Concepts and New Balance presents “The Freedom Trail Collection” 1500 and 875 Boot Release date: 11/27/09 Black Friday: Boston-based New Balance announces the next collection from the brand’s Partnership Program -The Concepts Collection- designed and developed in tandem with venerable sneaker shop, Concepts, in Cambridge, MA. Featuring two silhouettes from New Balance’s USA team, The Concepts Collection re-introduces the classic 1500 sneaker and launches the first-ever 875 boot.

Inspired by one of Boston’s most celebrated landmarks, The Freedom Trail, the collection pays homage to the shared importance of historic Boston as both New Balance and Concepts share headquarters in this New England city.

With a nod to the Freedom Trail’s red footpath and the brown brick of Boston’s antiquated North End neighborhood, the shoes came to life in premium brown leather and red accents.

“We were very much inspired to create something that was premium, outdoorsy and spoke directly to our Boston roots,” stated Frank Rivera, brand manager for Concepts. According to Rivera, “When we first sat down with New Balance, we saw a lone boot sitting in the corner of the room on its side. We grabbed it and at first sight, knew this boot needed to be introduced to the marketplace. This was the 875. As for the 1500, we have always known about this classic sneaker and were inspired to re-invent this model with a Concepts look and feel.”

The 1500 is a heritage New Balance style originally built domestically back in 1989. The 1500 was originally built as a fully-loaded technical running shoe. Specific detail executed solely for Concepts include: full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining (more luxurious and breathable that a comparable synthetic product), and embossed tongue tag.

The 875 is a brand new style launched to the public for the first time via the Concepts Collection. The boot was designed for comfort and durability. The sole unit includes New Balance Rollbar^TM technology for maximum support and stability. Additionally, NB designers used a PU Wedge in the heel (similar to the wedge that offers superior support in the NB 993) and compression molded EVA in the forefoot. The 875 features a full grain leather upper, pigskin leather lining, and embossed tongue tag.

Regarding the introduction of the 875, Luis Navarro, product manager for New Balance Lifestyle stated, “With the increasing popularity of outdoor footwear, we saw the opportunity for New Balance to tap into the brand’s trail heritage with the introduction of the 875. Featuring proprietary New Balance trail technology including Rollbar ^TM, the 875 is a fully functional trail boot dressed up in the most premium of materials.” Navarro continued, “As a brand, we have a strong heritage in trail and we have a strong position if we play to that heritage and leverage our background and experience in this category.

With quality and durability a high priority, New Balance and Concepts pushed to maintain the same premium materials on both the 875 boot and 1500 sneaker. While the 1500 features a combination of perforated and solid suede with burnished leather, the 875 features the same combination of leathers with unique venting tick marks on the collar of each boot for maximum breathability. Rivera adds, “We selected rich brown honeybuck suedes and slick leathers that are so soft, if you push your finger into the leather, you will leave a thumbprint.”

Available at Concepts on Black Friday (11/27/09) and also at selected premium accounts worldwide.

In addition to “The Freedom Trail” Collection, we wanted to represent >Concepts< to you:

Concepts is a boutique specializing in carefully curated quality product from multiple genres presented in an absolute unique retail space.

Concepts was established in 1996 in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as one of the first shops to cater to the lifestyle consumer (footwear, menswear, sportswear, actions sports, premium denim and outerwear). Concepts is considered a founding father in retail, having lay down the blueprint to a market that has become the foundation of premium retailers around the world.

Displaying influential premium designer pieces, exclusive collaborations and limited edition merchandise with designer brands, Concepts provides consumers with a complete retail experience.

The lower level hosts an invite-only membership lounge in reference to Harvard Square’s secret societies focused on an affinity for exclusive product. Products and lounge experience are exclusive to its members.

Here’s a list of some NB Top Tier Retailers who will get this SMU:

Project: Concepts x New Balance

Launch Date: 27th November

http://azitastore.com/home.html

http://www.sneakersnstuff.com/

http://www.solebox.de/

http://www.hanon-shop.com/

http://www.seventyfive.com/index.htm

http://www.ryouki.com/

http://www.24-kts.com/

http://www.gambasneakers.com/catalog/

http://www.norsestore.com/

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