New Balance is set to release the Kawhi IV signature shoe on April 25, marking the end of the NBA’s regular season. Two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard signed with New Balance in 2018, becoming the face of the brand’s return to basketball. The Kawhi signature model has been a pinnacle sneaker for New Balance in the basketball market, showcasing technological advancements and an updated aesthetic.
The Kawhi IV is designed to offer the technology of the brand’s lead basketball sneaker while also appealing to both on-court fans and lifestyle-focused wearers. Leonard worked closely with the design team on the new colorways of the Kawhi IV, drawing inspiration from old-school gamer graphics and retro red, white, and black colors to showcase his playing style across different eras of basketball. New Balance plans to release a mix of new colorways throughout the playoffs and into the summer.
New Balance has expanded its basketball lineup with four key models since entering the modern game in 2019, but the Kawhi signature shoe remains the only signature model for the brand in basketball. The Kawhi IV features the Energy Arc technology, which combines a basketball-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids for energy return. The shoe also includes FuelCell cushioning in the midsole, a lightweight mesh upper, synthetic overlays for lateral support, a TPU heel cage, and cable-loop speed lacing.
The new Kawhi IV is set to showcase the latest New Balance technology to support Leonard’s aggressive playing style and elevate any player’s game. The release of the shoe with updated colorways is a special moment for Leonard, who is excited to show fans a different side of himself and his game. New Balance’s design team focused on updating the tech of the shoe while adding fun lifestyle details to appeal to a wider audience.
Leonard expressed his excitement to work with New Balance on the development of the Kawhi IV, highlighting the collaboration with the design team to create a shoe that combines performance and style. The different colorways, Transcend Reality and Transcend the Game, are inspired by Leonard’s unique personality and playing style, appealing to both basketball enthusiasts and lifestyle consumers. New Balance plans to continue launching new colorways throughout the playoffs and summer to keep the excitement going.
Overall, the release of the Kawhi IV marks a significant moment for New Balance basketball as the brand continues to grow in the sport. Leonard’s partnership with New Balance has been instrumental in establishing the brand’s presence in the basketball market, and the Kawhi signature shoe remains a standout model for the brand. With a focus on technology, style, and performance, the Kawhi IV is set to elevate players’ games on and off the court.
