Don’t Hesi On These: New Balance Launches A Low-Top Basketball Shoe_Stroll and Speak Boldly

Updated October 26th, 2023: The new Hesi Low “Halloween” colorway will release on October 30th, 2023 for $109.99.
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With the signing of Kawhi Leonard in 2018, New Balance officially reignited its basketball banner. Boasting a roster in 2023 that includes eight NBA and collegiate players alongside just three on-court silhouettes, the Boston brand is now ready to expand its presence on the hardwood via its first low-top solution, the Hesi Low.

Clocking in at a lower trim than its Fresh Foam BB and TWO WXY V4 counterparts, the Hesi Low sports a simplistic mesh upper with synthetic TPU overlays and a ribbed heel counter. Underfoot, the silhouette is packaged with the TWO WXY’s responsive FuelCell foam footbed alongside an ABZORB cushioning insert.

Debuting in two opposing colorways, a playful concoction of primary hues invigorates the first offering through its dominant “Neo Flame” upper and accenting hits of “Cobalt” that fill the heel counter and tongue construction. In contrast, a bright “True Yellow” amplifies the trim of the tongue, the inner lining, the lateral section of the tread and the trim of the pale cream profile “N” logo. What’s more, a crisp white midsole juxtaposes the blue to red gradient that ensues just above while a litany of color-matched velcro patches can adhere to the tongue and mid-foot insignia.

In a stark contrast, the second model exercises a compelling monochrome treatment. Bright white shades build out a dominant majority of the silhouette, save the jet-black contrasts that clarify the heel counter, inner lining and midsole trim. While an icy blue semi-translucent tread illuminates the proposition underfoot, the upper’s tongue logo differs from the red, blue and yellow treatment by focusing on the tails of the NB logo while the mid-foot insignia is stretched to the quarter and midsole much like the TWO WXY V4.

The New Balance Hesi Low officially releases on October 16th for a retail price of $110. In the meantime, both debut pairs can be seen below in official imagery.