It’s Legendary Lade and I’m back with another column of Kickin’ Facts. There’s a lot to be said about the sneaker game right now, and you could argue for the good and the bad. Between the scarcity, the backdooring and just all around hassle of getting the sneakers you want, it just isn’t a fun process anymore. (I’m looking at you SNKRS app). But every so often, a shoe comes on the market that you can’t help but smile at. The New Balance 574 Yurt by Salehe Bembery is exactly that. He is also the type of footwear designer that perfectly balances ingenuity with innovation.
Before we get into the shoe, allow me to briefly delve into his resume.
Time spent on the Yeezy footwear team? CHECK!
Senior Director of Sneakers & Footwear at Versace? CHECK!
Developing his own label called Spunge? CHECK!
Collaborating with brands such as, but not limited, to New Balance, Crocs, Vans and others? ALSO CHECK!
His resume presides him, but it’s really the 574 Yurt that caught my attention.
Inspired by Salehe’s love of hiking and the desire to be outdoors, this pair delivered in tonal grey features mesh and suede throughout the upper construction that looks almost brushed. It also features his name by the tongue and a reflective “N” on its side, while the upper construction sits atop a white base with Abzorb and Rollbar technology. In another nod to outdoor activities, at the heel of the shoe, is a whistle. Yes, you read that right, a whistle!
Whether you find yourself in a murky situation and want to call for help or just want an interesting conversation piece, this shoe has got you covered. Just don’t forget to take a deep breath before you blow! I also want to give a shoutout to the packaging because, as someone who likes to keep sneaker boxes, I love a uniquely designed one and Salehe further reinforces the outside appeal with huts along the sides and the aptly titled slogan “Peace be the journey” at the back of the box.
Released on October 22, 2021 for a retail price of $150, this collab is easily one of my favorite releases of the year!
Kudos, Salehe, and I’ll catch y’all next week!