Jack Harlow went from rapping about New Balance to signing with the brand, and now he can call himself a collaborator.
The rap star revealed his first-ever sneaker collaboration with New Balance on Sunday via Instagram, a reimagined 1906.
“Finally made a shoe,” the rapper wrote in the post’s caption.
The shoe is executed in several different materials and dressed predominantly in pink and forrest green, with floral print throughout most of the upper.
Harlow’s social media post was just a tease of what’s to come. While remaining sparse on details, New Balance confirmed the sneaker collab will release in the fall.
In February 2022, New Balance announced it had signed Harlow to its star-studded ambassador roster. In a statement at the time, New Balance said the hitmaker would appear in its key marketing campaigns and will also play a role in its connection to basketball culture.
“Jack is a rising star and an authentic fan of New Balance. We could not ask for a more ideal ambassador to represent our brand. We are consistently impressed with Jack’s devoted passion for his craft and his relentless desire to improve,” New Balance chief marketing officer and SVP of merchandising Chris Davis said in a statement at the time of the signing.
Harlow, who was the cover star of FN’s July 2021 issue, acknowledged at the time that his love of New Balance has become a recognized part of his public image.
“I was there before they were in this wavy place. I don’t know if there’s anyone in culture that people associate with New Balance more than me,” Harlow told FN in July 2021. “I think of me and Kawhi [Leonard] — and Jaden [Smith] is involved, too — but when people see New Balances, talk about New Balances, they use my name, they bring me up.”
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
