While New Balance may not boast an extensive list of official club partnerships, they’ve always found creative ways to reference sports teams in their designs. The upcoming New Balance 650 subtly pays homage to the iconic NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets, with its “Aqua/Grape” color scheme.
Rooted in the model’s 1980s origins and the cultural impact of the Hornets in the 1990s, these sneakers evoke a sense of retro basketball aesthetics. The use of “Aqua” on the outsole provides a striking contrast, while “Grape” accents adorn the leather panels, tongue, forefoot, rear webbing, and heel cup.
Although the color combination may nod to North Carolina, it stands on its own as a timeless style reminiscent of other retro sneakers like the Jordan 5 “Grape.” Regardless of the inspiration behind the colorway, its nostalgic charm remains undeniable.
While an official release date for the New Balance 650 “Aqua/Grape” has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to drop on NewBalance.com in the near future, available in men’s sizing for $140.
In other exciting news, New Balance enthusiasts can look forward to upcoming collaborations, including the highly anticipated Joe Freshgoods New Balance 1000.
