This item shows a great commitment to gray.
You told us earlier that you have been using "2002" for a long time.
Kaneko: I love these so much (laughs) that I have been wearing them with great care ever since they were released in 2010. I have a few fans around me, and my stylist Akio Hasegawa and I had a lot of fun talking about "2002. We talked about how we wanted to see it reissued again, and I even took the liberty of posting a photo on Instagram with the hashtag "#nb2002 Reissue Hope Group" (laughs). That post also had the highest number of likes ever. I don't think that had anything to do with it, but the reissue model "2002R" went on sale and I was able to buy a new pair. It was this model that made people aware that I was wearing New Balance shoes.
What do you like about "2002"?
Kaneko: It has a face that doesn't look like "New Balance. In a good sense, it has a somewhat rugged look, but it is also equipped with high-tech technology, which is what I like about it. The standard model goes well with American-style outfits, but for some reason, the "2002" is easy to match with various fashions, such as French work. I wear a lot of different outfits, so these are the most comfortable for me.
The color is a unique gray, isn't it?
Kaneko: The iron-like gray color of the mesh part is also a nice color. Once I got soaked in seawater, but it didn't do anything weird, and it aged nicely, so I think the leather quality is really good.
KITH" is the special-order item that you mentioned earlier?
Kaneko: That's right. I didn't have any of the "990" series, so just as I was thinking that I had to buy one anyway, this model was released and I bought it first.
I was attracted to this "RC1300" because of this exquisite coloring. I liked the bluish gray, or rather, the coloring, which is not seen in inline.
The "Grey Day" on May 15 will feature the classic "574" model, and its successor, the "57/40 (Fifty-Seven/Forty)," will be released on the same day. How about taking a look?
From left, "New Balance" "ML574 EGG" ¥10,890, "M5740 TA" ¥16,500 + tax
Kaneko: I think the model I wore when I was in high school might have been this "ML574".
Originally, the "576" model was made in the USA, but the "574" model was developed so that a wider range of people could wear it. The 574 is the most worn item of "New Balance" in the world because it is affordable and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Kaneko: I think this is exactly the kind of item that is typical of "New Balance," or rather, the kind of shoes that everyone imagines.
The "57/40" is a new release this season based on the "574". The classic image has been revamped and rearranged in a very bold way.
Kaneko: I can really feel your commitment to gray. I was like, "How many colors of gray are you using? Also, the evolutionary process is easy to understand. I think it is important to brush up on the existing identity while respecting it. While there are many brands that take the easy way out and completely change their designs, New Balance has a solid axis, and I find that appealing. This hybrid feel is amazing, and I think the designers must be very talented.
