In late August of last year, Snow Peak revealed a capsule collection born out of a collaboration with New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio that included the Niobium Concept 1, a high-performance hiking boot built atop the outsole from New Balance’s best-selling MT801 trail running shoes and sporting a waterproof eVent bootie that’s capable of being interchanged with a sandal lining. And after the success of the first joint effort, TDS has once again linked up with the Japanese outdoor brand to deliver a second shoe collab known as the Niobium Concept 2.
Taking its name from the 41st element on the periodic table, this more summer-friendly sneaker-boot sandal hybrid is constructed atop a Vibram Mega Grip outsole paired with a Fresh Foam X midsole and outfitted with closed-toe sandal-style uppers crafted from an amalgamation of nylon, leather, and synthetic mesh. The Niobium Concept 2 is secured via a pair of New Balance-branded FIDLOCK buckles that are supplemented via a heel strap that can also be removed, allowing the shoe to be worn as a slip-on when relaxing or milling about camp. Available now exclusively in a black and OD green colorway, the TDS x Snow Peak Niobium Concept 2 is priced at approximately $280.
