Following on from collaborating in 2019, New Balance’s forward thinking Tokyo Design Studio team up with outdoors equipment specialists Snow Peak to create a new 3 in 1 silhouette in the form of the Niobium Concept 1. The function driven shoe features a detachable upper, weather-resistant toe box and an ABZORB midsole for comfort and durability. The 3 styles that the shoe can be worn as include a robust fishing boot, slip-on camping clog or as a sock like liner for wearing in a tent. 

The all new silhouette was inspired by the chemical element niobium, a light grey metal that is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, and can be easily molded and re-formed in low temperatures. These aspects of the chemical can be seen in the versatility and multi-use mindset of the sneaker’s design. The Niobium Concept 1’s subtle “Sage Green” colourway also references the mossy rocks of mountain streams which is an ideal landscape for the shoe’s intended use.

The New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Snow Peak Niobium Concept 1 is online now.