How New Balance and Snow Peak’s Niobium Concept 3 Continues a Series of Shoe Designers’ Favorite Shoe Designs

Last week, New Balance Tokyo Design Studio and Snow Peak saw the third concept release from their series of modular footwear collaborations named, “Niobium.” Following a three-in-one hiking boot and sandal/mule for Concepts 1 and 2, respectively, the Niobium Concept 3 is a winter boot intended to work in conjunction with traditional Japanese snow shoes. What comes in the box is an insulated and water-repellant Primaloft inner bootie that can be worn on its own or inside the second piece, which features a waterproof shell and a sole unit borrowed from the New Balance 580 sneaker.  The third potential configuration requires you to provide the third piece, a “Kanjiki” traditional snowshoe made of bamboo and rope that can be attached to prevent its wearer from sinking into deep snow.  With the launch of their latest model, New Balance’s experimental footwear division and the Japanese outdoor brand have in essence tackled the last remaining element for their footwear to navigate. The Niobium Concept 1, which can be stripped down to a mule and a slipper, is equipped for hiking or the rain. The Niobium Concept 2, a sandal with a removable heel strap creating another mule, is also suited for the trails, but more

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