New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio Revives Niobium Concept 1
New Balance and Tokyo Design Studio are bringing back the Niobium Concept One, a modular sneaker that first surfaced in 2020. The reissue arrives in two colorways—Morel/Pistachio Butter/Pale Olive Green and Zinc Blue/Shadow Blue/Black—priced at $300 USD.
By Marcus Chen
A Technical Silhouette Returns
The Niobium Concept One represents New Balance's exploration of modular design philosophy applied to lifestyle footwear. Originally introduced four years ago, the silhouette engineered a three-stage construction system that allowed wearers to adapt the shoe across different contexts—a premise that bridged technical innovation with everyday versatility. The Tokyo Design Studio collaboration reintroduces this concept with refined colorway execution and renewed relevance in the contemporary sneaker landscape.
Design Details
Both colorways emphasize tonal complexity within restrained palettes. The Morel/Pistachio Butter/Pale Olive Green iteration leans into earthy neutrality, using soft pastels and muted greens to create visual cohesion across the upper and midsole. The alternate Zinc Blue/Shadow Blue/Black offering presents a cooler temperament, layering blues with darker accents for definition.
The Niobium Concept One's defining characteristic—its modular construction—remains the technical centerpiece. This system permits transformation across multiple wear scenarios without requiring a complete change of footwear, positioning the shoe as a singular solution across lifestyle boundaries. Material execution and engineering precision distinguish this approach from standard lifestyle sneakers.
Brand Context
New Balance's partnership with Tokyo Design Studio signals the brand's continued investment in design-forward collaborations that prioritize concept over celebrity appeal. The studio has proven instrumental in elevating New Balance's technical storytelling, translating functional innovation into accessible, visually coherent products. This reissue acknowledges both the original's influence and the studio's capability to refresh foundational silhouettes without abandoning their structural integrity.
New Balance under retail
Browse New Balance items priced below retail on StockX
Release Info
The New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio Niobium Concept One releases in July 2024 across both colorways. SKUs MSNB18XB (Morel/Pistachio Butter/Pale Olive Green) and MSNB17UQ (Zinc Blue/Shadow Blue/Black) will be available directly through New Balance's retail channels at $300 USD.
