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Original Story (01/19/26): Action Bronson and New Balance are adding a new chapter to their fruitful partnership with the launch of the Baklava x New Balance 1890, marking the debut of a brand new silhouette from the Boston-based footwear brand.
The New Balance 1890 looks to the brand’s performance past while stepping into new design territory. The formula is built around a true hybrid construction; its segmented midsole is pulled from the original New Balance 1906 running shoe of the 2000s, paired with the upper build of the NB 890v3 that features teardrop-style paneling that gives the shoe giving the shoe an artistic, experimental identity that clearly separates it from other NB models.
The Queens rapper will release two colorways of the 1890, dubbed “Cyborg Tears” and “Hornet Tusk.” The “Cyborg Tears” sneaker leans futuristic with layered blues, silver accents, and synthetic textures, balancing performance-runner structure with Bronson’s signature visual chaos. Rope laces and bold branding touches keep the identity loud.
The second colorway, “Hornet Tusk,” flips the story, shifting toward neutrals and organic textures. It pairs tan leather overlays with open mesh that mirrors natural structures, like a literal translation of the name.
Together, the two launches showcase Bronson’s range: one colorway sci-fi and metallic, and the other grounded and earthy, both tied together by consistent detailing and a cohesive collab identity.
With the New Balance 1890, Bronson isn’t just coloring outside the lines, he’s helping define a new silhouette from the ground up. If the rollout follows the path of previous Baklava projects, don’t be surprised if this model grows into something bigger than a one-off collab debut.
The Baklava x New Balance 1890 “Cyborg Tears” drops Friday, January 23rd at 10am ET on specializinginlife.com, with early access going out on January 22nd. Release info for the “Hornet Tusk” colorway has yet to be announced. Check out both below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for more.
Update (02/02/26): Following the release of the “Cyborg Tears” colorway, Action Bronson has now announced the launch of the “Hornet Tusk” 1890. Early access will be available February 5th, ahead of the official launch on February 6th at 10am ET on specializinginlife.com. Check out the new campaign visuals below.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 “Hornet Tusk”
Color: White/Yellow
Style Code: U18901DP
Release Date: February 6, 2026
Price: $190 USD
Resell: StockX
Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 “Cyborg Tears”
Color: Blue/Grey
Style Code: U18908BN
Release Date: January 23, 2026
Price: $190 USD
Resell: StockX
