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Running can be about keeping the mind in shape as much as the body. Recognizing the connection between running and mindfulness, New Balance and District Vision have come together for a unique first collaboration, available as of today, 17 March.
The New Balance x District Vision collection of collaborative apparel and sneakers accompanied by a series of micro-courses that aim to provide athletes with tools to increase their mental health awareness through their running.
Lest we forget, Boston’s New Balance made its mark in the footwear industry by producing high-quality running shoes for amateurs and world champs alike going as far back as 1906. Despite the brand's always-trending limited edition trainers for hypebeast and normcore types, the brands track record in running is undeniable.
In its much shorter tenure, now Los Angeles-based District Vision has made its own unique mark on the sport. In addition to producing a line of high-design apparel and sunglasses for running, DV launched District Vision Tapes in late 2021 to expand into the realm of video-based courses promoting mindfulness. The latest micro-courses made in collaboration with New Balance join a growing collection that features personalities like pro skateboarder Alex Olson and his teachings on breathwork and meditation.
In the first series, New Balance ambassador, musician, and actor GaTa joins District Vision co-founder Max Vallot for a course called Mindful Movement ($10) that covers topics ranging from breathing to training. In Runners Heart ($10), Olympic New Balance athletes Emily Sisson and Brenda Martinez discuss the mental tools and techniques that have supported them throughout their ditinguished careers.
Rest assured, NB and DV have made some gear, too. The heart of any running collab is always a pair of sneakers, and here that’s the limited edition DV + NB FuelCell RC Elite v2 ($220) shoe. The sneaker comes both in a black and white, both of which are accented by tonal brushstroke hits that minimally decorate the highly breathable, knitted uppers.
Apparel from New Balance’s line outfit athletes during runs with items like the DV + NB 3" Split Shorts ($60), DV + NB Singlet ($55), and DV + NB Pack Jacket ($125). Pieces for cooling down in style like the DV + NB Sherpa Pant ($150) round out the slower side of the collection, and nearly every piece comes in women’s sizes.
To protect runners' retinas, District Vision is also offering up a limited co-branded edition of their Keeichi Standard ($220) sunglasses. The Keeichi's lenses feature a proprietary, porous, polarized lens that absorbs moisture caused by weather and sweat. Though high in performance-driven features, it’s one of the brand’s models we’d be most likely to rock casually as well.
The micro-courses, apparel, and accessories are now available from District Vison and will launch globally through New Balance next Thursday 24 March.
Published 03-17-2022
