The New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Snow Peak Niobium Concept 3, TDS N_C3 for short, is a snow boot consisting of two pieces. The sole unit is inspired by the New Balance MT580, which became popular as a trail running model in the 1990s.

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The sole offers a wide tread, supports the arch with New Balance RollBar technology and provides stability and grip with the Vibram outsole.

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The outer material consists of a two-piece construction with waterproof and breathable EVENT material for the surface and insulated, water-repellent PRIMALOFT for the inner shoe.

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The liner can be removed and used as slippers, so you can stay warm and dry both outdoors and indoors in camp, tent or at home.

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The TDS Niobium Concept 3 was developed by New Balances Tokyo Design Studio in collaboration with Snow Peak and is part of the third capsule collection from the two brands.

Like the previous two capsules in 2020 and 2021, the TDS Niobium Concept 3 is named after the element Nb (as NB also an abbreviation for New Balance).

The silvery-white metal has a high melting point and can be processed so that it glows in seven beautiful colors. Each collection is intended to express the beauty and variability of niobium.

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The liner features a color scheme and pattern inspired by winter skies, as well as a print with excerpts from Kenji Miyazawas famous poem Ame Ni Mo Makezu.

Miyazawa Kenji was a Japanese poet and writer who lived from 1896 to 1933. He is particularly known for his nature poems and children's literature and is considered one of the most important authors of modern Japanese literature.

His poem conveys the message that, despite all adversities and difficulties in life, you shouldn't give up. It encourages readers to be strong and resilient, like bamboo that bends in the rain but doesn't break.

The poem emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and inner strength to overcome life's challenges.

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Brave the rain yourself

and the wind

both the snow and the heat of summer

with a resilient healthy body

Without desire

Never angry

Always smiling peacefully

Four bowls of unpolished rice per day, and

Miso and some vegetables to eat

Do my best

Don't think about myself

Look carefully and listen and understand

And don't forget

In the shade of a pine grove in the meadow

Be in a small thatched hut

When there is a sick child in the East

Go and help while awake at the bedside

When there is an exhausted mother in the West

Go and shoulder your rice bundle

When there is a dying person in the south

Go and say he doesn't have to be afraid

When there is a fight or a lawsuit in the North

Say to stop doing the useless

Shedding tears in times of drought

Walking around clueless in cold summer

Be called a fool by all

Don't be praised

Don't cause grief

Such a person

I want to become

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The New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Snow Peak Niobium Concept 3 is available at HHV available.

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Photos via Snow Peak