Why We Love the Action Bronson x New Balance Collaboration
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By Stadium Goods |Why We Love the Action Bronson x New Balance Collaboration
A look at what makes the popular hip-hop artist’s collaboration with one of the hottest brands in the game great.
Matt DeSciora
New Balance shoes are trending at an all time high, but that isn’t the reason why Action Bronson started collaborating with the brand last year. On an episode of Complex’s Sneaker Shopping in May 2016, the hip-hop star explained to show host Joe La Puma that his mother got him into New Balances after seeing her wear a pair of all-grey 991s back in the day. From there it was game-over, according to Bronson. He became hooked on the brand’s lineup of comfortable and functional shoes, favoring models like the New Balance 587 in versatile colors over Air Jordans (that’s a story for another day).
Bronson’s appreciation for New Balance shoes as well as the brand’s history made the Queens native a perfect collaborative partner for New Balance. And in March 2023, the pair launched their first-ever collaboration, the New Balance 990v6 “Baklava.” A few months later, Bronson and New Balance followed-up on their successful debut release with the equally hot 990v6 “Lapis Lazuli.”
After a brief hiatus, Bronson and New Balance reprised their collaboration with not one, but three bold New Balance 1906Rs this summer, right in the midst of the silhouette’s incredible hot streak.
With the New Balance 1906R “Rosewater” and “Medusa Azul” trending in a big way, we’ve decided to take a look at every release by Bronson and New Balance available right now. Read on to find out what makes each shoe unique.
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “Baklava”
The “Baklava” New Balance 990v6 is the first team-up between “Bronsolino” and New Balance, and one of the top sellers at Stadium Goods. It’s easy to see why, though. The colorway’s striking color block stands out in contrast to some of the more toned down 990v6s. The “Baklava” is the shoe you go for if you want to stand out.
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “Lapis Lazuli”
Released a few months after the “Baklava,” the New Balance 990v6 “Lapis Lazuli” has a more toned down look, but is no less appealing than its predecessor. The shoe’s neutral-colored design means it's versatile enough to be worn with practically anything and its rope-style laces and aged-looking midsole are details that you don’t usually find on the 990v6.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Rosewater”
The New Balance 1906R is the brand's “it” shoe of 2024. The old school model encapsulates the Mesh Sneaker trend to a T. Bronson’s “Rosewater” colorway offers something completely new for the style as it's rare to catch a GR 1906R in a color palette inspired by ‘90s women’s performance shoes in the wild.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Medusa Azul”
Have you been noticing a theme? None of Bronson’s New Balance shoes look like anything you would find at your local sneaker store, and that holds true for the New Balance 1906R “Medusa Azul.” The shoe utilizes several different hues of blue on its design, and features subtle hints of brown/tan on the sides and outsole. You wouldn’t think the colors would go together, but they do.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Scorpius”
What else needs to be said about Bronson’s New Balance 1906R “Scorpius”? It's as bold as the rapper's personality. The “Scorpius” has a fiery palette with yellow, orange, and neon green details. This is the rarest of Bronson’s 1906Rs.