After a somewhat disappointing launch of the KAWHI 3, quickly recalled when its quality issues were discovered, the legendary basketball superstar Kawhi Leonard and New Balance are ready to try again with the new and improved New Balance KAWHI 4. We are not only getting an innovative new sneaker, but it is also dropping in two gorgeous colourways.
New Balance KAWHI 4
The latest signature shoe in Kawhi Leonard and New Balance’s ongoing collaboration deal is set to arrive shortly, leaving everything that didn’t work for the range in the past and bringing all that did, and more, into the future.
The first significant change to the sneakers is that they are taking on a newer look, replacing the ¾ height of past iterations with a lower-cut style. This choice makes the KAWHI 4 sleek and futuristic. Another area where the sneakers deviate entirely from the models that preceded them is with their external heel counter, which is no doubt a mechanism to improve the sneakers’ support and stability, no matter the activity.
According to New Balance’s website, the sneakers’ technical features include a dual-density FuelCell midsole, one of New Balance’s favoured cushioning technologies, and their Energy Arc, which allows for the explosive, lightweight, and responsive feel that Leonard loves in his sneakers.
Like many of the models that came before it, the sneakers use an engineered mesh upper and synthetic overlays that blend seamlessly with the rubber of the midsole, giving the sneakers a flowing and powerful look.
The lace unit uses cable loops with minimal eyelets to make speed lacing a breeze. The branding throughout the sneaker is more geared towards Kawhi than New Balance; however, New Balance’s signature “B” is still present near the upper eyelets.
Kawhi’s name can be seen on the heel of each sneaker, while his jersey number and logo are beautifully placed on the tongue, completing the sneakers perfectly.
Hi-Pink/Black & Neo Flame
The first of the two colourways that have been announced strays incredibly far from Kawhi Leonard’s usually muted and understated style. Making use of solid and mottled hot pink throughout the upper, the sneakers complement the pink with a grounded grey midsole, a black heel counter that has speckled sections that look like stars, and a gorgeous streak of New Flame to really bring the idea that you would be wearing these sneakers to trot around the solar system to life.
White/True Red
The second colourway is in Leonard’s wheelhouse, with a more conventional colour combination. Making use of white, black, red, and even a touch of cream to bring the sneakers to life, these sneakers have a classic feel that you would almost expect to be worn on the courts of the NBA. You know basketball stars love a good white, black and red moment.
What we like about them
New Balance has been around for over a century. It is not in the habit of allowing poor quality to tarnish its name. After the quality mishaps that they had with the KAWHI 3, it is even more reassuring to know that the designers and engineers behind the sneakers have gone away, learned from their mistakes and come back even more robust, meaning that these sneakers are going to be a force to be reckoned with.
In addition, the fact that Kawhi Leonard has bravely left his comfort zone by releasing tame colourways and coming screaming out the gates with a neon pink number means that he isn’t playing games with these signature sneakers either.
While they have yet to be released, and we will have to wait to see the reviews and judgements on the sneakers themselves, it seems that these sneakers could be a formidable force in the sneakerhead community.
New Balance KAWHI 4 Release details
Both colourways of these gorgeous sneakers will be available promptly at 10:00 a.m. (US/Eastern) on April 25th, 2024. Retailing for $159.99, these sneakers are more affordable despite being a brand-new silhouette.
Continuing Kawhi Leonard’s iconic lightweight but incredibly versatile sneaker range, these sneakers will be an excellent choice for any sneakerhead who needs a pair of shoes that are great on and off the court and gorgeous to boot. New Balance has recently launched another gorgeous collaboration with Joe Freshgoods, and if you missed it you can learn all about it here.
Which colourway of the New Balance KAWHI 4 will you add to your collection?
New Balance KAWHI 4 |
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| SKU / Style Code: BBKLSSP4, BBKLSBR4 |
| Retail Price: $159.99 |
| Release Date: April 25, 2024 |
| Colours: HI-PINK/BLACK/NEO FLAME, WHITE/TRUE RED/BLACK |
| Where to Buy: New Balance |
