME introduces a recognizable footwear reference while keeping the technical architecture of the original New Balance design intact.
The COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance 1890A will soon arrive at retailers following its January debut at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. The release brings the collaboration’s apron-front construction and ABZORB cushioning to a wider audience, extending the design beyond its runway debut.
Name: COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance 1890A “Black,” COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance 1890A “Beige”
Colorway: Black/Charcoal, Beige/Orange
Release Date: November 6
Where to Buy: COMME des GARÇONS
