New Balance ‘KAWHI V’ Arrives Summer 2026 as Kawhi Leonard Takes the Role of Creative Director

New Balance officially unveiled the KAWHI V on April 8, the fifth signature shoe in Kawhi Leonard’s line with the brand, ahead of a Summer 2026 launch at newbalance.com and select retailers worldwide for $160. The reveal comes as the Los Angeles Clippers head into the NBA Playoffs, with Leonard having first debuted the silhouette during the 2026 All-Star Game.

Performance First Construction

The KAWHI V is built around three core technologies: a dual-density FuelCell midsole tuned for responsive rebound, a forefoot Y Plate engineered for explosive first step acceleration, and a premium soft upper designed for lockdown and comfort without adding bulk. The construction reflects Leonard’s style of play, calm, calculated, and built around containment and explosive two-way movement, rather than any single headline feature. The first two colorways unveiled are a deep blue and white, aligning with the Clippers’ palette, and an olive green with a deep red “N” logo.

Leonard As Creative Director

For the first time in his signature line, Leonard is serving as Creative Director for the KAWHI V campaign, personally shaping the storytelling and visual direction of the rollout. The campaign will lean into his longtime “The Klaw” nickname and take an industrial, minimal aesthetic consistent with how the shoe itself is positioned. 

Kawhi Leonard, NBA All Star and New Balance Basketball athlete, said, “Working with the New Balance design team on the KAWHI V is a continuation of what we have been building together through the years. I wanted this model to highlight those first steps, that first burst that you feel on the court. We added details that allow me to perform at the top of my game but also show my creative style.”

Apparel Capsule

The debut colorway launches alongside a performance apparel capsule, a lightweight warm-up jacket, tapered performance shorts, and a breathable training tee, each carrying the minimalist aesthetic that has defined the KAWHI line’s visual identity. The capsule is available in unisex sizing alongside the footwear.

Summer 2026 Release

The KAWHI V releases Summer 2026 at newbalance.com and select global basketball retailers, priced at $160 in adult and unisex sizing. The $160 price point places the shoe above mid-tier performance basketball but below the premium tier occupied by the top Nike and Jordan signature lines, a deliberate positioning that targets the serious performance consumer.