Joe Freshgoods, known for his vibrant sneaker designs, teams up with New Balance for the upcoming Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 990v4 ‘1998’ Pack. Departing from his usual bold color schemes, the Chicago-based creative introduces a collection that pays homage to the 1998 crime drama film “Belly.”

A Storytelling Approach

Freshgoods distinguishes himself from other New Balance collaborators with his storytelling prowess. Previously, he unveiled the New Balance 650, envisioning an alternate reality where Michael Jordan never signed with Nike. The limited-edition release, limited to 500 pairs worldwide, sold out rapidly, showcasing Freshgoods’ ability to captivate audiences with narrative-driven designs.

Tribute to “Belly”

In his debut take on the New Balance 990v4 silhouette, Freshgoods honors “Belly,” a crime drama directed by Hype Williams and starring Nas, DMX, and Method Man. The film, initially met with mixed reviews, has since garnered a cult following for its visually stunning cinematography, inspiring Freshgoods’ sneaker collection.

Design Inspiration

The ‘Intro’ colorway channels the film’s noir aesthetic with a black ballistic mesh base accented by white pigskin suede panels. Conversely, the ‘Outro’ iteration features a black-on-white palette. Glossy leather details adorn the uppers, while Encap technology enhances comfort in the midsoles.

Signature Details

Distinctive features include oversized “N” logos on the sides and debossed “JFG” initials on the lateral heel. Each shoe is marked with the year “1998,” commemorating the film’s release.

Collection Release

Alongside the ‘Intro’ and ‘Outro’ colorways, the collection includes a ‘Keisha Blue’ iteration inspired by the film’s nightclub robbery scene. Scheduled for release on December 22, the sneakers will be available on Joe Freshgoods’ website, New Balance, and select retailers worldwide, priced at $250 each. Given Freshgoods’ popularity, the collection is expected to sell out quickly.