It’s time to take a look at the offerings for men by two of the most coveted sneaker brands in the world – Asics and New Balance. So dive right in and check out what we found.
Before we proceed, we’d like our readers to know that it is unfortunate how Jabong has failed to provide proper “pack” names and accurate description for these sneakers to its consumers on their own website. Manufacturer’s like New Balance and Asics name their sneakers or the packs they belong to, which not only gives the shoes more character but also helps newer people find a pair for themselves in an easier way. But don’t fret, we’re here to help!
New Balance MRT580UR Elite Edition Solarized Pack
If there’s one silhouette from the house of New Balance that is unmistakably recognizable, it’s the 580. It’s beefy mid-sole towards the heel with an arch like design in contrasting color always reminds me of the Air Jordan 7. It’s as unique as the sneaker it happens to be a part of. The grey rich suede covers the entire upper including the toebox and gives a very premium feel with the perforation on the front. The light blue accents on the midsole that go all the way to the back of the shoe make you immediately fall in love with this 1/3rd of the Solarized pack. All that suede goodness sits upon a super comfortable Revlite midsole. The branding on the side of the shoe glows in the dark due to reflective material provided as a stroke to the signature “N” on the outer. All in all, it’s a classic shoe with premium materials, great looks and excellent colors. Get it here.
New Balance 999 Elite Edition “Paper Lights”
Given its patented Abzorb cushioning system that’s been a center piece of its success, the 999 has literally had a long run. The 1600 Paper Lights is part of the Elite Edition Classics that uses an N-Durance® rubber compound for maximum outsole durability. The grey nubuck leather on the heel and tongue, the high contrast black upper in suede, white leather around the shoe and a crisp white midsole with Abzorb at its heart makes this shoe have a premium feel and consequently a must have. It’s the only one on Jabong, so fastest finger wins!
New Balance 1500 “Re-Engineered”
ASICS Gel Lyte V Miami Pack (Turquoise/Black)
ASICS GEL Lyte III Miami Pack (Black/Black)
If you have been paying any amount of attention, by now you should realize that ASICS loves to release packs with one pair being a GEL LYTE III and the other being a GEL LYTE V. The Miami pack is no different and here we are with the Asics Gel Lyte III in Black/Black colorway. The upper constitutes of Leather and Suede with mesh underlays, leather side stripes, speckled midsole, padded collars and a two-tone rubber outsole in vibrant neons to complete the aesthetics of the shoe.
ASICS Gel LYTE III Gold Rush Pack “Chinese New Year”
I’m actually quite surprised Jabong managed to have this shoe! This gorgeous rich burgundy perforated suede colorway with gold accents to the leather stripes on the lateral and medial side of the shoe is just perfect. The gold accents hit the heel as well with Asics Gel written in gold. The midsole may be white but is speckled with gold to convey the Chinese New Year’s theme. The shoe’s inner is black and ASICS’ trademark Gel cushion will make sure you walk around with absolute disregard for your own comfort. The signature split tongue is held together by two tone (black and red) laces. Year of the fire monkey being celebrated in India? Why the hell not! Grab it here.
ASICS GEL LYTE V Gold Rush Pack (Black/Black)
The other half of the Gold Rush pack, this black beauty with gold accents has a thick gold speckled midsole, padded tongue (no split), black and gold flast laces, gold accents on the side stripes (branding) and heel of the shoe with matching guts. The upper is constructed with leather and the toebox has plenty of perforation to keep your feet cool. A matching black outsole completes the shoe and the pack.
It is safe to say that the chances of collabs with different brands landing in India at the moment is pretty slim. But the aforementioned shoes should give you a hint as to how much we have all been missing out on quality craftsmanship. This is definitely a start and hopefully one day we’ll be writing about collabs for you.
What do you think of our picks? Would you be rocking any New Balance or ASICS pair? Let us know in the comments section below or hit us up on IG/Twitter @_thatshoeguy_