New Balance introduces a new iteration of the 327 sneaker model that is joining its premium Made in Japan series. The latest sneaker is detailed with premium Tochigi leather materials and features a supple tan color in materials that are true to Japan which has been in production for the past 90 years.
Toguchi leather can be seen throughout the entire shoe from the toe box and all the way to the medial sides where the N logo is hand-cut. Additional details include the padded ankle collars in a chocolate brown color. It is detailed with Made in Japan branding and has white tongue badges as the base of it -- all of this rests on top of clear white midsoles and gum outsoles.
Image Credit: New Balance
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Handcrafted Sneakers
- The rise of handcrafted goods presents opportunities for disruptive innovations that improve the art of shoemaking.
- Luxury Materials
- The use of premium materials in footwear design presents opportunities for innovation in material sourcing and selection.
- Regional Manufacturing
- The embrace of traditional regional manufacturing methods presents opportunities to preserve and innovate on cultural traditions.
Where This Applies
- Footwear Manufacturing
- The footwear industry can improve its products by focusing on handcrafted techniques and using premium materials.
- Fashion and Luxury Goods
- Fashion and luxury brands can incorporate regional manufacturing methods and traditional materials to add value and tell a story about their products.
- Material Sourcing and Selection
- Innovative material sourcing and selection practices can make use of traditional and lesser-known materials to create unique and high-quality products.
