The hybrid, old-meets-new running silhouette known as the New Balance 327 trainer is inspired by both the New Balance 320 and the New Balance Super Comp from the 1970s. Numerous iconic models from the Massachusetts brand have already established themselves in the trainer world, lending a daunting task to even the most experienced footwear designer when tasked with creating a New Balance trainer. The icon now returns re-imagined with seasonal updates as part of the brands SS24 collection.
History Behind The New Balance 327
The New Balance footwear roster, distinguished by its numeric-named models like the 1500 and the 991, is unparalleled. The essence of the New Balance story lies in crafting trainers that fulfill their intended purpose, primarily focused on running, which has always been the cornerstone of NB's athletic heritage. While New Balance has ventured into other sports with court shoes and football boots, running remains its primary focus. Although the New Balance 327 trainer made its debut in 2020, its heritage predates the realm of catwalk gossip and Paris fashion week, running deeper than mere contemporary trends.
Charlotte Lee, the Manchester-based creative and designer, was entrusted with the task of designing the New Balance 327 trainer. In an interview with Highsnobiety in 2021, Charlotte expressed her approach to the design process, stating, "When creating this shoe, I aimed to draw inspiration from the past in a manner distinct from previous approaches. I sought to avoid replicating the typical seventies aesthetic."
Her design philosophy is palpably reflected in the 327's aesthetic. While it unmistakably embodies the iconic running DNA of the 1970s, it also presents a departure from New Balance's previous releases, exemplifying a fusion of vintage and contemporary elements uncommon in the realm of trainers.
The design concept itself draws from the original running styles of the New Balance 320 and the Super Comp, both of which debuted in the 1970s. The 320, introduced in 1976, marked a significant milestone as the first model to adopt numerical nomenclature alongside the iconic N logo. It swiftly gained popularity, earning the accolade of being named the top running shoe by Runner's World Magazine.
The association with Tom Fleming, who wore a pair of 320s when he clinched victory in the New York Marathon in 1975, undoubtedly contributed to its acclaim. On the other hand, the New Balance Super Comp from 1978 was engineered for synthetic track and road usage, featuring an air-sprung sole unit. The 327 notably inherits its sole design from the grippy rubber studded outsole of the Super Comp, further exemplifying its homage to vintage running aesthetics.
Paying homepage to the -70s & it's bold running silhouettes, these latest interpretations arrive with the iconic trail inspired wraparound lug outsole, wedge eva midsole & finished with rope laces. With the theme seeming to be earthy tones, the latest iterations come in Midnight Green, Rich Earth Brown & Sea Salt Beige.
Shop the 327 & our full New Balance collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.