The worlds of local fashion, design, and sneaker culture collided in a vibrant collaboration between Shelflife, Dr. Zulu, and New Balance. Together, they’ve reimagined the iconic NB574 trainer, weaving in rich South African elements to create a pair of sneakers that tell a story of culture, heritage, and luxury. This exclusive release, dubbed the City of Gold, draws inspiration from Johannesburg, famously known as the City of Gold due to its historical connection with gold mining and the wealth it generated.
From the very first glance, the Shelflife x Dr. Z x New Balance 574 City of Gold boasts unmistakable South African pride. The sleek colour palette features striking grey and yellow tones, perfectly capturing the essence of Johannesburg's iconic skyline and golden history. The addition of the Parktown Prawn insignia, a well-known symbol in South African folklore, pays homage to the country’s rich cultural tapestry, while traditional tribal patterns further deepen the local connection.
These sneakers aren't just about looks—craftsmanship is equally impressive. Featuring a premium mix of mesh, nubuck, pigskin suede, and reflective 3M accents, the City of Gold is a true testament to the high-quality materials that New Balance is known for, combined with a fresh local twist.
Given the depth of this collaboration went into, it was easy to see why sneakerheads around the world were eagerly anticipated this release. The City of Gold made its debut on April 17, 2014 exclusively in South Africa, before hitting global shelves on April 28.
written by hypebeast
Shelflife x Dr. Z x New Balance 574 "City of Gold"
CC: SHELFLIFE
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