Jaden Smith Launches Vegan Leather New Balance Sneakers

Musician Jaden Smith—son of celebrity couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith—recently partnered with athletic brand New Balance to design a vegan leather sneaker, NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer. The sneakers will be available online and at select retailers on July 24 at a suggested retail price of $150. They incorporate partially recycled and sustainable vegan materials that challenged the status quo of the New Balance supply chain, including vegan leather made from polyurethane, along with recycled polyester, foam, rubber, and yarn. Recycled polyester used on the Vision Racer comes from post-consumer plastic rather than oil, and the heel is made from 98-percent post-production leftover foam and rubber. Additional features of the NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer include reflective details on the tongue webbing, N logo and upper piping for visibility at night; a rubberized tip for added durability to support Smith’s high-intensity lifestyle of performing and skateboarding; and an exaggerated, iced outsole with “Vision” print. 

“Shared values of transforming the status quo; staying true to oneself; giving back to community; and, respecting heritage while co-authoring a distinct future, are the foundation of the relationship between New Balance and Jaden Smith,” Chris Davis, New Balance Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Merchandising, said.

The Vision Racer will launch in a Wavy Baby Blue color, with additional colors debuting throughout this year.