The era in which streetwear reigned supreme might be coming to an end if the SS20 runways are anything to go by, but there’s one piece from the genre’s lexicon that we’re in no way ready to give up. Step forward (quite literally) the dad sneaker, which shows no sign of relinquishing its grip on fashion fans any time soon. 

This season, though, the so-called ‘ugly’ style is evolving – at least in the hands of legendary sneaker label New Balance. Fresh off the back of collaborating with London-based streetwear authority Aries on a co-branded line of clothing and footwear, New Balance releases its latest style: the 860v2.

First dropped in the 90s as part of the brand’s pioneering running range, this time around the style has been reimagined and rejuvenated with the streets in mind – but that’s not to say functionality has been forgotten. 

In an understated palette of black and grey with heavy Y2K vibes coming courtesy of bold, contrasting, rainbow bright accents and metallic detailing, the 860 utilises innovative N-ergy gel cushioning and fuses it with Acteva Lite technology for an optimally comfortable fit. Best of all is that, unlike its XXL predecessors, New Balance’s new silhouette is streamlined and lightweight af – meaning that actually going for a run in the 860 is an option. 

The 860v2 New Balance sneaker is set to launch exclusively on END. – check them out in the gallery above.