ALD and New Balance Trot Out First Performance Running Shoes

Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance have tread plenty of ground in retro runners over the course of their prolific partnership, but never have they looked to a running shoe built for today until now.

The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v5 and FuelCell SC Elite v6 deliver tasteful takes on the super trainer and race day model, respectfully. Both models are united by a black sole unit and a gradient upper that bleeds into it, with the effect more prominent on the latter model.

Working with green for the topmost portion of its upper, as well as the “N” logo, the SC Elite v5 is hit with high-contrast branding in orange. ALD’s name appears in all lowercase letters on the tongue and beneath the lateral collar, while its floral arrangement logo sits above the toes.

Besides making more use of color with blue, the Rebel v5 also brings more pronounced changes with the use of the NB logo and floral motif on the sidewalls rather than the massive “N.” A little lifestyle flourish arrives via cracked leather heel panels. Highlighter yellow is used for the ALD marks in the same place as the other shoe and with a reflective-striped lace loop added for good measure.

Both shoes at hand recently saw their successors release in the SC Rebel and SC Elite v6, which have made a switch from FuelCell to Infinion foams along with other updates. But for those looking to prioritize style, or who simply aren’t ready to give up FuelCell, the models will remain solid options for training and racing.

The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v5 and FuelCell SC Elite v6 dropped last month via ALD’s website and are sold out in most sizes but will get another launch Friday through New Balance’s site. Pricing is set at $150 for the Rebel and $270 for the Elite.