Joe Freshgoods x New Balance Collaborations From the Past

Joe Freshgoods (real name Joe Robinson), has quickly become a household name in the sneaker world. Starting with $80 in his wallet, the Chicago-native was first known for this DIY aesthetic, working with the likes of Notre, Hennessy, and McDonald’s in the past. Today, however, most people probably know Joe for the beautiful creations he makes with New Balance. To honour the release of the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 90/60 'Inside Voices' this week (exclusive to our stores in SA), we thought we would take a quick look at past NB x JFG drops. Let's go! 

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 (2020)

First up is the New Balance 992. Named the "No Emotions Are Emotions", the pair featured tonal hits of red shades that sprawled across the construction of luxe suede fabrications with a spectrum from dark to light. Subtle salmon pinks seat the profile, toe caps brandish in utmost saturation, and the intermixed mesh then contrasts by way of a seductive burgundy. 

Freshgoods himself explained the meaning behind this motif in an Instagram post, stating that he created it to “represent for those who simply just let their work speak for them.” It was an instant hit and today a pair fetches around R54k ($3500) on StockX.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance OMN1S (2020)

Joining the New Balance 992 for the NBA All-star weekend release in 2020 was the basketball OMN1S sneaker. The basketball sneaker was the first Kawhi Leonard‘s signature model to get the JFG treatment. The offers a more straightforward black, pink and tan palette with a repeating print of an emotionless cartoon face all over its gradient fade FitWeave upper. 

“No Emotions Are Emotions” is stamped in pink across the black midfoot bands, and midsoles are loaded with New Balance’s patent FuelCell cushioning technology. The repeating print is continued under the translucent herringbone outsole, and tie-dye insoles complete the look.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 990 v3 'Inside Clothes' (2021)

The first Joe Freshgoods to grace our doors in SA, the 990v3 got hit with earthy tones for the 'Outside Clothes' theme. For Hypebeast, Joe said, "I didn’t realize until last year how much the act of being outside had played a major part in my career,” Sometimes it takes something being taken away from you to realise what it means to you. And that’s really what inspired this shoe. To me, being told you smell like outside represents the early stages of what fun meant. From neighbourhood block parties to hanging on the porch all day with your homies, you knew you had a wild day when your mom said you smelled like outside.”

Earth-inspired tones are what outfit the lifestyle kicks, the more prominent ones being a murky brown which can be interpreted as the dirt beneath our feet and a bold blue which represents the sky. Subtle splashes of green also take shape on the first eyelets and various branded areas, all of which are emblematic of lush grass.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 2002R 'Conversations Amongst Us' (2022)

Part of the 'Conversations Amongst Us' pack for Black History Month - the largest Joe Freshgoods footwear collection yet, the New Balance 2002R model was next up. The pair arrived in a mix of smooth White mesh, suede, and fine-grain leather. Glossy cream hits appear on the 2002R branding on the lateral counter and toe box overlays, while hints of orange are featured along the tongue, seams, and mismatched “Conversations,” “Amongst Us” cutouts on the heel.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 550 'Conversations Amongst Us' (2022)

Joining the 'Conversations Amongst Us' gang is probably the most popular from the trio - the New Balance 550. The “Conversations Amongst Us” 550 was free of any “JFG” branding but boasted the initiative’s name on the sock-liners. The remainder of the shoe was left to indulge in a cream-coloured ensemble.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance KAWHI 2 'Conversations Amongst Us' (2022)

Last for the pack and another basketball sneaker for the KAWHI signature range, the KAWHI2 features the same muted colourway as its trio members. Bringing that relationship full circle, Joe Freshgoods, Kawhi Leonard, and New Balance present the KAWHI 2 with a cream upper accented by an aged yellow on the contrast stitching and on the cracked midsole at the heel as well as on the mesh underlay. The “Conversations Amongst Us” type appears on the insole, while “Joe And Kawhi (c. 2022) A New Day” appear on the tongue.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 90/60 'Inside Voices' (2022)

Releasing this Saturday 4 June 2022, the latest Joe Freshgoods creation arrives on a new lifestyle model from New Balance. 

The 90/60 model borrows tech elements from both the 990 series and early millennium running silhouettes. Remaining true to the 990 heritage, the 90/60 takes familiar components like the diamond shape and N detail and implements a modern approach to the new style. Known for his impeccable use of colour, Joe chose soft nude and sky blue shades to emulate the warmth felt inside of Black households. The shoe also arrived in a powder blue colourway as Joe Freshgoods store exclusive (see last picture).

“Inside Voices is the follow up of ‘Outside Clothes.’ I want my community to feel represented in the emotions and intimate moments captured in my campaigns. There’s nothing like warmth and laughter shared around a table once you’re inside with your loved ones. Shutting out the world and focusing on what really matters is what this campaign is about.”