Bridging Boston & Ravarino: The New Balance x Stone Island Story
The Origin Story
The year is 1906, and the unlikely inspiration is the foot of a chicken—this is where the New Balance story begins. Founded in Boston, MA, by William J. Riley, the brand’s origins weren’t in trainers but in arch supports, designed to provide better stability and comfort. Riley was fascinated by how a chicken’s three-pronged foot created perfect balance, a concept that would shape the company’s approach to footwear innovation.
However, it wasn’t until 1972 that New Balance’s true evolution began. Jim Davis acquired the company and transformed it from a small-scale operation producing just 24 pairs per day into a global brand with a $7.8bn turnover. Under his leadership, New Balance became known for its commitment to performance, innovation, and fit—a focus that remains at the core of the brand to this day. Instead of chasing trends, New Balance stayed true to its roots, organically carving out a space in sport, streetwear, and high fashion, ultimately establishing itself as a cultural icon where functionality meets effortless style.
Seventy-six years after Riley had laid the original foundations for New Balance, another visionary was redefining the future of menswear. In 1982, an experiment with a military fabric was about to change everything. In the small Italian town of Ravarino, Massimo Osti founded Stone Island. Originally an offshoot of his label C.P. Company, Stone Island was born from Osti’s obsession with material innovation. The first jacket, the Tela Stella, was made from a heavy, truck tarpaulin-like fabric that had been stonewashed to create a worn-in, weathered effect. It was unlike anything seen before—functional, durable, and packed with character.
From the very beginning, Stone Island’s philosophy was rooted in research, experimentation, and technical excellence. Over the decades, the brand has pioneered groundbreaking dyeing techniques, thermo-sensitive fabrics, and performance-driven outerwear, redefining what casual luxury can be. What started as a niche label for Italian youth subcultures has grown into a global iconic brand, seamlessly blending innovation with cultural cachet.
Today, whether on the terraces, the streets of Milan, or the front row of fashion week, “getting the badge in” is a symbol of both heritage and progression.
The Birth of the New Balance x Stone Island Collaboration
The collaboration between New Balance and Stone Island officially took shape in March 2021, when both brands announced their intention to partner on a long-term project that would merge their respective strengths in innovative design, craftsmanship, and cultural impact. What began as an exploration of shared values—particularly a mutual focus on performance and functionality—quickly evolved into a partnership that would bridge the gap between high-performance footwear and fashion.
Since then, the partnership has birthed a handful of notable releases.
First came the New Balance x Stone Island Furon v7, which saw Raheem Sterling fronting the campaign and British rapper Dave debuting the football kit at his Santan Cup tournament in Brazil. This collaboration expanded beyond sneakers, tapping into football culture, which at the time was thriving with the rise of ‘blokecore’ and terrace-inspired footwear dominating trends, especially with brands like adidas leading the charge. The 574 model also saw a limited edition release, which shifted the collaboration beyond the sporting realm and into the lifestyle sector. This move offered a versatile design that catered to the brand’s cross-industry appeal, blending functionality with everyday wearability.
The next chapter in the partnership came with the introduction of the MADE in UK 991v2, an updated version of the iconic Flimby-made 991 model. Despite its limited release, the sneaker was met with strong praise from the sneaker community, reinforcing the momentum of the collaboration and solidifying the success of their shared vision of blending style with performance.
Finally, we were given the 574 Legacy model, available in two distinctive colourways featuring shades of green, mustard yellow, and grey. These hues were inspired by archival items from 1988, including an AW '88-'89 mid-green silk-effect polyester microfiber outer piece and a deep grey Panno Jacquard inner shell, edged with mustard yellow stripes.
Collaboration Evolved: FROM Football Kits to Lifestyle Icons
New Balance x Stone Island - 998 Made In USA
As the partnership between New Balance and Stone Island continues to evolve, both brands are pushing the boundaries of design with every new release. The most recent announcement, set for launch on March 27, 2025, marks a significant milestone: the debut of the first MADE in USA model from their collaboration. This release reimagines the New Balance 998, originally introduced in 1993 as the first shoe to feature ABZORB cushioning, which revolutionised both comfort and performance in athletic footwear.
Drawing inspiration from Stone Island’s iconic Raso Gommato fabric, celebrated for its distinctive texture and durability, this iteration seamlessly blends the best of both brands’ legacies. The use of Raso Gommato fabric emphasises the ongoing fusion of performance and style—an enduring theme of the partnership. The reimagined 998 is poised to appeal to sneaker enthusiasts and those who admire Stone Island’s expertise in technical design and attention to detail.
With each new release, the collaboration continues to captivate sneaker culture, offering a fresh perspective on the convergence of high-end fashion and groundbreaking performance technology.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for New Balance x Stone Island
As the collaboration between New Balance and Stone Island continues to evolve, the future looks bright for both brands. With each new release, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of design, blending performance with cutting-edge fashion, and it’s clear that they will continue to redefine what it means to merge these two worlds. Moving forward, we can expect to see more innovative uses of Stone Island’s iconic fabrics and technical materials, paired with New Balance’s forward-thinking approach to footwear design.
Beyond footwear, there is potential for the partnership to expand into new product categories, further exploring the intersection of sportswear, streetwear, and luxury fashion. Whether through expanded releases of classic silhouettes, entirely new designs, or the integration of tech-driven features, both brands will undoubtedly continue to surprise and inspire their global fanbase.
As sneaker culture continues to evolve, New Balance and Stone Island are well-positioned to remain at the forefront, always innovating while staying true to their rich heritages. Together, they are setting the stage for a new era of design that will continue to shape the worlds of performance footwear and high-end fashion for years to come.