Stone Island x New Balance FuelCell C_1 Tan
128New Balance and Stone Island have reunited for their latest innovative collaboration, the Stone Island x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio FuelCell C_1. The brands explore the concept of how the human bridges the gap between man-made and cotton elements with this revolutionary silhouette. This unique concept comes to life with a visually expressive take on what a running shoe could look like, featuring nontraditional forms – manufactured synthetic with cotton engineered in one knit.
“This collaboration between New Balance and Stone Island is unlike any other – both brands have a dedication to innovation and craft that drives them to go against the grain,” says James Lee, Lead Footwear Designer at New Balance. “The synergy of New Balance and Stone Island is reflected through the shoe.”
“I consider what Stone Island and New Balance are doing a real collaborative relationship. Both parties agreed to work on a new New Balance model to bring this collaboration to life,” says Silvio Rivetti, Design Director at Stone Island. “Both brands have uncompromised standards when it comes to the quality of the product. We both have a strong connection with our heritage and we never stop evolving.”
The exaggerated design elements, featuring an outsole that extends beyond the heel of the shoe, are more than an aesthetic touch, with the added weight providing a counterbalance to the toe push-off, energy returning feeling of FuelCell. The debut FuelCell C_1 colorway utilizes color palette and graphic pattern inspired by the archival Stone Island camouflage of Autumn Winter ‘90. Design highlights on the collaboration include and engineered knit upper that combines synthetic and cotton, synthetic overlays, magnetic closure speed lacing system, molded Stone Island Compass logo at heel, co–branded foxing, tongue label, and sock liner, FuelCell midsole cushioning, carbon fiber plate, and a rubber outsole.
