crooked tongues magazine News Features

Not looking thematically dissimilar to the backdrop that Frank Lopez took a bullet in front of when Tony Montana returned from an attack by the world's worst hitmen (RIP Octavio the clown), this Asian New Balance pack is based on some tropical cocktails like the tequila sunrise and other such concoctions. There's even a 'Magnum PI' look in the mixer too, but the official line on this trio is that the MH574 is some sunset as seen from the beach type steez, whereas the CM1001s are marginally more boozy. But they're made to withstand the outdoors a little too (well, bar the grey suede on the 1001s) - more like a British summertime. We like the MH574 a lot - its long been something we've clocked in Japanese magazines and marvelled at how the stubby budget runner can take to a mid-cut hiker style, and in orange and navy, with some gradiated patterning on the mesh tongue and rear panel it works well. But the real focal point for us is the CM1001's, once made in the UK as the M1001, inclusion here.

Once UK-made, the longer forefoot of the Flimby versions isn't present, and these seem more akin to the stubbier Asian-made late '90s versions of the 1001. But it's all good. We're still liking the runner upper and hardwearing Rollbar addition to the midsole - there's evidently Rollbars to go at the moment. If it isn't M575s, it's the new jack offroad styling of the M875, and now this - a model with some real history. So while it's a little wider in the waistline than some might recall it, the version from mita and Oshmans (home of the exclusive Champion USA goods) late last year was ultra tasteful, and these are a little wilder. But we're liking them - the rubberised 'N' is good, the bermuda short nylon material is effective and each has a madcap touch - the blue/grey/pinks (our favourite from the trio) get some patent, and the orange/yellow/greys have a checkered emboss on that heel panel. Having worn them for the last few days, they're comfortable as hell too. We're not sure if they'll ever see a UK release though, but for those in the locale, this whole pack is due out in March. Cheers to Kohei for the shoes and info...