Burn Rubber x New Balance MT580

For the first time New Balance worked with a US boutique on a collaboration on the MT580 sneaker. Burn Rubber was given the chance to give the running shoe its own distinct look.

“Historically the New Balance MT580 is a shoe released out of Asia with various collaborators. This marks the first time that the shoe has been collaborated on and brought through by the New Balance America team.

In business since 2004 Burn Rubber is Metro Detroit’s first premium sneaker boutique. The Burn Rubber name is a play on a phrase from the Motor City’s car culture. The name came from the comparison of the use of sneakers on a person to the use of tires on a car. Burn Rubber is known throughout their community as the place to get hard to find, limited edition sneakers and clothing.

Burn Rubber made the shoe their own by applying a shop colored theme and utilizing materials in unique ways. The custom designed argyle pattern that lines the inside of the shoe was created to incorporate all of the company’s branded colors. A reflective 3M material, originally developed to reflect light for night running, was also used throughout the mostly gray shoe to give the design another dimension. The majority of the shoe design is comprised of New Balance’s premium nubuck and gray mesh, and completed with a touch of patent leather and a classic gum sole.

As one of the most recognizable aspects of the Burn Rubber brand they have chosen to include the shop’s mascot on the hangtag provided with each shoe. The Chef, originally created to be “just another T-Shirt design”, ended up taking on a life of its own. The photo shoot for this project was done from the perspective of a chef and was intended to bring light to the story of Burn Rubber’s popular logo & style.”

The Burn Rubber MT580 will be available on November 26th at www.burnrubberdetroit.com and at Burn Rubber’s Royal Oak Location (202 W Fourth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067).