New Balance Taps a Goated Menswear Brand to Turn This Overlooked Gem Into an “It” Shoe

Forget retro runners and Y2K trainers. The brand’s next must-cop design is an orthopedic-adjacent walking shoe.

Published 17 hours ago

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When most people think of New Balance, images of retro runners and Y2K-era trainers probably come to mind first.

And why not? The brand continues to double down on both fronts — and not just with reissues. Even new sneaker designs, like the 471 and Abzorb 2000, follow the visual and technical templates laid down by their forerunners.

The New Balance Allerdale, meanwhile, is equally inspired by the past. But it charts its own course as a refined walking shoe inspired by the Flimby factory behind New Balance’s Made in UK sub-brand.

And, thanks to the input of a goated menswear label, the overlooked silhouette may yet became New Balance’s viral hit of the year.

Walk the walk

Drawing on 1980s walking shoes that evoke the leisurely lifestyle of Cumbria, England, the Allerdale debuted in early 2025 as an orthopedic-adjacent model made with high-quality leathers and a semi-technical outsole.

Highsnobiety called it a “masterpiece” but the moniker might have been premature, considering New Balance was working alongside the menswear pacesetters at Drake’s for limited-edition variant that leaves the original in the dust.

Drake’s is known for its commitment to high-quality materials, and that reputation is on full display here with the combined use of tumbled leather, suede paneling and even ripstop nylon — a motif lifted from heritage military clothing and gear.

Despite the cornucopia of materials, the muted colors mesh together to provide a cohesive backdrop to the shoe’s bright orange laces — a measured pop of color in an otherwise low-key design.

Availability and pricing

Neither New Balance nor Drake’s have confirmed an exact release date, but this unique take on the Allerdale is expected to launch sometime in the fall.

The existing Allerdale retails for $250 — so expect a final price tag in the same ballpark.

New Balance x Drake’s Allerdale

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About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.