New Balance and WTAPS have ramped up their collaborative output in the past year. This week, the two have announced their latest work, a jet black take on the Made in USA 1300 runner, arriving on February 20th.
New Balance has quietly kept up releases of their iconic 1300 since its special release in 2025. Originally launched in 1985 as a premium running shoe with cutting-edge cushioning and materials, the 1300 quickly became a cult favorite, especially in Japan, where its meticulous construction and “Made in USA” pedigree were deeply appreciated. Due to its desirability, New Balance reintroduced it in 1995 as the 1300JP and has continued releasing updated editions once every five years, making each drop a major event in sneaker culture. Thankfully, they issued a handful of extra colors in 2025 in addition to the classic JP style, and now, WTAPS is taking a crack at the retro runner, bringing their minimal approach to the Made in USA style. WTAPS version of the shoe comes dressed almost entirely in jet black leather and mesh. The shoe’s heel counter is the only non-black textile, coming in white with black WTAPS branding.
WTAPS X NEW BALANCE 1300 MADE IN USA RELEASE INFORMATION
The next collaboration from Japan’s WTAPS and New Balance has been scheduled to release this week, on February 20th, 2026. Their first release of this year features the Made in USA edition of the 1300 runner, dressed almost entirely in black save for a white heel tab. Pairs will be available directly from the Boston brand’s website, also likely landing at select retailers. Pricing is set at $295.
WTAPS x New Balance 1300
Color: Black/White-Black Cement
Style Code: U1300WT
Release Date: February 20th, 2026 (NB)
Price: $295
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