If your sneaker rotation has been feeling a little… uninspired, consider this your wake-up call. Parisian label Sézane has teamed up with New Balance for the first time ever, and the result is a retro-tinged sneaker that feels equal parts French chic and American classic. In other words, the kind of collab that makes you want to casually “run errands” just to show them off.
The duo took on the NB 471 — a sleek, low-profile silhouette with a wedge-shaped midsole that looks like it fell straight out of a ’70s yearbook. The update? Earthy autumn tones of burnt orange, navy, and brown, plus raw-edge stitching that gives the sneaker just enough vintage imperfection to feel cool (not costume-y). It’s the footwear equivalent of finding a perfectly worn-in leather jacket at a Paris flea market.
Naturally, the styling potential is huge. Pair them with Sézane’s puff-sleeved blouses, retro denim, or that slouchy jacket you’ve been saving for “Paris in the fall” Instagram captions. Founder Morgane Sézalory puts it best: “With New Balance, we wanted to design a sneaker that carries the effortless spirit of the Parisian wardrobe: refined, versatile and ready to follow from morning to late night.” Translation: they’re designed to keep up, whether you’re grabbing croissants or making a chic(ish) dash for the Tube.
It’s wild to think Sézane has only been around since 2013, because its whole vibe is pure old-school elegance. Pair that DNA with New Balance’s knack for timeless sneakers and you’ve got a collab that’s both trend-proof and fall-approved. Personally, we’re already mentally styling them with selvedge denim and a classic white tee — simple, but lethal.
Sézane, New Balance
The limited-edition kicks drop exclusively in the U.S. on October 3, globally on October 5 via Sézane’s site, and October 16 via New Balance online. Consider this your reminder to move fast — something tells us these won’t be gathering dust on the virtual shelves.
