Jack Harlow and New Balance are teaming up on a new take on one of the brand’s understated classics, introducing the New Balance T500 “Olmsted”. Built around Harlow’s personal relationship with walking and the simple act of getting outside, the collaboration takes inspiration from the parks and public spaces designed by legendary architect Frederick Law Omsted.
The T500 “Olmsted” is rooted in the idea that walking can offer a chance to slow down, clear your head and experience your surroundings differently. It is a fitting concept for a silhouette that has already transitioned from the tennis court into a pair for everyday life.
The collaboration draws directly from Olmsted’s belief that parks should create space for people to pause, reflect and reconnect with their surroundings. For Harlow, that philosophy became the starting point for a sneaker designed around movement at a much slower pace.
From the Tennis Court go Everyday Life
The T500 was originally released in 1982 as a versatile tennis silhouette with an emphasis on quality and performance. While today’s T500 has moved firmly towards lifestyle wear, many of the qualites that made the original effective on court remain part of its appeal.
Inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted
The collaboration’s name references Frederick Law Omsted, whose influence remains deeply embedded in Harlow’s hometown of Louiseville, Kentucky.
Omsted was invited to Louisville in 1891 to survey land acquired fof a new park system. Following his presentation, his firm was commissioned to develop a master plan incorporating three major parks: Cherokee, Iroquois and Shawnee.
The resulting network went beyond individual green spaces. Olmsted and his successor firm eventually developed plans for 18 parks and six parkways, helping create a connected system that opened up access to nature across the city.
That history makes Louisville an important part of the T500 “Olmsted” story. Harlow is launching the collaboration in the city ahead of two hometown performances, bringing the sneaker back to the same environment that helped inspire its concept.
An Afternoon at Cherokee Park
On August 28, Jack Harlow and New Balance will celebrate the release with a community-focused activation at Hogan’s Fountain in Cherokee Park, running from 3-7pm local time.
The event is designed around the same philosophy as the sneaker itself: an afternoon with food, friends, music and giveaways. Free and open to everyone, guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, meet up with friends and stay awhile.
This event comes just one day before Harlow’s first Louisville show on his current North American tour. The rapper is currently touring in support of his latest album, Monica, released through Atlantic Records.
The T500 “Olmsted” Comes in Louisville
The launch is part of a significant week for Hadlow. Following the August 28 activation, he will perform two hometown shows at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall on August 29 and 31 before continuing across North America.
The tour will eventually bring him to London on October 13, where he will perform at KOKO.
