DOE and New Balance Release Yin-Yang Inspired 2010 Sneaker

New Balance has collaborated with Shanghai-based streetwear label DOE to release a reimagined version of the New Balance 2010 sneaker, drawing inspiration from Taoist yin-yang philosophy. The collaboration, themed "All-Embracing, Ocean-Deep," aims to embody concepts of balance, inclusivity, and coexistence within the footwear design. DOE, founded in 2014 by a group of idealists, has established itself as a significant voice in Shanghai's streetwear scene, integrating elements of Chinese pop music, cinema, and global youth culture into its menswear offerings. The brand's guiding "Nameless" philosophy, encapsulated by the tagline "BE FORMLESS," promotes the coexistence of individuality and multiplicity within a brand identity, a concept that has influenced Shanghai's streetwear discourse throughout the 2010s and 2020s.

The design of the New Balance 2010 collaboration visually interprets this philosophy by splitting the silhouette into a black-and-white composition. Unlike a stark contrast, the two tones flow into each other, symbolizing the movement and interconnectedness inherent in the yin-yang duality. This approach emphasizes fluidity over rigid opposition. The upper of the sneaker features a combination of high-grade suede and breathable technical mesh, adding textural depth to the graphic statement of the colorway. Functionality is maintained with New Balance's signature ABZORB cushioning integrated into the midsole, ensuring the shoe is comfortable for everyday wear beyond its conceptual significance.

The DOE x New Balance 2010 collaboration is set to be released on July 11 through DOE, followed by a July 12 release via New Balance Grey, and will be available at broader retailers on July 14. The shoe is priced at ¥1,199 RMB, approximately $180 USD. This partnership merges DOE's contemporary Chinese streetwear aesthetic with New Balance's heritage, established in Boston in 1906, creating an East-meets-West dialogue central to the project's narrative.