[Update 19 May 2023] The two pairs have had their global release with Japan getting theirs today, 19 May. Make haste if you’re considering getting a pair, sizes are selling out fast!

[Update 4 Apr 2023] Official images of the COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance 580 have recently surfaced. Check out the photos via the top slider above and if you’re thinking about grabbing a pair, several boutiques including Julian Fashion already have them up for purchase at a retail price of US$295.

In the sneakerverse, COMME des GARÇONS is perhaps best known for their collaborative heart sneakers with Converse — which, as we all know, has been a polarising sneaker that leads to divisive (and sometimes searing) opinions. It seems like these comments have also reached the avant garde ears of the luxury fashion house, and 2022 saw them branching out into collaborations on the Nike Air Max Sunder, Nike Terminator and the New Balance 550.

And it seems like COMME des GARÇONS’ chummy relations with New Balance will continue to flourish in 2023. Images of a COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance 580 has started to circulate in Japan, revealing two clean gray and cream tonal colorways that will likely be part of CdGH’s SS23 collection. Per the model’s usual construction, suede overlays cover up the underlying mesh, giving the shoe a lifestyle slant despite its performance functionality. The high “Rollbar” sole tech makes an appearance in white.

CdGH’s choice to work on the 580 model instead of the popular 550s or 990s might seem like an odd choice, but a quick look into the silhouette’s history proves otherwise. The 580s were born out of Japan’s admiration for New Balance, particularly the Made in USA line. The brand then decided to create a local model by adapting the New Balance Made in USA 585 — and the 580s were born. Originally a Japan-only model, the technical and hefty bulk of the shoe had flickers of success, but never one that exploded it into engulfing popularity. That was until the model became a collaborative canvas for retailer Mita Sneakers and streetwear label Real MadHECTIC in 1999.

As collaborative sneakers were not as ubiquitous as it is now (shocking, we know!), the project garnered the 580 massive popularity. And as with the circle of (fashion) life, it was now America’s turn to be enamored with Japan’s reinterpretation of New Balance and soon the model exported to US shores in 2007. This is similar to COMME des GARÇONS’ Tokyo heritage despite its french name, and how eventually the Japanese label also found successes in Western seas.

Though no specific release date has been attached to this release, we’ll keep you updated with the latest information as soon as we hear of them. In the meantime, why not check out Stray Rats’ interpretation of this important New Balance 580 model?