“I consider what Stone Island and New Balance are doing a real collaborative relationship,” said Silvio Rivetti, Design Director at Stone Island. “This collaboration between New Balance and Stone Island is unlike any other –- both brands have a dedication to innovation and craft that drives them to go against the grain,” adds James Lee, Lead Footwear Designer at New Balance.
Prepared in two different colorways — both of which are inspired by camouflage from the Italian luxury label’s AW90 collection — the Stone Island x New Balance TDS FuelCell C_1 marries function with aesthetics. Though the sole is exaggerated in its proportions, extending beyond the heel of the shoe itself, it also serves as counterbalance to the toe push-off. The upper is equally well-engineered, boasting a knit textile comprised of both synthetic and cotton threads. What’s more, the fixture features a molded Compass logo at its heel, various instances of co-branding, and a magnet-powered speed lacing system.
