Reformation Launches First Sneaker in Collaboration with New Balance

Sustainable fashion brand Reformation is expanding its chic offering this month, via a collaboration with sports brand New Balance.

The collaboration marks firsts for both brands: it is the first time the Los Angeles-based brand has ventured into sneakers (it launched its footwear category back in May), and it is New Balance’s first sustainable sneaker.

Reformation has reimagined the brand’s 574 and X 90 styles in five new colourways including hues of pink, yellow, white, blue, cream and black. Importantly, the shoes were made using eco-friendly materials, including post-consumer recycled polyester in the linings, laces and labels, chrome-free suede and shoe inserts made with a combination of EVA foam and BLOOM algae. According to the brand, the use of BLOOM algae lessens the amount of fossil fuel usage in the manufacturing process. Plus, all ink used in printing is soy-based.

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Photograph courtesy of Reformation

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Reformation x New Balance

The chrome-free suede is achieved using New Balance’s chrome-free tanning method that eliminates the harmful substance from production. It might sound like a small thing but when not handled properly, chrome has been proven to become carcinogenic. The tannery also has Gold Leather Working Group status, meaning it has high-rating environmental compliance and sustainable practices.

The waitlist is now live, with the collection going on sale from October 10. Prices range from CAD$125-$170.