In case you have not noticed yet, the first quarter of 2025 is more or less over. May is just around the corner and with it brings New Balance’s hotly anticipated Grey Day. The annual celebration honours the colour grey, which is inextricably linked with New Balance, just as its shoes are to road running amidst the backdrop of concrete and asphalt. Grey is more than just a colour for the brand, as it represents decades of heritage and innovation after New Balance devised a solution in the 1970s to counteract damaged white running shoes from city running. Durable suede panels (with accompanying mesh) were introduced to the shoes in what other colour than grey, blending into the pavements and asphalts. The move blazed a new adventure for New Balance ever since as a symbol of performance and significance in running and cultural spheres.

This year’s Grey Day promises something different from the previous four editions as New Balance unveils the quinquennial New Balance Made in USA 1300JP. Amidst global sneaker culture, the Made in USA 1300JP sits firmly in the pantheon of collectables, lauded for its impeccable craftsmanship beyond its inherent rarity. Yet, rather than screaming “look at me” like some of its flashier contemporaries or retro reissues do, it emanates an IYKYK vibe with its understated presence. The legend began in 1985 when New Balance released the 1300 a year after the 990 set new standards for performance, quality and price (USD100). Instead of maintaining the same specifications as the 990, New Balance debuted one of the most important shoemaking technologies: ENCAP. It essentially is an EVA foam core ENCAPsulated within a PVA carrier, providing unrivalled cushioning. For those who prefer to nerd it out more, the 1300 was built on the SL-2 last, a foot form that the shoe is moulded to in the production process. Beyond the innovations, New Balance deployed some of its most premium materials, which inadvertently set the eye-watering price of USD130, giving rise to one of its most memorable advertising campaigns, “Mortgage the House”.

New Balance’s meticulousness and handmade details of the shoe stood out, elevating standards of quality and craft to a level that transcended performance footwear. It gained traction amongst customers and was particularly enamoured by the Japanese, who are known to appreciate artisanship. Demand for the shoe skyrocketed amidst its cult following, prompting an exclusive Japan-only reissue of the 1300JP in 1995 for the silhouette’s 10th anniversary. New Balance maintained that the two subsequent editions remained Japan-exclusive before the watershed moment in 2010 when the 1300JP was made available worldwide.

Credit: New Balance Book

“The 1300JP is a shoe like no other, an emblem of the soul of New Balance, that is prized by collectors and appreciators around the globe. Even before joining New Balance myself 34 years ago, I was inspired by my father’s work with the brand on the innovative sole design for the original 1300JP. This legacy model has been a constant throughout my career at New Balance, from spending years perfecting the first reissue, to working diligently on each subsequent launch to evolve the style in subtle ways while remaining true to its roots. With 2025’s launch we are excited to continue the 1300JP’s legacy, showcasing the design’s timeless appeal to loyal fans and a new generation” said Shinichi Kubota, Vice President, New Balance Japan. 

This year’s edition will feature the same unrivalled levels of performance and quality as its predecessors, meticulously crafted in New Balance’s Skowhegan, Maine manufacturing facility. Some of the details include

• Mesh upper
• Premium nubuck overlays
• Full-length ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim
• Leather collar lining
• Tread outsole pattern
• Woven ‘1300’ tongue label
• Special-edition packaging inspired by the original 1985 box design

New Balance Grey Days will kick off on 1 May 2025 with a slew of releases, events and exclusive content — the Made in USA 1300JP is expected to drop on 29 May 2025 exclusively at the New Balance Vivo City store and online at newbalance.com.sg.

Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our April 2025 issue.