Every four years when the Summer Olympics roll around, sneaker companies have a hard time resisting the urge to let loose with some commemorative footwear. And with 2012′s London location, you had to expect New Balance to get involved what with their UK presence both in terms of following and factory. Flimby favorite the New Balance M576 is the model of choice in the ‘Road to London’ pack, a two sneaker combo with some hopeful bits of gold mixed in, presumably in anticipation of Great Britain locking down some medals come summer time. Other accents include waxed laces, gum bottoms, and of course the Union Jack hits on the back end that solidify their nation of origin. Follow us after the jump for a full look at the New Balance M576 Road to London pack and grab either pair for yourself now from mita sneakers.

Très Bien Shop

Friisgatan 6C | Map
SE-21146 Malmö
Sweden

New York-based photographer/filmmaker 13th Witness, aka Timothy McGurr, was in Australia to ostensibly direct a music video for local band Gold Fields on their song “Holy No.” A teaser video had hinted at the intricacies of the project, and now a newly released behind-the-scenes featurette reveals multiple creative layers unfolding over a couple of day’ shooting in Melbourne, as well as the band’s hometown of Ballarat. In addition to the making-of video, the documentary footage doubles as a video lookbook for New Balance Australia‘s heritage lifestyle collection, which also features looks from Sydney clothing label Vanishing Elephant. Check out the video following the click.

The 577 was a premier running sneaker model from New Balance, and these legendary models are making a return in a range of new colorways. From the classic Navy/Gray/White colorway to the eye-catching Red/White/Navy to the lifestyle-inspired Dark Gray/Turquoise models, these sneakers reflect the current New Balance audience today. What ever your style, New Balance have prepared these runners to complement your outfit. Suede and mesh uppers offer a good balance between comfort and durability, while the ENCAP cushioning unit eradicates fatigue for the feet. All of the styles can be found at NORSE STORE right now.

NORSE STORE
Pilestræde 41 St. | Map
1112 Copenhagen Denmark

Michigan’s Burn Rubber gets together for a second time with New Balance on the Workforce Pack, saluting the people who built Detroit from the ground up. The collection is made up of two new styles of the 580, one inspired by the blue collar workers that form the backbone of the Motor City, the other paying homage to the men and women in the boardrooms who keep business humming. The “Blue Collar” edition is the first one out of the gates, with a release date set for February 1st. Built with classic suede and mesh construction, the shoe features an appealing colorway of varying shades of grey with white accents and gum sole. Click through for more looks as well as video depicting what the shoe is all about.

Burn Rubber
202 West Fourth St. | Map
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Release Date: February 1st, 2012 (Wednesday)

New Balance debuted the 574 series back in 1988 at the heart of the running boom, gaining fans from all over the world. Although today, there are totally different types of fans who are wearing these sneakers. Slated as the Workwear Pack, brand new colorways of the ML574 will be launching this Spring. Four versions make up this work-inspired pack, made with premium suede uppers and dyed in Earthy tones. Black, brown, navy and gray colorways will be available, with each pair equipped with waxed cotton shoe laces. Release dates are yet to be confirmed, but stay tuned here to find out more. via: FRESHNGOOD

Originally, the New Balance 574 was developed as a lower-tier alternative to the classic off-road running model, the 576. However, this does not mean that the 574 sneakers were an inferior model–the downgrade actually enabled the sneakers to reach a larger audience. Now, New Balance is bringing back the ML574 sneaker in its original colorways: grey, burgundy, navy and yellow. Its uppers are predominantly made from suede leather materials, detailed by mesh toe box and ankle collars. Heavier gauge shoe laces are also packaged to reflect its roots, and ENCAP cushioning system in the heel offers additional shock absorption. All of the models can be pre-ordered at mita sneakers right now, with delivery slated for February.

New Balance 999 was developed as a top of the line running sneaker when it was initially released. However, these days, the ultra-comfortable runners have made the smooth transition from the sports arena into the lifestyle arena. One of the company’s first deliveries of 2012 is these ML999’s in the grey and purple color scheme. The suede material makes up the majority of the uppers, balanced by mesh and leather materials. Purple accents lighten up the grey monotone and a dash of white on the midsoles finishes off the sneakers. These kicks are already in stock at Up There in Melbourne, Australia and can be ordered on their online store.

Up There
Level 1, 15 McKillop Street | Map
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

The sneaker community at large is catching up to what New Balance loyalists have known for years: the Boston-based company’s Made in the U.S.A. offerings are unparalleled for their craftsmanship, comfort and premium materials. New for Spring 2012 are a trio of classic styles bearing the all-important “Made in USA” designation: the M998 and M991, each featuring suede and mesh construction in two different colorways, as well as the always popular M1300 in a handsome navy colorway dressed in nubuck and mesh. Look for them to drop soon at select New Balance retailers. via: FNG

When the first New Balance M1500 sneakers were launched, it came with a whole lot of features that justified the very high price point. It just goes to show that New Balance was not willing to sacrifice on quality, even if it meant the end product will be at a premium price. And to this day, the M1500 series is a popular sneaker for runners and sneakerheads. For the next season, New Balance is going back to its roots and keeping a minimalist approach towards the whole sneaker. Both versions are made up of white, black and grey on the nubuck and mesh uppers with a hint of mint and lemon as highlights. Expect these classic sneakers to drop around February 2012 and for those who can not wait until then, end clothing is accepting pre-orders right now on their online store.

End Clothing
4-6 High Bridge | Map
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 1EN England

Recently, BODEGA (Boston), mita-sneakers (Tokyo), Kasina (Seoul), along with Barcelona-base 24 Kilates were asked to re-think the classic trail runner, the New Balance ML581. For its concept, 24 Kilates tapped on a constant theme of Mediterranean lifestyle – good food and drinks. With Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, a thousand year old religious pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, as the central inspiration, 24 Kilates partnered with regional gourmet specialist at Los Peperetes to prepare a pack perfect for such voyage. Including in the special edition set will be a pair of New Balance ML581 designed by 24 Kilates, to alleviate tired feet during this arduous journey. The pack will also include delicacies from the Galician region, such as coffee and herbal liqueurs, Pulpo en aceite de oliva (Octopus in olive oil), and Berberechos de Carril (Cockles in brine), just in case hunger sets in.

Uniquely curated, the 24 Kilates x Los Peperetes x New Balance ML581 pack will not only be enjoyed by sneaker heads but foodies as well. The collection will be available at 24 Kilates starting Saturday, January 7th, 2012.

24 Kilates
Carrer del Comerç, 29 | Map
08003 Barcelona, Spain
TEL #: 932-688-437

Release Date: January 7th, 2012 (Saturday)

Detroit based sneaker boutique Burn Rubber is paying tribute to the hard working folks in the blue and white collar workforce. A comfortable pair of New Balance 580 was selected as a base for this collaboration, entitled the Workforce Pack. Both sneakers share the basic color palette, however the subtle details reference its ties to the blue or white collar environment. The black, grey and white tones on the uppers are accented by caramel and beige highlights on the shoe laces, reflector panels and soles. These sneakers will be launching in their store in Detroit as well as select New Balance accounts around the world. via: SF

Burn Rubber
202 West Fourth St. | Map
Royal Oak, MI 48067