Original Story (10/24/23): 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the iconic 501 jean, and Levi’s has been celebrating throughout the year with special releases and fun collaborations (eg. ERL and Crocs). To continue the festivities, the denim brand is reuniting with New Balance on a new project surrounding the recently relaunched 580 silhouette.
The Levi’s x New Balance 580 comes in two colorways: one featuring black denim with beige suede overlays, the other equipped with overdyed, deep blue denim and grey nubuck. Both come with pops of blue and pink accents that are inspired by the colors of ’70s mountain bikes.
The collaboration pays homage to the birthplace of the mountain bike, Marin County, which is just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from where Levi’s was founded, the city of San Francisco. It is all explained on the messaging found on the inside of the shoebox lid:
“Marin County in the early ’70s was the birthplace of the Mountain Bike. Fire roads on and around Mount Tamalpais became impromptu racetracks for a new generation of avid cyclists pushing the limits of what was possible. These riders were taking stripped down 1940s paperboy bikes and using them on totally new terrain — steep, rocky and unforgiving backroads. With all experimentation comes accidents — and crashes were an unavoidable part of the sport’s evolution. Levi’s® denim was adopted as the uniform of choice for these pioneers — for it’s durability, protection and of course — it’s timeless style.”
After working together on the 990v3 in 2021, the MT580 is a perfect silhouette for this collaboration as it was originally designed as an off-road trail running sneaker (MT stands for “Men’s Trail”). It’s chunky midsole gives it an outdoorsy aesthetic, though it also packed with technology for rugged terrain. ABZORB cushioning provides impact absorption, while the ROLLBAR provides rear-foot stability and support.
Both colorways of the Levi’s x New Balance 580 are expected to drop soon on the New Balance website, Levi.com, and at select retailers. Grab a look below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
Update (12/01/23): Levi’s and New Balance have announced release info for their 580 collab. Both colorways will drop December 6th via the Levi’s website, Levi’s app, and Levi’s stores, followed by a release on the New Balance website the next day on December 7th.
Levi’s x New Balance 580
Color: Beige
Style Code: MT580LE2
Release Date: December 6, 2023 (Levi’s)
Release Date: December 7, 2023 (New Balance)
Levi’s x New Balance 580
Color: Blue
Style Code: MT580LV2
Release Date: December 6, 2023 (Levi’s)
Release Date: December 7, 2023 (New Balance)
