Iconic outdoor shoe brand Danner and athletic label New Balance have something in common. They are part of a growing movement to produce footwear in the U.S.
Today, the two are joining forces to celebrate their shoemaking roots with the launch of the Danner x New Balance America Pioneer Project, which includes the New Balance MiUSA 585 and Danner Light boot. The shoes will be available online, in New Balance Experience stores and select sneaker and outdoor footwear retailers. The New Balance style retails for $365, while the Danner boot is $430.
The MiUSA 585 style was crafted in New Balance’s Skowhegan, Maine, facility and made of a combination of Horween leather and ballistic nylon. It’s finished off with a Danner lace lock and co-branded leather insert.
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The Danner Light waterproof boot, produced in its Portland factory, borrows the New Balance gray color palette and also uses Horween leather. Special additions inspired by New Balance include a leather detail at the heel that mimics a CR device and reflective underlay on the collar. There’s also a Vibram outsole, Gore-Tex lining and New Balance’s branded lace lock.
“Wether you live in the Northeast, Pacific Northwest or Tokyo, you understand the need for rugged, high-quality, waterproof footwear,” said Will Pennartz, senior marketing manager for Danner. “We are excited to partner with a legendary brand like New Balance to introduce a timeless collection ready for a multitude of winter conditions.”
Added Chris Davis, strategic business manager for NB Lifestyle, “New Balance’s collaboration with Danner represents the epitome of authentic, outdoor American style. Our mutual goal was to build upon a shared history of domestic manufacturing and a vision of offering the most premium, quality-crafted footwear in the world.”
