New Balance basketball is starting something fresh with the release of the Kawhi IV signature shoe following the end of the NBA regular season. Two colorways for the shoe have been announced, both incorporating updated aesthetics along with technological advancements. Two-time NBA champion and six-time All Star Kawhi Leonard signed with New Balance in 2018, becoming the face of basketball for the brand. Since then, his Kawhi signature model has been at the forefront of the brand’s basketball offerings.
The Kawhi IV is designed to offer the technology of New Balance’s top basketball sneaker while also appealing to both on-court and lifestyle wearers with its updated aesthetic. Leonard himself is excited about the launch of the shoe, noting that working with the design team on the colorways has allowed him to show fans a different side of himself and his game. The shoe will be available in the Transcend Reality and Transcend the Game colorways, inspired by old-school gamer graphics and retro red, white, and black colors respectively.
New Balance has been steadily growing its presence in the basketball market since its first offering in 2019, with the Kawhi signature shoe being the standout model. The shoe features the brand’s Energy Arc technology, which combines a basketball-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids for enhanced energy return. The FuelCell cushioning in the midsole, lightweight mesh upper, and synthetic overlays for lateral support further enhance the performance of the shoe. Additional design elements such as a TPU heel cage and cable-loop speed lacing add to the overall functionality of the shoe.
The brand promises a mix of new colorways for the Kawhi IV throughout the playoffs and into the summer, showcasing the versatility of Leonard’s playing style in any era of basketball. The design team at New Balance has updated the tech of the shoe while also incorporating fun details from the lifestyle side of the brand. Austin Jermacans, senior product designer for New Balance basketball, expresses excitement about working with Kawhi on the Kawhi IV, stating that the model is crafted with the latest New Balance technology to support Leonard’s aggressive playstyle and elevate any player’s game.
The Kawhi signature shoe remains the brand’s only signature model in basketball, highlighting some of New Balance’s key materials and technologies. With the release of the Kawhi IV, the brand is looking to continue its growth and innovation within the basketball market. Leonard’s partnership with New Balance has helped the brand establish itself as a major player in the basketball sneaker industry, and the Kawhi signature line has become synonymous with quality, performance, and style in the world of basketball footwear.
Overall, the launch of the Kawhi IV signifies a new chapter in New Balance basketball, with the brand pushing the boundaries of design and technology to create a top-tier sneaker that meets the needs of both on-court players and lifestyle enthusiasts. The success of the Kawhi signature line and the continued expansion of New Balance’s basketball offerings demonstrate the brand’s commitment to excellence in the world of sports footwear. With the release of the Kawhi IV, New Balance is poised to make a lasting impact on the basketball sneaker market and solidify its position as a key player in the industry.
