UpThere x New Balance 860v2
This may upset some folks, but this is probably one of the best 860v2's I've held in hand (ald 860v2 š is a close runner-up). The color blocking & shades of the upper compliment each other in a really unique way & I honestly haven't seen another collaborator do something like this before, but @smallgainz you snapped lol š„š
Materials: just wanna start off and say that all the materials used on this sneaker are synthetic & are made w/ non-leather materials. Starting at the mudguard is a matcha/lime š panel w/ blue inlays inside it. Behind that panel is a dark green panel w/ šµ green inlays that have a š¤ stripe that runs t/o it (this pattern low-key reminds me of the wooden stairs used in Donkey Kong šš¤·). This pattern continues around the N logo on the midfoot & wraps around to the other side. The N logo sits above a bright š mesh with a hidden š©· strap underneath. It wouldn't be an UpThere Collab w/o some 3m hits & on the N logo & back heel you'll find their sneaky š„ of 3m. Moving to the back heel you will find my favorite part bc the color blocking meshes together in a very unique way. There's a copper mesh (gym short material) that is covered by a light š©µ panel that has a šµ colored border. Above that is the š¤ & š pattern that wraps around a š©· & š NB logo that is sitting pretty on a green panel. This area finishes off w/ a blue, big hole mesh, that has a purple hue to it & this continues t/o the mesh used on the upper. Moving to the tongue, there's a pink N on the bottom panel, then as you move up the tongue is more mesh, & that finishes off with a light green tongue w/ šš©· NB logo. Lastly, they finish off the design w/ a š¤ sockliner & š©· insole. Overall, these are loaded w/ details, but the placement of the color blocking is honestly flawless. Incredible work.
Comfort/Sizing: the 860v2 is my favorite retro runner from NB from an aesthetic standpoint & the comfort is pretty squishy since it uses the same outsole as the 2002r & 1906r. For sizing, Id go tts or your usual 2002r/1906r or if you're unsure.
Overall Opinion: UpThere went crazy on this design, & I honestly wouldn't sleep on this pair if you're on the fence. In hand, this design is really something special & is kinda hard to describe but I attempted to capture it here. This pair will most likely be in my top 5 for SOTY as we round off the year.
Release: UpThere just opened their online raffle for these & it closes on October 29th. GL š¤š