New Balance and Casablanca’s XC72 Is a Celebration of Retrofuturism

New Balance and Casablanca joined forces for the first time in 2020, marking the debut of the 327: an experimental shoe heavily inspired by the footwear label’s vast archives. The two are back together again with another rework of the XC72, continuing that bold, retro-inspired approach seen in their inaugural capsule.

Perforated Leather Uppers

The shoe is heavily inspired by the retrofuturism of vintage concept cars, evidenced by the angular design lines and exaggerated features — the most notable being the sole, which is chunky, extends onto the toes and comes detailed with asymmetrical tread.

Asymmetrical Tread

The sneaker’s materials, details and colour palette showcase Charaf Tajer’s luxurious, yet relaxed, approach to design — they’re cut from a mixture of suede and perforated leather in various white hues, then detailed with tennis-inspired co-branding at the tongues.