It surrounds us everywhere. Nature reveals it in rocky landscapes and foggy mornings, it is commonly used in smartphones or computers. It also appears in our homes and styling. Grey is an extremely versatile colour, emphasising minimalism and refined elegance. For years, the New Balance brand has been celebrating Grey Days – a celebration of the colour grey and the brand’s heritage, which manifests itself in the iconic grey sneakers. This year to celebrate, New Balance has put together special product editions and a series of events to explore the stories behind the style and power of the colour grey.
Grey Days is an annual celebration by New Balance where the brand celebrates the classic, timeless shade of grey. The colour has become synonymous with the timeless design and functionality of the brand’s shoes. The initiative debuted in 2018 with the launch of refreshed versions of models such as the New Balance 574 and the iconic 990 with a grey suede upper. This year, Grey Days sees colour versions of 21 shoe models go on sale, as well as the most important launch – a new version of the 1300JP model, which was last on sale five years ago.
The New Balance brand first befriended the grey colour in the 1980s, creating the ultimate running shoe. It was a revolution, as modest grey sneakers appeared on shop shelves amidst white or shoes in flashy colours. Grey helped them stand out from the competition, and it soon became apparent that the colour looked great in everyday styles. New Balance shoes ceased to be associated solely with sports and increasingly appeared on feet whatever the circumstances. They were worn by men with casual outfits and often combined with blazers, while women matched the shoes with dresses. Stylists recognised the trend by incorporating New Balance shoes into fashion looks. The grey revolution swept across the world and the colour became a trademark of the brand.
Grey epitomises everything that is distinctive about New Balance. The symbolism of the colour grey has been at the heart of us for decades, and Grey Days 2025 shows its universal significance. Featuring stories from our ambassadors and athletes, and exclusive versions of classic silhouettes, it pays homage to the authenticity and versatility that is our heritage and sets the path for the future, comments Brian Lynn, Global Vice President of Lifestyle at New Balance.
This year’s Grey Days celebration places an emphasis on showcasing grey as a symbol of limitless possibilities. A treat for fans of the brand is the availability of up to twenty-one shoe models and eleven garments in grey. Those most faithful should look out for the latest release of the 1300JP. This is a legendary model that is available for sale once every five years. The 1300 was first presented to the world in 1985 and, despite its rather high price tag, was appreciated by runners for its combination of technological innovation and quality materials. The model won the hearts of fans especially in Japan, where the grey colour perfectly suits the minimalist sense of aesthetics of the Japanese. This year’s refreshed version refers back to the original not only in terms of design, but also in the way it is made. The 1300JP models are manufactured in a factory in Skowhegan, USA, where the individual components are stitched together by hand. Hence the proud Made in USA inscription on the upper.
The new New Balance footwear models, presented in conjunction with Grey Days 2025, will be available in New Balance shops and at www.nbsklep.pl.
source: New Balance, compiled by editors
Also read: Fashion | Shoes | Minimalism | Interesting facts | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
