Latest Pickup: New Balance 1500 "Cork"

Some trainers carry their history with quiet confidence — and the New Balance 1500 Made in UK is one such model. This silhouette is one of the quiet stars in New Balance's heritage line-up: it combines masterful British craftsmanship with a timeless design that still runs today as if it had never really gone away.

The U1500 series draws directly on New Balance's classic runner DNA and continues the legacy of the original 1500 silhouette from the late 1980s. In its current interpretation, New Balance continues to rely on proven materials such as pigskin suede, mesh and synthetic overlays, which together create a structure and depth that is striking but never loud. The result is a shoe that, in terms of design language, comes across as a slow burn classic – elegant, functional and flexible.

The neutral earth tones and grey colour scheme make the New Balance 1500 ‘Cork’ an all-rounder that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide variety of outfits – whether with cargo trousers, denim or a relaxed leisure look. Unlike many trend-driven releases, the latest 1500 does not seek attention, but impresses with its quality and understatement.

What really sets the U1500 apart is its comfort: the classic ENCAP midsole, a hallmark of many Made in UK models, combines lightweight cushioning with a sturdy polyurethane rim. This ensures a comfortable roll-off feel in everyday wear without looking sporty — exactly what you would expect from a sneaker of this class.

The choice of high-quality suede and mesh materials not only ensures durability but also breathability, which is particularly noticeable when worn frequently. The finely crafted synthetic details also contribute to the comfort and longevity of the shoe.

The silhouette of the U1500 is classic, but by no means old-fashioned. The neutral colours and mix of textured materials give the sneaker a subtle premium look that goes well with both minimalist outfits and smart streetwear looks. The discreet placement of the ‘N’ logo and the high-quality workmanship add a subtle but clear design touch.

You can feel what makes the New Balance 1500 ‘Cork’ so special as soon as you slip them on. The shoe fits incredibly well – right out of the box, true to size. No slipping, no pressure points, no compromises. Its extremely low weight is particularly striking: for a sneaker with so much material and structure on the foot, it feels surprisingly light. It is precisely this combination of fit, comfort and lightness that makes the U1500 the ideal sneaker for us.

Especially in the ‘Made in the UK’ context, you can feel in every piece that it's not just fashion that's at the forefront here, but tradition and craftsmanship. For sneaker fans who collect classic, durable models away from the mega-hype, the ‘Cork’ is a model that should be in every collection.

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The New Balance U1500 Made in UK ‘Cork’ combines heritage design with modern everyday practicality. It feels sturdy and comfortable, but never looks clunky or obtrusive. Anyone who likes sneakers with substance will love the ‘Cork’. 👉 Now available directly from New Balance for €230.