A melting pot of performance and style, New Balance’s WRPD Runner is a forward-thinking model that harnesses the label’s 99X running series’ DNA and reimagines it through a futuristic lens. The result? A bold and unexpected lifestyle trainer. 

Undeniably the WRPD Runner is a new direction for the Boston brand, which has a name heavily steeped in heritage, yet its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation remains. In the ever-evolving realm of footwear design, New Balance’s Senior Footwear Designer Charlotte Lee, has most definitely pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible with this one, ultimately making the shoe feel much more “contemporary and runway-ready”. 

Originally debuting on the SS24 Paris Fashion Week runway, this is a shoe that propels the brand into the future, it’s a “departure from the retro feel of the 70s, 80s and 90s archive-inspired product but continues to evolve” some of the label’s most beloved designs – a winning formula if you ask us. Individual elements hark to heritage, including the heel that nods to the 990’s CR device and crash pads that remind us of dual-density foam midsoles that are seen on many New Balance lineages – all keeping the New Balance DNA alive. 

Breathing life into minimalist simplicity, uppers consist of pronounced curves carved with smooth lines that feature furry suede and knitted mesh layering up the base. Here, “only five pieces of overlays are used to give a cleaner aesthetic,” says Charlotte, and ‘N’ motifs are embroidered on the base, which sets this silhouette apart and is a notable departure from the commonly seen layered panelling on other New Balance models. Beneath, FuelCell foam drives each step onwards while fluid motion continues under the exaggerated midsole with wave tread lines completing this experimental model.

The New Balance WRPD Runner ‘Grey Matter’ and ‘Magnet’ launch at size? on 16.02.2024.