New Balance is making a big move into the world of lifestyle tennis with their new T500 sneaker. After a hiatus of about six years, the brand has reintroduced a tennis sneaker into its lifestyle collection, and the T500 is taking center stage. Initially launched with an Aime Leon Dore collaboration, the T500 is now being introduced with a Ganni collaboration, showcasing different styles and colors.
Lauren Fitzsimmons, the global lifestyle marketing manager at New Balance, sees the T500 as a potential iconic shoe for the brand. The design of the T500 is a modern take on a 1982 tennis performance shoe, with a focus on timelessness and wearability. Brian Lynn, the global vice president of lifestyle, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sleek and sharp look of the original while ensuring comfort and updated materials.
The T500 is positioned as a luxury model, featuring premium materials like suede and leather. Lynn highlights New Balance’s expertise in using high-quality materials to create the best possible product. The decision to delve back into tennis with the T500 was driven by trends in the market and the brand’s desire to offer a low-profile silhouette in the court style.
The success of previous lifestyle court offerings like the New Balance 550 paved the way for the T500, which has a classic yet timeless appeal. The collaboration with Ganni adds a fresh perspective to the sneaker, incorporating bold prints and unexpected twists to the silhouette. The T500 is designed to be versatile and suitable for various occasions, reflecting both brands’ emphasis on individuality and style.
Looking ahead, New Balance plans to expand the T500 line with new color and material options, ensuring that the silhouette remains relevant and appealing to consumers. Collaborations with different partners will continue to bring fresh perspectives and new audiences to the brand. The T500 is set to be a key focus for New Balance in the coming years, solidifying its position as a pinnacle lifestyle tennis sneaker in the market.