The New Balance 509 Arrives in "Crimson" and "Black" Styles

Do Hee Kim might not be a household name outside of South Korea's savviest fashion enthusiasts, but the creative is ready to expand his audience. In the fourth quarter of 2024, he helped New Balance Korea launch the 509, another silhouette inspired by running shoes from the 2000s.

Though similar in design to the popular NB 1906, NB 740, and NB 530, the New Balance 509 features a sleeker aesthetic. 'Plum Brown' and 'Black' colorways that've launched across Asia after Kim's initial work on the sneaker have enjoyed patent leather panels across their heavy mesh setup. The C-CAP midsole and tried-and-proven traction solution deliver a technical package that could've easily been mistaken for a lifestyle sneaker rooted in the modern era.

The South Korean creative recently took to Instagram to showcase a 'Crimson' NB 509. It was previously reported that the pair was a collaboration by Kim for New Balance, but that's since been disproven as the shoes are already available via New Balance Taiwan without his co-sign. A classic suede and mesh ensemble covers the pair, with rich, Valentine's Day-friendly flair animating the bulk of the pair's upper. Laces, N branding on the profiles, and 509 numerals on the lateral heel interrupt the tonal finish with brown contrast. The ABZORB-assisted tooling underfoot also indulges in the dark sandy hue, creating a two-tone outfit on New Balance's potential next hit.

The pair previewed by Kim has been accompanied by a 'Black/Castle Grey' makeup of the New Balance 509. While not as eye-catching as its 'Crimson' counterpart, the style also dons a mix of high-quality materials. Tooling offers a semi-distressed aesthetic that's sure to make the colorway popular amongst fans of avant-garde fashion.

Enjoy official photos of both NB 509s ahead. A stateside NewBalance.com launch should take place before the year ends, but the pairs are currently available via New Balance Taiwan for about $106.

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