New Balance 1500

About

The New Balance 1500 debuted in 1989 as the first model in New Balance's 1000 series to introduce ENCAP midsole technology, a cushioned EVA core wrapped in a supportive polyurethane rim. It was designed by Steven Smith, who also shaped the 574 and 997, and who wanted the shoe to carry the feel of a luxury car cabin: a "plush suspension" midsole paired with pigskin suede uppers he considered an equivalent to the Connolly leather used in a Rolls Royce. Originally built as a multi-sport shoe for tennis, basketball, running, and everyday wear, the 1500 stood apart from bulkier late-'80s running silhouettes with its sleek, low-profile shape and slightly pointed toe box. It has been manufactured at New Balance's Flimby factory in Cumbria, England since its introduction, earning it a "Made in England" designation that remains part of its identity today. Over time the 1500 shifted from a performance shoe into a lifestyle sneaker, prized for its clean lines and premium construction, and it has become a recurring collaborative canvas for the brand. Nearly four decades on, it is still regarded as one of New Balance's flagship heritage silhouettes.