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New Balance’s Next Shoe Is So Special, It Only Comes Out Twice a Decade

The Boston brand’s near-mythical model has been a bona fide status symbol since its original release in 1985.

New Balance Made in USA 1300JPNew Balance

By Jack Seemer

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One of New Balance’s most revered shoe models will return next month. However, you’d be forgiven for not recognizing the name.

Less regular than a leap year, the near-mythical New Balance 1300JP only shows up once every five years — a fact that only adds to its 40-year legacy as a bona fide status symbol.

New Balance Made in USA 1300JP
The New Balance 1300JP, which releases next month, only comes out once every five years.
New Balance

Premium since day one

Adjusting for inflation, the original 1300, which New Balance released in 1985, would cost north of $400 today — more than most modern super shoes with state-of-the tech.

An early ad cheekily recommended potential buyers to “mortgage the house” in order to buy a pair.

“The New Balance 1300 costs more than any running shoe you’ve probably ever owned,” it read on. “But then, it offers more.”

New Balance Made in USA 1300JP
The original 1300 had EVA-polyurethane foam midsole, called Encap, that was revolutionary in the 1980s.
New Balance

The shoe’s halo feature was an EVA-polyurethane foam midsole, called Encap, that was revolutionary at the time. According to New Balance, it lasted 1,000 miles and more, justifying the wallet-breaking price tag.

It also came with premium nubuck-leather overlays, breathable mesh panels, a durable rubber outsole and cool-blue colorway — all of which contributed to its allure, especially in Japan where the 1300 became something of a cult classic and inspired the brand to add “JP” to its official style tag.

New Balance Made in USA 1300JP
The shoe became a status symbol in Japan, inspiring New Balance to add “JP” to its official style tag.
New Balance

Just like the OG

For 2025, the 1300JP is back in its original form, complete with the famous slate-blue colorway that offers a tonal pairing with its gray leather overlays.

It also carries New Balance’s “Made in USA” distinction, meaning that the domestic value is at least 70 percent, similar to much of its higher-end offerings.

New Balance Made in USA 1300JP
With the brand’s Made in USA distinction, the shoe has a domestic value of at least 70 percent.
New Balance

The best part? When the Made in USA 1300JP releases on May 29, it will cost $330 — a relative bargain when compared to its original MSRP in 1985.

While you won’t need to mortgage the house, you will need to move quickly.

The twice-a-decade drop is limited to one pair per order and expected to sell out promptly, with the next restock scheduled for the year 2030.

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