Since it is officially Fall we decided to take a look back at a collaboration that features a material that is more than welcomed during this time of the year, fleece. Streetwear giant Undefeated linked up with New Balance in 2010 for a special two-pack of the classic 574. These limited edition versions of the sneaker featured uppers done up of “reverse weave fleece that is loved by athletes and spectators alike is the perfect canvas to showcase and celebrate the classic American history of the two brands.”
Undefeated x New Balance 574 ‘Sonic Fleece’ Grey uploaded by Jonathan Mannion
Along with being created by the look of materials from retro sweatshirts from the 80’s, the brands took even further by featuring New Balances new ‘weld’ process. Instead of normal stitching holding, the panels together the fleece and suede the materials are fused together using heat, sonically welding them together. This creates a clean look overall with very little stitching seen on the 574′s.
Undefeated x New Balance 574 ‘Sonic Fleece’ Black uploaded by DevinNguyen
Two versions of the sneaker were created, grey and black, each featuring a red, white and blue “N” logo. Special Undefeated insoles were the only indication of the brand’s influence on the design, making these only noticeable by the trained eye. Released with matching fleece apparel, these understated ‘Sonic Fleece’ 574′s turned into sleeper hits in 2010.
