New Balance continues to be dedicated to sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion. They have added their New Balance 327 “Undyed” to the lineup of its eco-friendly collection.

The new 327 is a fresh essence of the 70s revival trend as well as a reminder of the importance of a sustainable world and the future. They company had previously dropped the idea of the sustainable racer shoe in collaboration with fashion-label Reformation. The new ‘undyed’ 327 is the first of its kind for the brand marking its authenticity without any pigmentation or coloration saving, water, energy and waste in its production process.

The New Balance design team were inspired by the vibrancy of colours used in the running products in the 70’s and explored the impact of the intense dying process. The ‘Undyed’ innovation was the result of the question ‘Can a colourless colour-way be created?’. The team further stated that the colours were a celebration of the materials in their natural state. The suede was in its natural undyed form of wet-blue that gave it a bluish tint. The cotton textiles and laces are in their natural undyed form as well. While this un-dyed application means less water, energy and waste it celebrates materials in their natural colour and highlights the importance of creating a more sustainable future.

The aim was to design footwear in a way that reduces the impact before they even began. They were looking for a better way to be responsible with materials and stumbled upon the perfect solution. The 327 was the best design that evolved through their explorations. The design reduces the number of parts in the shoe and allows for uncomplicated materials as with un-dyed. Choosing responsibly was the main focus across the product, whether that’s regenerative cellulosic textiles, better leather-like chrome-free chemistry or sourcing from LWG-rated tanneries, or using materials with high recycled content. 

The newly launched 327 mainly comprises natural cotton fibre which means that the cotton is spun into yarn and woven into canvas/binding without adding dye. The same technique was used in laces, where the cotton was knit into lace retaining its natural cream colour. The cow suede has also retained its undyed wet-blue state giving it a bluish tint. A sliced natural cork is inserted on the insole and the rubber side too contains no added pigment.

The “Undyed” style is a stripped-back version of the 327, celebrating natural materials in their un-dyed state. This process consumes less water, energy and produces less waste and highlights the importance of creating a more sustainable future.

The company looks forward to exploring more ways of reinventing its footwear space into the sustainable window by introducing bright colours and heavier muted tones.