Crossing Paths — alongside New Balance, Asphaltgold, and their Bad Habits Run Club, we recently explored New York while the NYC Marathon set the city in motion.

Retro styles and modern performance sneakers came together and showed how past and future can harmoniously come together in the dynamic atmosphere of the metropolis.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 & M1000EA
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 & M1000EA

Retro models represent the desire for the familiar and the aesthetics of yesteryear. Performance sneakers stand for the quest for innovation and the optimization of sporting performance.

New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine / Magnet - M1000EA
New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine/Magnet - M1000EA

Together, they create an area of tension in which the sneaker can exist both as a fashion statement and as performance-oriented and well-thought-out sports equipment.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo / NB Navy / Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo/NB Navy/Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4

New Balance, a brand that perfectly embodies this dialectic, sums up retro charm as well as quality and comfort with models such as the 1000, 990 and 740.

New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine / Magnet - M1000EA
New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine/Magnet - M1000EA

The 1000, originally presented in 1999, shows a futuristic design language from the turn of the millennium. With its combination of ABZORB cushioning and tech-inspired look, it brings back the spirit of its time while meeting modern demands.

New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine / Magnet - M1000EA
New Balance 1000 - Dark Olivine/Magnet - M1000EA

Since its introduction in 1982, the 990 - Made in USA - has stood as a symbol of the highest quality and timeless design.

New Balance 990 - Made in USA - Grey / Silver - U990GR4
New Balance 990 - Made in USA - Grey/Silver - U990GR4

New Balance 990 - Made in USA - Grey / Silver - U990GR4
New Balance 990 - Made in USA - Grey/Silver - U990GR4

The newer iterations, such as the 990v4, remain true to this tradition by combining a minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials such as mesh and pigskin suede.

The 740, a running shoe originally celebrated in the 2000s, was reissued as a lifestyle staple this fall.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo / NB Navy / Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo/NB Navy/Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4

With its cushioned sole and breathable upper material, it combines the technical strengths of a running shoe with a style that is perfect for everyday use.

New Balance 740 - White / Silver Metallic / Reflection - U740WM2
New Balance 740 - White/Silver Metallic/Reflection - U740WM2

New Balance 740 & 1000
New Balance 740 & 1000

But sneaker culture doesn't just thrive on nostalgia — it also drives the future forward. With the FuelCell Rebel v4, New Balance shows how innovative performance shoes can be today.

This dynamic running shoe with FuelCell technology provides a sense of propulsion that is perfect for both long, steady runs and spontaneous, fast sprints.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo / NB Navy / Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - Vintage Indigo/NB Navy/Arctic Grey - UFCXTD4

Thanks to its lightweight mesh upper and dynamic competition-inspired design, it feels amazing and looks just as impressive.

There is a deeper aspect of sneaker culture in this dialectic: Whether retro sneakers like the 740, the 1000 or the 990, or performance models like the FuelCell Rebel v4 — every shoe tells its own story.

New Balance 1000 - Moonrock / Sea Salt - M1000MB
New Balance 1000 - Moonrock/Sea Salt - M1000MB

They accompany us every step of the way, whether as fashion statements or as powerful sports companions.

All models — the New Balance 740, 990 - Made in USA, 1000 and FuelCell Rebel v4 — are available at Asphaltgold.