Joe Freshgoods has launched his 12th collaboration with New Balance, featuring the 1890 sneaker model in three colorways inspired by 1990s rap music videos. The collection, titled 'Let's Get Weird,' includes purple, orange, and green pairs with blotchy-patterned mesh underlays. The green colorway launched exclusively on his website on April 25, while orange and purple versions will release on New Balance's site on April 30.
The New Balance 1890 combines squiggly uppers from the 890v3 runner with cushioned ABZORB soles from the 2002 model, creating a distinctive hybrid sneaker. Joe Freshgoods drew inspiration from 1990s rap videos directed by Hype Williams, known for trippy colors, futuristic outfits, and fisheye lens effects featuring artists like Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. The designs capture that bold, experimental energy through patterned mesh overlays evoking the era's visuals. The purple pair, named 'Naughty Things,' references Janet Jackson's outfit in her 'What's It Gonna Be?!' video with Busta Rhymes. The orange version is called 'Finger Waves,' and the green 'Cut the Check' was available first on Joe Freshgoods' website alongside a clothing capsule. Orange and purple pairs will follow on New Balance's site later this week.
