Every five years, a legacy is renewed. Today, New Balance officially unveils the 2025 edition of its revered Made in USA 1300JP, one of the most coveted silhouettes in the brand’s historic archive. Set to release globally on May 29th during the brand’s annual Grey Days celebration, the 1300JP is more than just a sneaker, it’s a cultural icon built on craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity.
A Legacy That Defined a Standard
Originally launched in 1985, the 1300 made an immediate impression with its groundbreaking blend of performance innovation and luxury aesthetics. Featuring full-length ENCAP cushioning and a sophisticated nubuck and mesh construction, the shoe redefined what a high-end running shoe could be, both functionally and stylistically. While it shocked consumers with its premium price point at launch, it didn’t take long for the 1300 to become a status symbol, especially in Japan, where appreciation for meticulous design and heritage craftsmanship runs deep.
With its original run creating a cult-like following, the 1300JP was first reissued in 1995, and every five years since then, sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike mark their calendars for its next return. It’s a moment not only for purchase, but for reflection, a chance to celebrate New Balance’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.
“The Soul of New Balance”
Few shoes command the global reverence that the 1300JP does. For Shinichi Kubota, Vice President of New Balance Japan, the silhouette carries personal significance. Kubota has overseen the careful evolution of each reissue, ensuring that updates respect the shoe’s timeless appeal while integrating modern nuances, a balance that speaks to the brand’s philosophy of innovation through tradition.
“The 1300JP is a shoe like no other, an emblem of the soul of New Balance, that is prized by collectors and appreciators around the globe,” said Kubota. “Even before joining New Balance myself 34 years ago, I was inspired by my father’s work on the innovative sole design for the original 1300JP. This legacy model has been a constant throughout my career.”
Crafted in Skowhegan, Maine
Each pair of the 2025 1300JP is painstakingly handcrafted in New Balance’s Skowhegan, Maine facility, a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing and the art of shoemaking. With a domestic value of 70% or more, the “Made in USA” line represents a limited but vital portion of New Balance’s total output, symbolising its values of independence, quality, and community. The 2025 1300JP comes with a sizeable retail price, a figure that reflects its scarcity, detail, and cultural weight. Like past iterations, this model is expected to move quickly upon release, adding to the mythos that surrounds each drop.
Grey Days Begin May 1
The launch of the NB1300JP is the centerpiece of Grey Days, New Balance’s month-long tribute to its signature grey palette. Kicking off May 1, Grey Days will include product releases, events, and storytelling content designed to explore the brand’s heritage and its influence on global sneaker culture.
In an age dominated by algorithm-led hype and trend-chasing releases, the 1300JP remains refreshingly honest, a shoe that stays true to its roots, revered not for gimmicks but for what it represents: craftsmanship, consistency, and quiet confidence. Whether you’re a collector, a casual admirer, or a newcomer discovering New Balance for the first time, the 2025 Made in USA New Balance 1300JP stands as a reminder of what great design, executed with care, can mean.
