New Balance Taps Into Mountain Biking Culture With Levi’s MT508 Sneaker Collaboration

New Balance is dropping an all-new collaboration with denim brand Levi’s.

The collaborative effort centers around the classic MT508 sneaker silhouette, imbuing it with mountain biking culture-inspired touches that harken back to the activities’ origin, Marin County.

New Balance, Levis, collaboration, sneakers, MT508.
New Balance x Levi’s collaborative MT508 sneakers.

Originally launched in 1996, the MT508 style was improved and now comes in “Grey Blue” and “Beige Black” colorways. The “Grey Blue” version comprises nubuck uppers that feature over-dyed Levi’s denim on the toe box and side panel. In contrast, the “Beige Black” version is crafted with textural hairy suede uppers that feature washed black Levi’s denim on the toe box and side panels.

New Balance, Levis, collaboration, sneakers, MT508.
New Balance x Levi’s collaborative MT508 sneakers.

The midsoles of both styles feature C-CAP in the forefoot and PU in the rearfoot. Both details offer durable support and flexibility​. For enhanced support, the sneaker is equipped with a RollBar stability post system to help control rear-foot movement.

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Each shoe was integrated with Levi’s signature Shrink-To-Fit denim to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Levi’s cult-classic 501 jeans. The modernized MT508 silhouette is carefully constructed to remain faithful the original’s materials, compounds, and features. These updates include slimmed-down toes and reduced collar height.

New Balance, Levis, collaboration, sneakers, MT508.
New Balance x Levi collaborative MT508 sneaker.
New Balance, Levis, collaboration, sneakers, MT508.
New Balance x Levi collaborative MT508 sneakers.

New Balance’s MT508 has received many high-profile upgrades from the likes of Stray Rats and Palace Skateboards over the years. During their previous collaboration, Levi’s and New Balance created the ultimate dad sneaker by updating the brand’s 992 sneakers, giving it an all-denim makeover. Additionally, the duo released their take on the 1300 shoe that utilized signature White Oak XX52 cotton, a rare salvaged material from Cone Denim Mills.’

The latest New Balance x Levi’s collaboration launches on Dec. 6 on Levi’s and Dec. 7 on New Balance channels. The collection will be available for purchase worldwide.

About the Author

Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.

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