AURALEE and New Balance continue their collaboration to introduce the "WRPD Runner," a new silhouette that merges cutting-edge technology with timeless design, first debuted on runway at Paris Fashion week in June 2023. This exclusive release promises to redefine footwear aesthetics and performance, catering to the discerning tastes of modern urbanites. Set to launch globally on Thursday April 18, 2024.

The WRPD Runner pushes the boundaries of what a traditional New Balance lifestyle silhouette embodies, with an innovative design that distorts and warps the familiar. Where lifestyle meets tech-utility, the shoe is blended with nontraditional lines that are sculpted and exaggerated to give it a modern look and feel.

In this collaboration, AURALEE updates the materials, coloring, and details of the WRPD Runner.

The upper, made by mixing premium materials such as nubuck, suede, and mesh and using exquisitely different multiple colors, expresses depth within a monochrome palette, resulting in a minimal finish characteristic of the brand, further enhancing the original footwear design's beauty. Moreover, a futuristic midsole line using New Balance's top-tier running technology, FuelCell, contrasts with an outsole that incorporates a waxed process, expressing details of a contrasting vintage sneaker.

The included custom shoe box symbolizes this special collaboration.

Product Details:

• The upper features nods to iconic New Balance running designs with an oval shape as a futuristic interpretation of retro running models, made over with premium nubuck, suede, and mesh.

• The midsole features soft, sculpted FuelCell technology with a medial stability post and forefoot cushioning, as well as an exaggerated crash pad design in the heel.

• The warped outsole design undercuts and wraps around the midsole and includes a unique, wavy tread pattern with a vintage-effect wax treatment.

• Co-branded insert.

• A custom shoe box is included.

About AURALEE

Auralee’s values are inscribed in a true sense of modernity and purpose: Authenticity rhymes with clarity of design; calm elegance aligns with gentle formality; comfort is balanced by

sensitive sophistication. Auralee means “The Lands That Lights Up”. In the words of founder Ryota Iwai: “I didn’t want the brand’s name to be too dramatic or meaningful. I definitely would’ve been uncomfortable naming the brand after myself. I wanted something concise—and memorable. ‘Auralee’ is the title of an old American folk song. At first, I didn’t know what it actually meant—I just responded to the soulful, evocative sound of the name. When I found out its meaning, I thought it very appropriate: I envision my collections to be worn in the morning light.”

Auralee collections’ inspiration come in many forms: “The weather of the day, the colors surrounding me in my daily life, my travels”, says Ryota Iwai. “Ideas come to me through the feel of the various materials and textures I source.” Each collection starts with an extensive research of the best high-quality raw materials and yarns, sourced in Japan and all over the world. This is followed by the design and development of original fabrics: Making the most of their nonpareil quality and value and giving each collection a unique flavor and a distinctive character.

Trends may come and go—what stays is personal style. Timeless yet rooted in the moment, Auralee’s collections provide real clothes for an elegant, effortless yet functional way of dressing. Pure silhouettes are beautifully cut and impeccably constructed. Long-lasting, high-quality wardrobe staples are designed to enhance its wearers individuality, convey a relaxed simplicity, elevated and tinged with a sensitive, sophisticated edge. https://auralee.jp

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.