New Balance 327

Rust Oxide

Founded by William J. Riley in 1906, New Balance started small, producing highly flexible, three-point arch supports for those that suffered discomfort wearing shoes, all inspired by the daily balancing acts performed by Williams’ own backyard chickens as they nimbly navigated the coop. Chasing supportive, innovative comfort from the moment it was born over a century ago, New Balance would become a sporting shoe manufacturer of import among both athletes and basketballers, loved for its specialist footwear.

Rolling on to 1972, under new owner Jim Davis, New Balance foresaw a shift in the market. Hoping to ride the wave of casual style and streetwear, they began a push for leisure time products and comfy, all-day pieces that would eventually be sought-after from coast to coast and beyond, all renowned for their quality and comfort. From retro-inspired icons such as the 327 and 420 to the newer Fresh Foam cushioning technology pieces of today, New Balance has never stopped developing and has a deep collection of classic leather and suede silhouettes that will always look and feel superb.

Armed with their extensive back catalogue of heritage classics, in 2020 New Balance took on the challenge of crafting “The Ultimate Leisure Shoe”, turning to their 70s archives in particular for inspiration. Manchester designer Charlotte Lee was given this daunting task, and she set about mixing elements from some of their most iconic runners such as the 320, 355, and SuperComp. Taking NB’s running heritage in the direction of comfort and relaxation, the resulting 327 brings signature New Balance details and modifies the 70s aesthetic of its forebears, fusing the original style with contemporary lines and textile elements. Resplendent with collaborations and famous fans, the past and future of the 327 look bright indeed.