The highly anticipated CNCPTS x New Balance 1000 "Míle" collaboration draws rich inspiration from rare American currency history. This limited-edition release pays homage to the iconic 1890 $1000 Treasury Note, famously nicknamed "The Grand Watermelon" for its distinctive zero designs. The striking combination of green and hot pink colorway directly references this historical note's aesthetic, with the vibrant pink elements symbolizing the red seal that made these bills particularly rare and valuable. The design concept goes deeper by incorporating elements from a notable Chicago bank heist where security dye packs marked stolen currency, cleverly paralleling the theme of money transformed by security measures.
The New Balance 1000, which originally debuted in 1999, serves as the perfect canvas for this currency-inspired design. The silhouette's futuristic appeal has been thoughtfully reimagined with inverted mesh and strategic overlays, while performance features include ABZORB cushioning technology and a Stability Web midfoot shank that balances comfort with structural support. The predominant green colorway also carries cultural significance, paying tribute to Chicago's beloved St. Patrick's Day tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green—a celebration that has been part of the city's heritage since 1962.
The CNCPTS x New Balance 1000 "Míle" is set to drop through a special raffle system beginning March 12th at 12 PM EST. Raffle winners can collect their pairs at CNCPTS locations in Boston, New York, and Miami on the official release date of March 14th. For those who miss the raffle, a limited first-come, first-served online release will follow on the CNCPTS website at 11 AM EST on March 14th, 2025. For the latest New Balance releases, download our mobile app and follow us on Twitter.
Images via Concepts