Skate shoe collaboration between Stone Island and New Balance leverages sailing equipment technology for innovative design.
Changing the Game in Skateboarding Sneakers
Move over, traditional collaborations, there's a new duo shaking things up on the skateboarding scene. New Balance and Stone Island have teamed up to bring us the Stone Island Marina x New Balance Numeric 272, a unique fusion of sailing-inspired design and raw skateboarding functionality.
A Symbiotic Partnership
This collaboration isn't just about swapping colors or materials. It's about a union that feels harmonious, marrying Stone Island's sailing-themed Marina line and New Balance's original skate shoe, the 272. From football cleats to dope dad shoes, the duo has experimented with numerous genres, but a skateboarding sneaker? Not until now.
The Innovative Construction
The first thing you'll notice about the 272 is its innovative split-level upper construction. While the lower portion sports premium suede for durability against grip tape, the upper opts for a tech-savvy polyester canvas derived from Stone Island's sailing gear.
Tech-Forward Appeal and Skate-Focused Performance
The 272 doesn't hold back when it comes to shining a light on both brands' strengths. The reflective details on both the upper and the "N" logo add Stone Island's signature tech-forward appeal, but don't forget about the shoe's performance prowess. Underneath, the vulcanized construction ensures an outstanding board feel, and the engineered outsole specifically targets impact reduction to handle the hard concrete of skate parks.
Navigating Skateboarding Waters
Stone Island's Marina line is all about reinterpreting sailing performance within an everyday context. This sneaker undoubtedly lives up to the Marina line's motto, especially with its nautical-inspired colorways and accessories like the co-branded dry bags and signal whistles.
Diving Deeper into Skateboarding Culture
For Stone Island, this collaboration marks a deep dive into the realm of skateboarding culture. While they've previously collaborated on running and lifestyle models, this is their boldest foray into the skate footwear space.
On the other hand, New Balance Numeric has been quietly carving out a niche for itself since 2013, working with heavy-hitters like Andrew Reynolds to create skate shoes that truly serve the skateboarding community.
Though the 272 launched as New Balance's first official skate silhouette, it wasn't until recent collaborations, such as The Museum's cardboard-inspired version, that it truly gained traction. The Stone Island partnership further elevates the 272's status, solidifying it as a legitimate pick for skaters and celebrating its versatility as an artistic canvas.
Model: Stone Island Marina x New Balance Numeric 272Upper: Split construction, suede lower, light-reactive polyester canvas upperInsole: OrtholiteSole: Vulcanized rubber construction with engineered outsoleColorways: White, navy blue, mustard yellowAccessories: Co-branded dry bag and signal whistleRelease Date: June 18
Pricing & Availability
Get ready to make a splash—the Stone Island Marina x New Balance Numeric 272 is dropping on June 18, exclusively through Stone Island's channels. To access the release, you'll need to register for a My Stone Island account and sign up for the event, with purchases limited to one pair per customer. While the prices for these premium kicks haven't been revealed yet, expect to see them in the $200 to $300 range.
This collaboration is a fusion of Stone Island's sailing-themed Marina line and New Balance's original skate shoe, the 272, extending their influence from fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle to the sports sector. The unique split-level upper construction of the Stone Island Marina x New Balance Numeric 272, with its tech-savvy polyester canvas and durable suede, showcases elements of both style and lifestyle, as well as sports performance.
