New Balance has a long, craft-focused history where premium materials and refined colour palettes are priority. But then Jaden Smith came along. The vibrant, eco-minded Jaden Smith, and he changed all of that with the Vision Racer.

It’s chunky, it’s contemporary and it’s far from the New England label’s norm. A jersey-like recycled textile forms the uppers of this grey pair, and there are little flecks of colour throughout — both on the overlays and the three-part midsole — that nod to Smith’s playful side. There’s even a different message on the outsole, this time — let us know if you see it.