New Balance released a limited-edition collection featuring snowboarding brand 686 and New Balance called the 686 and New Balance Times Collection. The winter collection is composed of outerwear, footwear, boots and accessories. 


“686's dedication as a core brand in snowboarding and their dedication to product performance, aesthetics, and quality are what make this a natural partnership² says Joe Casagrande, general manager for New Balance Lifestyle, “Similar to New Balance, 686 is an independent, directional, and authentic brand that has had success over the years, but has not become overly hyped or too commercial.”


Michael Akira West, owner and creative director at 686, adds, “Sneakers have been a part of my life just as much as snowboarding and skateboarding, and I hope to bring to board sports what NB has done in the performance and lifestyle categories². West continued, “New Balance and 686 share similar backgrounds in quality workmanship, technical fits and being independently operated. Combining the two brands will definitely create excitement; however the hype I'm looking for is being backed by performance, delivery
and sell-through.”


According to a statement,  the 686 and New Balance Times winter 2009-2010 collection was inspired by the history of the New Balance 580 shoe.”From its origins in the mid 90's as a trail running sneaker, to the special partnerships between iconic Japanese brands, the 580 has become a global object of obsession. The New Balance 580 features timeless design qualities, premium materials and technological advances in footwear. These attributes- timeless design premium materials and technological advances-were collectively the goal of the collaboration.”


The 686 and New Balance Times Collection will be part of 686's Times Line..The 686 Times Line is an annual program that began six years ago and is a collaborative effort between 686 and another premium brand to offer entirely new innovations in products. Previous Times Line partners include Levis, Famous, Vestal and New Era among others.


At the forefront of the 686 and New Balance Times Collection is the Times New Balance Snowboard Boot. This snowboard boot features the BOA® FOCUS system (with the new colored coil program) as well as Recco® avalanche technology alongside New Balance proprietary patented technologies including Rollbar® stability and Abzorb® cushioning.  The result is a fully functional, technically advanced snowboard boot with a sneaker-like fit.


“To compliment the Times New Balance collection, we have customized two of our most celebrated silhouettes- the 580 and the 420- with Times collection colors and materials for off-mountain wear,” stated Casagrande. “While both the 580 and 420 have storied pasts, the special 686 models boast progressive, sleek materials for contemporary, clean styling and reliable comfort and fit. It is this combination of classic heritage with modern function which is at the core of this 686/New Balance partnership.”