Behind The Design: Bodega x New Balance 610 "The Trail Less Taken"

With the Bodega X New Balance 610 we chose the trail less taken to highlight an iconic design hiding in plain sight. Resulting in a design you can structurally rely on and stylistically look forward to, no matter what lies ahead, your summer sneaker awaits.

Making a triumphant return after 12 years away, the remodeled 610 wasn't the only sneaker we had in mind when building our latest trail eater. In addition to taking cues from other 600-line sneakers, our 610 would be lost without its trail guide, our collaborative 2020 X-Racer. Setting the standard for what an all-terrain sneaker could be, with an eclectic blend of materials and pops of color gelling into a versatile sneaker, the X-Racer hiked so the 610 could fly.

Starting from the bottom up, our 610’s treaded outsole, fitted with grooves and lugs for maximum grip sits on a C-CAP midsole providing cushioning for days. Supporting a true GORP trail ‘mix’ of materials to create an intricate upper, from textured suede and nubuck to a rugged composite toe-cap and slotted nylon webbing, the goal was to mix new school and old school durability and let the visual contrast speak for itself.

Beyond the surface, the design stands out in its nitty-gritty details. Apart from heel and tongue pulls and toe eyelets to help hold things down, reflective accents keep you on-course, like the tongue badge which pays homage to an outdoor icon. Dressed with 3 lace options reminiscent of climbing rope, a speed lace rig cinches the deal. What? You thought we were messing around on this expedition? Finished with asymmetric “N” logos on the lateral and medial sides, a signature feature of our footwear projects, you're covered from every angle.

Apart from composition, where we really tried to leave our mark was the color blocking. Inspired by the iridescent colors found in pigeon feathers and bug exoskeletons, as well as tones you might encounter when walking gravel paths through the park or on city sidewalks, the varied shades that wrap around the silhouette tap into blue earth tones if there is such a thing, encouraging you to get out and take the long way around.