You’ve probably come across Sashiko Gals’ incredible hand-stitched sneakers online. Distinctly textured and artfully unpolished, the Japanese collective’s designs utilize indigo-dyed patches and multi-colored trails of thread, applying the traditional art of sashiko stitching to modern footwear. Based in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, the collective consists of women between their 40s to 80s; it initially began as a recovery initiative after the Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing tsunami.
Worn by a variety of artists, fashion insiders and influential figures around the world, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Sashiko Gals’ projects breathe new life into worn shoes through hours and hours of custom sashiko stitching. Among shoes from other brands, New Balance sneakers have often acted as evocative canvases for the Gals’ designs.
Now, New Balance Japan and Sashiko Gals have officially teamed up on an exciting official collaboration project, titled “Crafted for the Future.” The special collection includes limited, hand-stitched versions of New Balance’s iconic 1300JP sneakers, and hand-stitched varsity jackets with the Gals’ beautiful needlework patterns.
Curious to learn more about who the Sashiko Gals are? You can read our feature on the collective here.
the sashiko gals and longtime collaborator arata fujiwara
New Balance x Sashiko Gals: Crafted for the Future
For this special project, Sashiko Gals have customized New Balance’s legendary Made in U.S.A. 1300JP model, alongside a signature varsity jacket inspired by American sports heritage. It’s an extremely limited drop, including two pairs of the 1300JP (¥363,000 each) and four jackets (¥990,000 each). The items are currently being sold through a charity-based lottery, exclusively at New Balance Harajuku.
Although the prices are steep, the project is for a great cause. All proceeds will be donated to Moonshot Inc., the company behind Sashiko Gals’ label Kuon, to support a program dedicated to securing the future of the sashiko craft — including initiatives such as funding developing sashiko artists and providing platforms to showcase their work, training new artisans and launching a Sashiko World Championship for long-term cultural preservation.
The sneakers and the jackets feature stunning and intricate details; nearly the entire surface of each 1300JP is covered in hand-made fabric patches, and stitched with a beautiful combination of white, orange and indigo-blue threads.
The New Balance Made in U.S.A. Premium Varsity Jacket, often worn by New Balance athletes and ambassadors, is emblazoned with a patchwork of unique patterns and zigzagging orange trails.
