New Balance teams up with Loro Piana for $1,500 luxury sneakers, elevating the 'dad shoe' trend

New Balance is stepping up its game in the luxury footwear market with a new collaboration alongside renowned Italian brand Loro Piana. 

Officially confirmed by Loro Piana's chief marketing officer Chris Davis, the partnership brings Loro Piana's famously luxurious materials to New Balance’s iconic 990v6 model. 

Instead of traditional mesh and leather, the ultra-premium sneaker will feature the brand’s signature Pecora Nera wool, sourced from a dedicated New Zealand farm.

Priced at $1,500 a pair, these sneakers are set to launch at Loro Piana boutiques on September 5, solidifying New Balance's foray into the high-end fashion space. 

Previous collaborations with brands like Stone Island, Miu Miu, and Junya Watanabe have laid the groundwork for New Balance’s new luxury trajectory, but this release with Loro Piana takes the "dad shoe" to new heights.

While these shoes may not be ideal for running a 5K, they certainly make a statement in the world of quiet luxury. 

With Fashion Month around the corner, this collaboration marks another chapter in New Balance’s ongoing transformation as a key player in the fashion world.