Action Bronson, also referred to endearingly as “Bam Bam” by his fanbase, has had an illustrious run with New Balance despite only dropping his first pairs with the Boston-based brand in 2023. A common thread running through all his collaborations thus far has been his creativity being expressed unbridled.

The rapper, chef, host, fitness enthusiast, and more, is what some might describe as a modern-day Renaissance man. And for such a person, average just doesn’t cut it—an ethos seen clearly reflected on every pair he’s touched. Thus, to close out 2024, we’re paying homage to Action Bronson’s New Balance discography thus far, and looking forward to what the duo will be up to in 2025.

Action Bronson x New Balance Collaborations

Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “BAKLAVA” (24 March 2023)

The Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “Baklava” distinguishes itself through a unique tapestry of inspirations. The color scheme, while incorporating New Balance’s signature grey as a grounding element, draws from diverse sources.

Bronson has cited both the multi-layered pastry and the imagery of a crocodile emerging from the water as key influences, reflecting his connection to the natural world. This translates into a dynamic interplay of earthy tones alongside vibrant neon highlights, referencing both the glistening syrup of baklava and, as the artist has stated, the “ooze” from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The inclusion of reflective copper 3M adds a further textural and visual dimension. This unexpected fusion of natural imagery, culinary inspiration, and pop culture references creates a distinctive aesthetic. The inclusion of multiple lace options offers wearers the opportunity for individual customization.

Much like the multi-hyphenate artist, this shoe’s a melting pot of cultural influences and references.

Action Bronson x New Balance 990V6 “Lapis Lazuli” (22 June 2023)

The Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “Lapis Lazuli” draws inspiration from the eponymous gemstone, evoking a sense of ancient regality through its deep, saturated blue suede overlays. This dominant hue is strategically juxtaposed with accents of vibrant teal and a neutral off-white mesh base, creating a dynamic interplay of color and texture. The material selection, encompassing premium suede, breathable mesh, and durable synthetics, contributes to the shoe’s elevated aesthetic and tactile appeal.

Further enhancing the design are subtle yet impactful details. Bursts of bright orange on the heel and tongue provide a contrasting element, injecting a sense of energy that reflects Mr. Baklava’s persona. The discreet “Baklava” branding, a nod to his well-documented passion for gastronomy, adds a personalized touch without overwhelming the overall design.

To round things off, the shoe rests upon New Balance’s signature FuelCell midsole technology, ensuring comfort meets performance every wear.

Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Rosewater” (31 May 2024)

Following the success of his vibrant 990v6 iterations, Bronson released his take on the 1906R in a colorway known as “Rosewater”—once again drawing from his Albanian and culinary roots. The shoe features a soft pink base, complemented by a vibrant pink TPU heel overlay and a sophisticated silver-blue “N” logo. The boldest element is the inclusion of volt green laces, creating a compelling contrast against the pastel backdrop.

Further examination reveals intricate details, including a semi-translucent ripstop TPU layer covering the mesh and leather upper, which is rendered in a creamy off-white. Pink accents appear on the tongue, midfoot, and heel, while grey suede adds textural depth to the toe and vamp.

Co-branding from Bronson’s “Baklava” imprint and New Balance is featured on the insole. The orange mesh at the heel harmonizes with the foam midsole’s subtle hue. In true blue Bronson fashion, inspiration for the pair wasn’t one-dimensional, and he cited women’s aerobics as the inspiration for the “Rosewater” 1906R, a fitting influence for a sneaker that balances dynamic design with a sense of refined elegance.

Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Scorpius” (7 June 2024)

Echoing the vibrant design language synonymous with Action Bronson’s earlier New Balance collaborations, his take on the New Balance 1906R in “Scorpio” features a prominent volt green upper. This striking base is constructed from textured suede designed to evoke the look of mesh.

Subtly contrasting with this energetic hue are grey leather overlays, maintaining the model’s signature triangular design elements. Earthy brown accents on the sockliner, vamp, and mudguard introduce an intriguing counterpoint to the brighter tones.

The “1906R” designation is boldly displayed on the black tongue, while the iconic “N” logo receives a tri-color treatment in silver, white, and black. A volt green TPU heel counter further amplifies the shoe’s visual impact. Rounding off the design are a grey midsole and outsole.

Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R “Medusa Azul” (21 June 2024)

The New Balance 1906R “Medusa Azul” stands out because it embodies Action Bronson’s bold aesthetic and personality. The 1906R, known for its blend of retro and futuristic elements, becomes a platform for bold colors and diverse design choices. A mix of bright blue hues is combined with earthy tones, creating a striking yet balanced color scheme. The design feels both dynamic and unified, reflecting Bronson’s unrestrained creative energy.

The intentional and distinct details, from the varied textures of suede, mesh, and leather to the vibrant outsole that completes the design, contribute to its unique character. This collaboration allowed Bronson’s artistic vision to shine through, resulting in a truly exceptional sneaker.

Action Bronson x New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 “Foxtrot” (1 November 2024)

This recent collaboration between Action Bronson and New Balance has yielded a striking iteration of the FuelCell Rebel V4. Dubbed the “Foxtrot”, this version of the performance running shoe presents a distinctive aesthetic.

The upper is constructed from a dusty rose mesh, providing breathability and a subtle, muted backdrop. A bold, oversized “N” logo in vibrant orange dominates the lateral side, its cropped design adding a contemporary edge.

Comfort is clearly a focus, with a thin, gusseted tongue and padded collar ensuring a snug and supportive fit. The shoe’s performance capabilities are underscored by a high-stack FuelCell foam midsole, engineered to deliver a responsive, propulsive feel. A durable rubber outsole reinforces the forefoot, promising reliable traction and longevity.

Action Bronson x New Balance Minimus Trail “Pluto” (1 November 2024)

Following the success of vibrant iterations on the 1906R and 990v6, which showcased Bronson’s penchant for bold color palettes, the rapper then turned his attention to the trail-ready silhouette that is the Minimus Trail.

Engineered for outdoor performance with its durable suede and breathable mesh construction, the silhouette received a stylistic upgrade that blends earthy tones with vivid accents. This fusion of form and function speaks to Bronson’s unique aesthetic and New Balance’s commitment to performance footwear.

What To Expect From Action Bronson and New Balance in 2025

Action Bronson and New Balance don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The pair have already announced four scintillating silhouettes. There’s the “Hi-Pink/Royal Blue” 990v6 arriving in April 2025, and then three others.

Another 990v6, this time draped in bold colors among which crimson is the star, a blood-red Minimus Trail, and a contrasting cool-hued FuelCell Rebel v4. All three pairs are arriving in colorways never seen before, but that’s to be expected from Bam Bam anyway, right?

Official release dates are yet to be announced, so stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates when it comes to all things Action Bronson and New Balance.

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