This Made in Japan New Balance M1300 Is Priced at $673 USD

New Balance‘s 1300 is turning 35 this year, so in celebration the brand has tapped its New Balance Japan arm for an artisanal take on the M1300. Made entirely in Japan by master craftsman Hitoshi Mimura and his team, these 1300s boast a monochromatic look, an ultra-premium leather build and a sky-high price point undeniably reflective of their bespoke quality.

M1300s usually equip a mixture of mesh and suede on their uppers but this model discards those two materials entirely, instead opting for a full veg tan leather construction. Supplied by Tochigi Leather, purveyors of Japan’s finest leather, this material offers a natural tone that’s designed to patina with age and use for a beautiful worn-in look. From a branding standpoint, the midfoot’s N logo is done up in leather while white fabric tongue tags, white heel embroidery and a bone-colored heel clip add further flair. Down below, white ENCAP midsoles combine PU and EVA foam and black Vibram rubber outsoles finalize the look.

Only the second M1300 to ever be made in Japan — after a pair that released in June to celebrate the opening of New Balance’s Tokyo Concept Shop — this natural leather pair will release on the New Balance Japan webstore come December 19. The MSRP is set at a slightly staggering ¥70,000 JPY (approximately $673 USD).

For more news from the greater world of New Balance, check out HYPEBEAST’s exclusive interview with Salehe Bembury, in which he discusses receiving the prestigious “Footwear Designer of the Year” award.
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