Stylist: Yohei Usami
Model：991
Shoes that are somewhere between high-tech and low-tech
Even though I own several pairs of New Balance shoes, I always come back to the 991. The careful craftsmanship that only a UK-made shoe can offer, the texture of the nubuck leather, and the tapered form from the toe to the instep make these ideal sneakers. This is a special order model, and the slightly darker tone may be the reason why it is so easy to style. It is a model that I have been wearing ever since it was first released in 2001.
Photographer: RK
Model：Air Jordan 1 Mid
The current model has been given a "neo-vintage" look.
Of all the sneakers, I like the toe shape of the Air Jordan 1 the most. I had a pair made by my friend's brand, Foxtrot Uniform, at the end of 2023, and they added punk rock elements like safety pins and barbed wire duple to give them a worn-in look, which is typical of their "neo-vintage" style, and they're super cool. As they're based on the current Jordan, I can wear them a lot.
PATH and Equal pastry chef Yuichi Goto
Model：ERA
My work buddy, I've worn out over 20 pairs already.
As a pastry chef, I work on my feet every day. I need sneakers that are non-slip and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. My uniform is a white T-shirt and a white apron, and I always wear black Vans "Ella" shoes. They're a classic model, but I need timeless shoes that I can wear out and keep buying the same ones over and over again. I'm probably in my 20s now.
Art Director: Akinobu Maeda
Model：FN3-S GEL-KAYANO 28
Something I bought casually becomes a standard
These shoes were made around the time Kiko Kostadinov began supervising ASICS' in-line products. I love how his signature color usage and detail work is beautifully incorporated into the product, and I wear them often. They were a little soft, so I customized them by adding a New Balance insole. At first glance, some people think it's an unusual collaboration (laughs).
Harajuku CASSIDY store manager, Hiroyuki Yagisawa
Model：Jack Purcell
The dirtier it is, the cooler it is. A unique piece.
I've been wearing them since I was in my twenties, so it's been about 50 years since I started wearing them. While the cushioning has been updated, they remain a timeless classic, beloved by James Dean and Hemingway. Dustin Hoffman wore a pair of muddy Jack Purcells in the movie "The Graduate," so I don't really take care of them even when they get dirty. I think this is the right answer for pure white sneakers.
Author David Marks
Model：997
Excellent for both casual and traditional styles
My standard is whether a shoe is comfortable to wear. New Balance is packed with technology throughout, but what's great about it is that they deliberately don't show it in the design. I think the 997 in particular strikes an excellent balance between classic and functional. It's a versatile shoe that goes well with denim and shorts, as well as cotton and linen suits, and it's a pair I've relied on for many years.
