Stone Island and New Balance Unveil Technical ABZORB 1890 Trainer

Stone Island and New Balance link up again with the ABZORB 1890, a trainer that ties archival references to a sharp, modern performance aesthetic.

The design leans on New Balance’s 2002 sole heritage while layering on Stone Island’s fabric-focused, technical mindset. It lands as the hero sneaker in their SUMMER_’026 capsule, aimed at fans who want function and design in equal measure.

Design and materials focus

The ABZORB 1890 starts from the ground up with the original 2002 sole unit, using full-length SBS ABZORB cushioning to keep the ride soft and responsive without blowing out the proportions of the shoe.

That choice anchors the model in New Balance’s running lineage, but the upper clearly carries Stone Island’s signature.

Micro ripstop mesh forms the base, giving the trainer a lightweight, grid-textured body that still reads technical. No-sew synthetic overlays create a wave cutout construction across the upper, adding depth and structure without the bulk of traditional stitching.

At the toe, a high-frequency welded reflective “teardrop” detail catches light and adds a subtle focal point that ties back to the capsule’s football-flavored visual language.

The overall look stays clean but intricate. Lines stay fluid, materials feel purposeful, and nothing looks added just for effect.

Comfort, heritage and everyday wear

Underfoot, full-length SBS ABZORB cushioning runs the length of the midsole, so the 1890 wears like a modern comfort runner even though it leans heavily into design. The 2002 tooling gives it familiar proportions for New Balance fans, which helps the shoe sit naturally in a rotation that already includes 2002R or 1906 pairs.

Stone Island’s approach keeps the upper breathable and supportive, making the 1890 feel viable for long days on foot rather than a sneaker you only pull out for styled fits. It reads lifestyle first, but the platform underneath still comes from performance thinking.

Launch timing and access

The Stone Island and New Balance ABZORB 1890 drops on June 4, 2026, as part of the wider Summer_’026 capsule. Stone Island plans to release it through select flagship locations and online, with New Balance partners and key boutiques also expected to carry pairs depending on region.

Campaign visuals, shot by Bolade Banjo, place the shoe on rising football talent, tying the trainer to a performance-adjacent, street-ready narrative rather than a pure terrace or trail story.

For collectors, this release adds another chapter to a collaboration that consistently sits at the intersection of technical fabrication and classic New Balance DNA.