BOSTON, MARCH 2015 – Boston-based New Balance will release the fifth iteration of the M1300JP, a legendary classic that was first introduced in 1985 and is only available every five years. Superior craftsmanship, including a Vibram® sole and molded midsole, makes it worth the wait. Manufactured in Skowhegan, Maine, the M1300JP2 continues the New Balance legacy of offering finely crafted heritage silhouettes and will be available beginning March 28 for a suggested retail price of $300 at New Balance Experience Stores and newbalance.com.
In 1985, the M1300 was released as a technical running shoe and praised by runners for the models superior cushioning, unique gray color and authentic silhouette. The M1300 incorporated ENCAP® technology to ensure maximum cushioning and stability. Some fans expressed the cushioning as “the shoe version of a luxury car.” Since then, the model has become one of the heritage running silhouettes that represents the New Balance brand and was the catalyst for the premium series of 1000s.
The M1300 was also impactful as one of the first running shoes over $100 and the style soon became ‘the’ premium running shoe. With its combination of high-quality nubuck leather and mesh, fashion consumers in Japan starting wearing the M1300 to complement their everyday look. The Japanese fashion crowd was also attracted by the styles ‘Made in USA’ heritage and manufacturing story by skilled craftsmen in New England, where the brand was born. It is a story that continues to endear the New Balance brand to Japanese consumers.
Since 1985, New Balance has reissued the original M1300 every five years. Like the reissue model in 2010, the 2015 version utilizes the same Vibram® outsole as the original model. In addition, the materials used on the upper, the color combination, and stitch work details are as they appear on the original M1300.
Crafted in New Balance’s Skowhegan, Maine manufacturing facility, the New Balance M1300JP2 is a limited-edition style in the ‘Made in USA’ collection. Each style is made by American craftsmen and makes use of domestic materials, offering a distinct, premium silhouette that pays homage to New Balance’s history of domestic manufacturing.
About New Balance:
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of our US sales. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we label our shoes Made in the USA. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 4,000 associates around the globe, and in 2013 reported worldwide sales of $2.73 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com.