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Original Story (08/26/25): After the release of his latest album, 13 Months of Sunshine, Aminé is setting off the rest of the year with a world tour and a vibrant collaboration with New Balance. The Portland artist reimagines the classic ABZORB 2000 silhouette in a glowing neon green colorway and futuristic detailing, a follow-up to last year’s 740 “Benson Tech” collab.
The accompanying campaign and teaser visuals take note of the rising “performative male” culture that involves drinking matcha and reading books, despite the possible reality that the books aren’t actually being read. Named after the word for “library” in Spanish, the “Biblioteca” sneaker seeks to uplift literacy and deliver accessibility to books to communities in Portland.
The matcha green-inspired runner features mesh uppers with glossy overlays and stunning glow-in-the-dark accents. The insole is printed with a “Biblioteca” card graphic with New Balance and his Club Banana branding. The matching branding on the tongue features the phrases “the one by Jeff” (referencing the library branch near Jefferson High School), “shhh”, and “return your books on time.” Reminiscent of his time at Multnomah County Library, Aminé shows love to the local hub for books and music that shaped his childhood. The custom packaging further honors the library institution with a red brick wall background and a book depository detail.
The sneaker drop includes a community-based book drive where locals can donate books in person in exchange for a pair. Book donations are open until September 10th at 207 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Portland, Oregon, and you must tag Aminé in your Instagram post or story with proof of donation for a chance to get the shoes for free.
The Aminé x New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Biblioteca” launches October 3rd. Sign up for the release updates via Laylo and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for more.
Update (09/29/25): The raffle for the “Biblioteca” 2000 is now live on clubbanana.com, with entries accepted until Wednesday, October 1st at 5pm PT. Check out the “Judge Aminé” campaign film below.
The Biblioteca 2000 raffle is now open at https://t.co/jDiY37jpm6🧪 raffle closes Wednesday October 1st at 5pm PT.
— Aminé (@heyamine) September 29, 2025
Raffle winners announced October 3rd
Directed by @l_auzza pic.twitter.com/a2Lv2LXGjW
Aminé x New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Biblioteca”
Style Code: U2000ME
Release Date: October 3, 2025
Price: $180 USD
Resell: StockX / GOAT / KICKS CREW / eBay
