We’re used to seeing sneaker brands celebrate the Lunar New Year with designs inspired by Chinese Zodiac animals, but New Balance is approaching the annual touchpoint with a little more subtlety in 2025. As opposed to going all-in on “Year Of The Snake” embellishments, the “Lunar New Year” new balance 1600 elite edition delivers a more evergreen ode to the occasion with a key quality inspired by moon phases.

The only obvious “Lunar New Year” significance exists on the base, which transitions from grey to black as you move from heel to toe. Metallic silver detailing borders the New Balance logos and upper paneling, contrasted by black leather overlays and a black midsole. Breaking further away from your average GR, New Balance also includes reflective laces and a semi-clear grey gum outsole. All told, the main thing that tips off the “Lunar New Year” theme is the shoe’s style code; M1000LNY.

New Balance hasn’t set a solid release date at the time of this writing, but the “Lunar New Year” 1000 is slated to arrive during the Spring 2025 shopping season (likely in January) for $150. See official images below and tap our Sneaker Release Dates page to preview more upcoming New Balance shoes.

Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Erlebniswelt-fliegenfischen News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Erlebniswelt-fliegenfischen News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.